SUNDAY SCHOOL

St. Gregorios Indian Orthodox Church Preston hosts one of the smallest Sunday Schools of the Malankara Orthodox church in the United Kingdom, fostering a vibrant community comprising approximately 25 students and 8 dedicated teachers.Sunday School classes are held regularly, every day after Holy Qurbana (except on days of other significant church feasts, events or extended church service), for classes Pre-School to Year XII. Sunday school sessions begin with a general assembly. The general assembly includes sessions of liturgical and devotional songs; discussions of the Gospel readings and important events in the church calendar. This is followed by the regular Sunday School class lessons as per the curriculum. From the academic year, starting in January 2024, the SGIOC Sunday school, and all Sunday schools in the UK, Europe and Africa region, will follow the curriculum used by the American dioceses of the Malankara Orthodox Church, Further information and resources related to this curriculum can be found at https://talmido.org

Marth Mariam Vanitha Samajam (MMVS)

Marth Mariam Vanitha Samajam Preston is the women’s wing of the Malankara Orthodox Church of India. It is one of the major spiritual organisations of the Church aimed at the spiritual development of all the female members with the motto, “Pray, Act and Shine”. Instituted in 1928 under the leadership of late Rev M.C. Kuriakose Ramban, K.M. Annamma and many others, today, it functions throughout the 30 dioceses of the Church with a unit at each and every parish. The founders named it “Marth Mariam Samajam” after the Blessed Virgin Mary whom they accepted as their interceding saint. The Church has a central committee for this spiritual organisation that encourage various programs including conferences, retreats, seminars etc. at both diocesan and parish level for the spiritual growth of the women members.

Youth Movement

The Orthodox Christian Youth Movement (OCYM), the youth division of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, has been actively leading and embodying Christian values within the Church and wider society for many years. In 1958 the Holy Synod recognized the Administrative Wing of the Youth Movement With President H.G.Yuhanon Mar Policarpos Metropolitan Its focus on Worship, Study, and Service contributes significantly to the Church and community's progress and well-being.Recognizing the importance of fostering fellowship and enhancing spiritual growth among young members, a group from St. George Indian Orthodox Church Preston established a chapter of the Orthodox Christian Youth Movement in our parish. This initiative aims to shape the youth's perspectives amid contemporary issues and serve as a platform to showcase their talents. From its inception, the OCYM unit has been actively engaged in various parish activities, including service-oriented projects, retreats, and important Church events like Good Friday and Christmas. The parish's Vicar serves as the President of the unit, overseeing the yearly selected committee, led by the Secretary, responsible for its day-to-day operations