Saint Stephens Malankara Orthodox Church was founded on Saint Stephen’s Day in 1984, by Late H.G. Thomas Mar Makarios, then Metropolitan of the newly formed American Diocese. It started with 12 members, originating from a prayer group in Bergenfield, New Jersey, under the guidance and leadership of Deacon John Thomas (Rev. Fr. John Thomas, Vicar Saint Mary’s Malankara Orthodox Church, Jackson Heights, NY) during 1982-83. Later in 1984, this became a Congregation and a Parish, and Rev. Fr. Dr. Babu K Mathew was appointed as the Vicar by late H.G. Thomas Mar Makarios, as we invoke his blessed memory. In its initial period, we were worshiping in the basement facility of the Reformed Church on Clinton Avenue in Bergenfield, New Jersey, for which we are always thankful for their hospitality and help extended towards us. We purchased our own church building in 1993, at 52 East Johnson Avenue, Bergenfield, New Jersey, with the membership increased to thirty-two families. After twenty-eight years in Bergenfield, we moved to Midland Park, New Jersey, in 2012, to a new convenient larger facility to cater our spiritual needs as we doubled our membership to sixty-four families by the abundant grace and blessing of our Lord. The Midland Park Church accommodates more than 300 parishioners for Holy Qurbana inside the Church and the Parish Hall for other functions, and has approximately 60 parking spots for our members.

Today Saint Stephens Malankara Orthodox Church, Midland Park, New Jersey, still a growing community, with three generations worshipping together: the immigrant first generation, their American born second and third generation grandchildren, being an icon of multicultural fellowship with a spiritual bond, under the continued spiritual guidance and leadership of Rev. Fr. Babu K Mathew.