Our History
St. Andrews Orthodox Valiyapally, Secunderabad has the unique distinction of being the only parish in the entire Malankara Orthodox Church dedicated in honor of St. Andrews the Apostle also called “Protokletos” meaning “the first called” Apostle. Located in the heart of Secunderabad city St. Andrews Valiyapally is easily accessible by train, bus and metro rail.
Originally built in 1850 by the Church of Scotland for British Officers stationed in Secunderabad; following Indian independence the church and premises came into possession of the Syrian Christian community of both Orthodox and Marthoma parishioners in 1948. Showing true Christian spirit of brotherhood and love both parishes began using the church on alternate Sundays and in the year 1958 formed the St. Andrews Church Society with 15 members each of both parishes. In the year 1985 the Society received under perpetual lease the Church and its compound from the Ministry of Defence, Government of India
As the membership of both parishes began to increase, the need for regular worship was felt. As such a Parish Hall was built in the year 1994 in the North West Compound and both parishes began using the Church and Hall on rotation basis of 4 months of the year for their services. In December 2000, a Memorandum of Understanding was reached between both parishes. The Orthodox parish received the Old Church and its area adjoining, while the Marthoma Parish took possession of the Parish Hall and its adjoining area and a 20 feet road was earmarked to bifurcate both the properties.
Soon the St. Andrews Orthodox parish began to develop the property. In the year 2002 along the South East compound the St. Mary Cross Tower was built and continues to attract devotees of all communities and walks of life. A new parish center was built in the year 2003 on top of the parsonage and this subsequently was remodeled in the year 2019. An entrance arch gate in Kerala architecture style was built in 2021 which further enhances the aesthetic look of the church and in the year 2022 the church also acquired a cemetery at Chikata Mamadi village, Medchal district.
In the year 2005 the old church was dismantled and the present church using traditional Kerala design was built with 3 Altars. The holy relics of St. Gregorios of Parumala and St Dionosyious Vattaseril were established on the North and South sides of the main altar. On 13 March 2005 which is the final day of consecration LL HH Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Mathews II ,Catholicose of the East & Malankara Metropolitan by Kalpana declared the parish as “St. Andrews Orthodox Valiapally”.
The history of the St Andrews Valiapally under the Malankara Orthodox Church began when the parish was placed was under the Outside Kerala Region Diocese under LL HH Catholicose Mathews I till 1969. Subsequently the parish came under the Diocese of Madras and Calcutta under LL Stephanose Mar Theodosios till 1979. Following bifurcation, the parish came under the Madras Diocese led by LL Zechariah Mar Dionysius till 1997 and HG Yakoob Mar Irenaios till 2008. The parish finally came under the newly formed Bangalore Diocese under HG Abraham Mar Ephiphanos 2009 to 2010 and subsequently under HG Abaraham Mar Seraphim was appointed Metropolitan Bishop in 2010 and continues till date.
St. Andrews Valiyapally with 10 prayer groups and over 300 members is the largest church in Telangana and Andhra region and continues to be the beacon of Orthodox faith and worship with regular Holy Qurbana Services conducted twice a week i.e., Friday and Sunday. St. Andrews Valiapally Sunday School has over 150 students and 22 teachers on roll. MGOCSM Youth, Martha Mariyam Samajam and Senior citizens meet regularly and take active role in fund raising, charity and other spiritual activities.
The parish commemorates, the martyrdom day of St. Andrews on 30 November as St. Andrews Day. A 3 day Perunaal (Feast) is held in the first week of December with much fervor by the parishioners, seeking intercession in his name.
St. Andrews Valiapally enjoys very close relation with her sister orthodox parishes of Hyderabad, BHEL and Jeedimetla and also close cooperation with nearby churches of other denominations and regular meeting with the prelates of Marthoma, CSI and Catholic churches particularly during feasts and Christmas season.
Under the able leadership of Metropolitan Bishop H.G Geevarghese Mar Philoxenos and our Vicar Rev. Fr. Bino Samuel the parish members are indeed blessed to be a part of the Holy Orthodox Church.