A Vision for the future of St. George Malankara Orthodox Church, Staten Island

The Church has given a lot of prayerful consideration to what God would have us do in the future. As the first church bought and consecrated for the Malankara Syrian Orthodox church of India in the Western hemisphere, our existing building has served the church and the American Diocese well for the past 34 years and more than repaid the original costs. Those who sought to glorify God and serve him through these premises in the past have seen their mission fulfilled and extended. Our worship on Sundays and many of our other activities stretch the building beyond its intended capacity. It is time to build on the good work of the past and extend the work again with a new church building.

As we continue to pray, plan and work hard for the success of our Church Building Project, Diffendale and Kubec Architects and Wohl and O\\\'Mara Civil Engineers are currently working on the Design Development stage of the Project. Construction Documents for bidding are anticipated for completion by end of January 2011.

The New Church will be located on our vacant property between Sunset Avenue and Oakville Street and will be approximately 15,000 SF in area. The Main Level will consist of the Narthex, office space, Nave with seating for 450 people, Place inside Rails, Main Altar in the middle and two side Altars, Sacristy, Vestry, Cry Baby Room and Audio Visual Room and the Lower Level will consist of a Lobby, Men\\\'s and Women\\\'s restrooms, Fellowship Hall with approximate seating capacity of 360 people, Stage, Storage, Kitchen, Conference room and Utility Rooms.

Anticipated Milestones

a.Complete Construction Drawings - January, 2011
b.Groundbreaking - April, 2011
c.Complete Construction - April, 2012

The different fundraising activities that are in progress include pledges from members and household members, raffle tickets, piggy banks, entertainment programs, proceeds from various activities by the spiritual organizations that include the Martha Mariam Samajam, MGOCSM/Youth, and Sunday School. There are also opportunities for members to memorialize their loved ones or commemorate specific items and areas within the Church by way of sponsorship, further details of which will be announced at a later date.

Since realization of funds from fundraising activities is anticipated over the next two years, interim funds will be required to supplement the cash availability from fundraising activities. As a way of raising capital and to meet this interim need we are in the process of obtaining personal loan commitments, which will be paid back within five years with 5% interest.

Through our small sacrifices - the giving of our time, talent and treasure - our Church will continue its impressive growth for generations to come. We urge each and every member, young and old, to take an active part in the Church Construction Project -This is our Church.

While we prayerfully consider what God might have us do to help, please think about the benefits to our growing community, once the project is complete:

1) Our community will have a large and beautiful place to worship.
2) Our Children will have the space to receive instruction about our faith and the space necessary to hold various religious and cultural programs.
3)Our community will have the space available to hold Socials, Birthday and Baptism Receptions, Meetings and Conferences.