Rev.
Fr. Emmanuel Pratsinakis

To be a Christian means to be part of the church which enables us to practice cur active commitment to our belief In God and to acknowledge Christ In our way of life.

The Church Is the Body of Christ on earth, the fellowship of the faithful. Its members worship together and help one another to learn and practice the faith.  With the help of God and each other, we seek to become better Christians.

Since the very beginning, the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Thomas has worked together, diligently and unselfishly, to become the ‘ecclesia’, an expanded family that receives its blessings from almighty God.

While striving for this goal we offer a full program of activities for our parishioners of all ages, and encourage all members to participate as actively as they can. We invite you to join us In His work.

With love for our Lord,

Fr. Emmanuel Pratsinakis
Rector

The seeds of our parish were sown over 50 years ago by a small group of Greek Orthodox from the South Jersey area who perceived a need for a church to serve the Philadelphia metropolitan area in its New Jersey suburbs.
As more and more Greek-Americans moved into the area, spirit and enthusiasm for this idea grew.

Efforts began as a charter was assigned, property purchased, a parish council chosen and funds raised in order to build a church.  On May 7, 1966 ground breaking ceremonies for the build of the new church were held and the construction the St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church began in earnest
- culminating with the opening of the church doors on October 1, 1967.

The next several years saw the people of St. Thomas church working feverishly for their parish and the installation of the stained glass windows, the Iconostasias, the beautiful iconography and other appointments that currently
adorn the church.  Moreover, on November 13, 1973 the General Assembly decided to build a cultural center to enhance religious and cultural programs.

On February 22, 1977 the General Assembly authorized the commencement of fund raising for the construction of the cultural center.  Groundbreaking ceremonies were held on April 17, 1977.  Construction was soon completed and the official of the St. Thomas Hellenic Cultural Center was held on October 8, 1978.  Further beautification of the church continued and was realized with the installation of the iconography portraying
the history of salvation that graces the upper walls of the church on May 18, 1982.

Most recently, our parish celebrated its consecration on April 14, 1991, fulfilling the hopes and dreams of our parishioners.  Our story continues……

Acolytes assist the clergy and receive keen Insight Into the beauty and importance the Divine Liturgy can have In their lives. 

Choir offers all members the opportunity to sing praises to the Lord, as a family filled with love and Joy. 

Sunday School is held for children from pre-school through high school ages, thus providing an introduction to Christian fellowship as well as Instructions In their faith.  Adults are welcome to Join the ‘Tot and Me Class. 

Inquiry Class and Bible Study round out the education opportunities available for adults of the parish.

Philoptochos is the ladies’ philanthropic society of our church. It Is devoted to providing aid to those In need; the poor, the destitute, the aged, the Infirm, and all those who may need the help of the church, its fund raising events highlight the social life of the parish. 

Greek Language School offers a comprehensive afternoon study program of the Greek Language and customs. TheParent Teachers Association assists In cultural and social activities. 

World Wide our community supports generously the missionary, benevolent, ecumenical, emergency relief efforts of our Diocese, Archdiocese and Patriarchate.

JOY (Junior Orthodox Youth): Open for all children in the third to sixth grades. Its members continue to Interact through worship, service, and fellowship opportunities. GOYA (Greek Orthodox Youth of America): Its members, defined as 7- 12” graders, participate in various activities on the local and regional levels. Discussion groups, retreats, service projects and athletics are
acme ways the teenagers are encouraged to become more Involved In parish life. 

GOYAL (Greek Orthodox Young Adult League): Offers young adults of college and post-collegiate age opportunities for growth in the Church.

STAF (St. Thomas Adult Fellowship): Designed to allow those who are new to the parish, especially married couples where one partner Is non-Orthodox, to become acclimated to our parish through fellowship and service activities.

Hellenic Heritage Dance Group: Teaches our young people the traditional dance of Greece.

Summer Day Camp: A two-week program of fun and fellowship for children in Kindergarten through sixth grade. in addition to daily religious education, program offers Odd trips, swimming, athletics, crafts and more. 

Maturity Club: A group far senior citizens meets for fellowship, outings and other activities.

The ministries provided through our Church define the Orthodox way of life for our parishioners.  Support of the Stewardship Program Is vital to the maintenance and development of these programs, as well as the facilities that house them. Your support helps to strengthen our parish In all of its endeavors.