ST. MARY’S ORTHODOX SYRIAN CHURCH, RASAYANI Rasayani an industrial area 15 km far from Panvel is a developing zone. The Christian people migrated to Rasayani in the early 70’s. The first “Holy Qurbana” by an Orthodox Priest at Rasayani by Rev Fr Lazarus OIC on 17th December 1989 after a delegation led by late Mr. G B Justin, Mr V C Kunjukunju, Mr K K Chacko, etc… met His Grace Geevarghese Mar Coorilos Metropolitan at Vashi Aramana and permission was granted. Necessity for Orthodox worship was being felt by few Orthodox members at this industrial hub of Maharashtra not very far from Vashi Aramana since early 1980’s. Transport facilities were not adequate in those days for members to travel to distant places where Orthodox worship was available. Few Christians from across all denominations, who were employed at the local Hindustan Organic Chemicals factory (HOC) came together and managed to obtain a leased plot farm the company. The foundation for a church building was laid in 1981 and the Church was dedicated on 9th December 1982, by later Rev Justin Harris of Methodist Church, Mumbai, who was instrumental in introducing church activity in this area from 1977. Christians across all denominations together continued to worship in this church till 17th December 1989. Various Chrsitian leaders like Mr. Ivan Thomas, Mr. Kunjukunju, Mr. J D Singh, Mr. G B Justin, Mr. Parimal etc.. and Shri H Krishnamurthy, the then Chairman and Managing Director of HOC played an important role in the above development. The Christians of Rasayani had no place of worship or burial until then. The immediate cause for this negotiation with the HOC Management was when one of HOC Employees died and there was no place to bury him. Some of the elders who were in the forefront of these negotiations are no more; but they are fondly remembered in prayers. Holy Qurbana is held every month on 3rd Sundays. Diocesan Metropolitan His Grace Geevarghese Mar Coorilos conducted the Holy Qurbana first time on 17th June 1992. Sunday School and Marth Mariyam Samajam units are actively working here and Carol Service is held every year during Christmas. Rev Dr Jesudasan, Rev Fr Thomas Varghese, Rev Fr M B George, Rev Fr Shaji Chacko, Rev Fr Mathew Thannimoottil and Rev.Fr.Bejoy George also served as Vicars. Rev Fr Peter M Koshy (Vineeth) is the present Vicar of the Parish.