Religious

five white religious icons on a black background. 

Assyrian Church of the East

(408) 286-7377

680 Minnesota Ave, San Jose, CA 95125

Buddhanusorn Thai Temple

(510) 790-2294

36054 Niles Blvd, Fremont, CA 94536

Wat Buddhanusorn, “temple for the dedication of the Buddha”, was founded in 1983 and in keeping with Thai Theravadan Buddhist traditional has always relied on donations and volunteer work for its support. The main objectives behind the founding of the temple community are for propagating the Buddha’s teachings and practice, to teach and promote Thai art, language, and culture to all those who are interested, and to serve as a pillar of the Thai community.

Buddhi Vihara

408-246-9921

402 Knowles Ave., Santa Clara, CA 95050

Buddhi Vihara practices Theravada Buddhism. It was founded in 1997 under the leadership of Venerable Kahanda Amarabuddhi. The temple had its humble beginning in a small one-bedroom apartment in San Jose. In 1999, Buddhi Vihara moved to its permanent location by purchasing a small house in Santa Clara. In 2004, the premises of Buddhi Vihara under went an extensive renovation process, which included a 1,200 square foot shrine room, separate living quarters for resident and visiting monks, and a library. The project was completed in 2005. This achievement was possible thanks to the generous contributions of many well-wishing donors. One of the main missions of Buddhi Vihara is to maintain a peaceful and pleasant environment to carry out all Buddhist activities, especially the teachings and practices of Theravada Buddhism. The four resident monks offer instructions in Buddhist philosophy and meditation. The monks are available as speakers to all educational and religious institutions. Instructions on Buddhism and spiritual guidance are given free of charge in the name of the Dhamma. We welcome Buddhists of all denominations and friends who wish to enlighten themselves in Buddhism.

Chao Chow Community Center

(408) 223-0559

2580 Alvin Ave San Jose, CA 95121

Chung Tai Zen Center of Sunnyvale

(408) 733-0750

750 E Arques Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94085

Congregation Etz Chayim

(650) 813-9094

4161 Alma Street Palo Alto CA

Located in Palo Alto California, Congregation Etz Chayim  is a vibrant Jewish community, participatory and egalitarian, independent and inclusive, which melds elements from Judaism’s different branches to create our own practices. Together with our spiritual leader, Rabbi Chaim Koritzinsky, our congregants are exploring what it means for each of us to identify as a Jew (or a part of a Jewish family).

Whether you are steeped in Jewish tradition or new to it, you will feel comfortable and challenged to learn more. We are large enough, with around 300 households, to offer the religious, educational, and social options you expect while remaining small enough for everyone to learn your name. Our congregants include members of traditional, interfaith, single parent, same sex, and blended families who represent a broad range of socioeconomic backgrounds, political affiliations, and geographic diversity.

Join us Friday night or Saturday morning for a service, come by to help us celebrate a festival, or drop in any time during the week to talk to our staff and tour the building.

Everyone, member or not, is always welcome. Check our calendar for our schedule of service and events"

Dharmapala Institute

http://www.buddhistvihara.net/

(408) 934–3985

409 S. Temple Drive, Milpitas, CA 95035.

Our mission is to guide the young and the old who seek peace and contentment by opening to them a door to understand reality about self, and about the world, through Buddhist meditation techniques, Buddhist philosophical teachings, and the Buddhist way of thinking and living.

Duc Vien Buddhist Community Pagoda

(408) 993-9158

2440 McLaughlin Ave San Jose, CA 95121

Dyyk Gabriel Ethiopian Church

(408) 289-9277

587 N 6th St, San Jose, CA 95112

Five Wounds Portuguese National Church

(408) 292-2123

1375 East Santa Clara Street, San Jose, California 95116-2343

Five Wounds Portuguese National Parish has been serving the needs of Catholics in East San José since 1914. The church is one of the most photographed, sketched, and painted buildings in the city. It was even featured in a Southwest Airlines "Get Away to San José" Internet advertisement.

Gurdwara Sahib of San Jose

(408) 274-9373

3636 Gurdwara Avenue, San Jose, CA 95148

"The Sikh Gurdwara San Jose was founded in the Early Eighties by former president Jit Singh Bainiwal and Teja Singh, and late Baba Pyara Singh Obhi..

Jit Singh Bainiwal, Teja Singh, and late Pyara Singh Obhi along with the other dedicated sevadars from the community founded the Sikh Gurdwara San Jose in 1984. The South Bay Sikh Community was growing rapidly and there was an urgent need for a local Gurdwara for the congregation to attend. Initially the Gurdwara held smagam’s at a local community center. In 1986 after enormous obstacles the Gurdwara Committee purchased a small building on White Road. Within a few months the Gurdwara Committee realized that the building was too small for Sangat. In 1990 the Gurdwara Committee purchased a parcel of land at 2785 Quimby Road, and then bought other two adjacent parcels over the next few years, which brought the total land owned by Gurdwara to about 5 acres. In 1993-94 the Gurdwara Committee under the leadership of Jit Singh Bainiwal and Bhuphindar (BOB) Singh Dhillon along with other committee members determined that it would not be efficient due to the future growth of the Sadh Sangat. Keeping things in perspective the resident’s surroundings and the future needs of a larger Divan Hall and parking for the sadh Sangat was a must. There were also City and County requirements that would not have met the needs of the Gurdwara.

Mr. Bhuphindar Singh Dhillon’s vision came a reality after looking at many properties Bob Dhillon the current General Secretary found our current home which is located at 3636 Murillo Avenue. The property is located in the Evergreen Hills of San Jose, California. This property sits on forty acres and has beautiful views of the bay and city lights at night. This will be the largest Gurdwara in North America.

The First phase was completed in 2004 with the entire infrastructure for 12 Million Dollars. The Second Phase is now completed with cost of 20 Million Dollars. Bhupinder Singh Dhillon along with the current committee member are thankful for all of the support of the Sadh Sangat to make this the most beautiful Gurdwara in the world."

Igbo Anglican

957 Pruneridge Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95050.

Igbo Anglican Church is the first Igbo Anglican church in the Bay area. On October 12, 2014, history was made in the city of San Jose when the first Igbo Anglican worship was held at St. James Anglican Church. 50 people attended the first service! Worship was wonderful and Spirit filled. Igbo Anglican serves all Igbo Anglican folks in the Bay area, helping to:

Teach and preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in Igbo language

To preach the good news so that people will coming to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and savior through repentance and faith by the power of the Holy Spirit.

To provide an avenue in which the Igbos in Bay area will express their style of worship freely in their native tongue.

Meet our children’s Igbo language, spiritual, social and cultural needs, by creating that credible community where our children will be taught the word of God exclusively in Igbo language

Meet our folks’ (adults’) cultural, social and spiritual needs, and

Meet our future’s (all ndi Igbo Anglican’s) social, spiritual, language cultural, and community needs in the Bay Area and beyond. All Igbo Anglican folks are welcomed.

We now meet at St. Mark’s Church on the second Sunday of each month. Worship begins at 12:30 pm and fellowship follows in the Parish Hall. Pot lucks are normal and visitors are not expected to bring food. We have lots for everyone.

St. Mark’s is located at 1957 Pruneridge Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95050.

Khalsa School

1-408-274-3112

3636 Murillo Ave, San Jose, CA 95148

Khalsa School is a program for the children at Sikh Gurdwara, San Jose. Its mission is to instill love for Sikh religion, its beliefs, values and customs among young Sikh children. It accomplishes this through the teaching of the Punjabi language and Gurmukhi script so that they are able to read and understand the Sikh scriptures. In addition to this, they also learn about the Sikh history and Keertan, the Sikh devotional music.

Mekane Rama Saint Gabriel

(408)365-8905

505 Coyote Road San Jose, CA 95111

The Mekane Rama Saint Gabriel is an Ethiopian Orthodox Christian Church. The church was founded in 1986 by small group of Ethiopian immigrants.

Oakland California LDS Temple

(510) 531-3200

4770 Lincoln Ave, Oakland, CA 94602

Pao-Hua Buddhist Temple

(408) 259-8888

2946 McKee Road, San Jose, CA 95127

Pao Hua Buddhist Temple is located in San Jose California. The Temple was founded by Master Ling-Chun in 1976.

“Pao-Hua” in Chinese literally means the Temple nourishes the blooming of the Lotus of Buddhism. Since the opening of the temple in 1988, it has becomes a new venue for the local communities to learn about Buddha and his teachings, and also as importance cultural center to sharing and understanding the differences between western and eastern cultures.

Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church

408-246-2770

1260 Davis St, San Jose, CA 95126

The first Greek immigrants arrived in this area quite a few decades ago. As their numbers increased, they consolidated their meager savings, and purchased a wooden structure which they remodeled into a house of worship.

Ten years later they observed their first religious service together, and were incorporated and chartered by the city.

As the parish expanded, the small building became inadequate, and soon land was purchased for the construction of a new church.

The church was constructed, dedicated, and remains as our house of worship to this day. A school building consisting of four classrooms was erected adjacent to the church for purposes of religious and cultural instruction.

Since its inception our parish has grown significantly. It continues to strive to bear more effective witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as expressed in the apostolic tradition and worship of the Greek Orthodox church. We invite you to also participate in this witness by joining the worship and fellowship of our parish.

San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin

408-293-9292

640 N 5th St, San Jose CA 95112

Welcome to the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin. The San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin serves its members throughout Santa Clara County including Morgan Hill and Gilroy as well as some members in neighboring counties.

The San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin is main temple is located at 640 North Fifth Street in the Japantown section of Central San Jose. Our temple is part of the Buddhist Churches of America (BCA) headquartered in San Francisco, California. The BCA, in turn, is affiliated with the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha (Nishi Hongwanji) in Kyoto, Japan. In America the term Betsuin refers to a special status accorded to certain temples of particular historic or geographical importance. This status was accorded to the San Jose Buddhist Church in 1966.

Our telephone number is (408) 293-9292, our fax number is (408) 293-0433 and our email address is sjbc@sjbetsuin.com

Our Betsuin belongs to the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha (The sect of the True Essence of the Pure Land tradition, Shinshu). Our doctrinal founder is Shinran Shonin (1173-1262), who lived during the Kamakura Period of Japan. He was given the posthumous title of Kenshin Daishi (the Master who saw the Truth) by Emperor Meiji. A statue of Shinran Shonin is located at the front of the temple.

The history and development of the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin is deeply connected with the history and development of the Japanese-American community that settled in the Santa Clara Valley at the end of the nineteenth century.

The temple served as a religious and cultural center in the lives of those early pioneers, the Issei.

Shri Krishna Vrundavana Temple

(408) 416-3624

43, Sunol Street, San Jose, CA- 95126, USA

Shri Shri Shri 1008 Suguneendra Theertha Swamiji of Udupi Sri Puthige Matha established the Shri Krishna Vrundavana temple in San Jose, CA on July 6th, 2013. The temple is affiliated to Sujnana Religious & Charitable Foundation (SRCF). Devotees in the San Francisco Bay Area now have a place of worship where they can learn the great philosophy taught by our Acharyas and to offer seva to Shri Guru Raghavendra Swamigalu, savior of those who place their faith in him.

South Bay Islamic Association

(408) 526-0786

2345 Harris Way San Jose, CaThe South Bay Islamic Association (SBIA) is one of the oldest Islamic Organizations in The Bay Area. Its headquarters are located in downtown San Jose. SBIA has been providing various services to the community since 1977 including the five daily prayers at two locations (San Jose Downtown, and Evergreen) and Jumuah prayers in North San Jose. SBIA has been active in spreading Islam through various Dawah programs and by hosting a number of activities including Weekend Islamic School, Quranic classes for children, Tafseer (English translation and Exegesis) classes for adults, conferences and community get- togethers.

St. Andrew Armenian Church

408.257.6743

11370 South Stelling Road, Cupertino, CA 95014-5023

The first monthly prayer services in Cupertino commenced in 1960 conducted by Rev. Fr. Shahe Altounian in the hospitality room of St. Jose Bank. Soon after the Primate of the Western Diocese, Bishop Papken Varjabedian, appointed an interim Parish Council and a Ladies’ Society. On January 29, 1961 the Primate celebrated the first Divine Liturgy of the community followed by a banquet.

The first permanent Ladies’ Society was established in 1963. Throughout this period monthly church services were conducted by visiting priests.

On Saturday, March 21, 1964 the Primate, Bishop Torkom Manoogian, presided over the first Parish Assembly during which thirty-five members of the community enrolled as Charter members of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Santa Clara Valley.

Church services continued on a monthly basis at several Episcopal churches until July 15, 1973 when a special Parish Assembly was called presided by Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, which voted to purchase the property on Stelling Road.

In 1984 the name of the church was officially changed to St. Andrew Armenian Church and in 1988 the original building was demolished and work began on the new edifice, overseen by the Building Committee comprised of Ace Paul, Mike Kuzirian, Aram Henesian, Andy Kapjian and Tony Ayvazian.

On May 16 and 17, 1992 St. Andrew Armenian Church was formally consecrated by Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian.

From 1975 to 1977 Very Rev. Fr. Samuel Agoyan served as the first permanent Parish Priest of Cupertino. Very Rev. Fr. Sipan Mekhsian served 1978-1982, followed by the newly ordained Rev. Fr. Vazken Movsesian. In 1996 Rev. Fr. Hovsep Hagopian served as Pastor."

Temple Emanu-El San Jose

(408) 292-0939

1010 University Ave., San Jose, CA 95126

More than 150 years of tradition, warmth and caring distinguish Temple Emanu-El, where our founders made history by establishing Santa Clara Valley's first Jewish congregation in 1861. Today, we are proud to be one of the oldest Reform congregations on the west coast.At Temple Emanu-El, we join together in a vibrant, diverse community to make our Jewish heritage relevant to our lives in the 21st Century through innovative Shabbat worship, joyous holiday celebrations and life cycle events, and enriching Education opportunities for all ages. We offer great community programs through our auxiliaries and committees and information on how you can be involved in our community.

Thai Cultural Council

(510) 790-2294

36054 Niles Blvd, Fremont, CA 94536

Thailand Ministry of Culture signed to appoint lawful National Cultural Council  of Thailand in the United States at Fremont, California. In March 2013, the Wat Buddhanusorn committee has requested to establish the Thai Cultural Council in the United States from the Department of Thailand’s Ministry of Culture.  The temple committee has requested for two networks registration first, which were the Cultural Council of Wat Buddhanusorn; and the Parents and School Alumni of Wat Buddhanusorn. Then, the temple committee requested to register those two networks to become the Thai Cultural Council. On October 7, 2013, Mr. Chai Nakornchai, rector of the Department of Cultural Promotion, Thailand has approved the Thai Cultural Council of Fremont to be transformed into the lawful National Cultural Council of Thailand Ordinance BE 2553, Section 17 in the United States by giving a title, “The Cultural Council, Fremont, USA (see approved letter).

The San Jose Cambodian Buddhist Society

(408) 770-9171

2751 Mervyns Way San Jose, California