St. Thomas Orthodox Church of Los Angeles

Regional Prayer - Mr. Abraham Varughese, Sun., January 29th @ 5pm

2012-01-27T23:08:00.000-08:00

A regional prayer meeting has been scheduled at Mr. Abraham Varughese's home in Buena Park on Sunday, January 29th at 5pm. H.G. Alexios Mar Eusebius will conduct the prayer meeting in the evening. We request everyone in the South Region and nearby areas to attend. Please pass this information to other members in your area.

Mr. Abraham Varughese (Shaji & Rekha)
20 Centerstone Cir. (click here for directions)
Buena Park, CA 90620
(714) 523-4542

H.G. Alexios Mar Eusebius Visits Sun., January 29th

2012-01-27T23:02:00.000-08:00

Diocesan Metropolitan, H.G. Alexios Mar Eusebius will visit our church and celebrate the Holy Qurbana on Sunday, January 29th. Please make every effort to attend and receive his blessings.

Sunday School Mid-Terms - February 5th

2012-01-21T23:30:00.000-08:00

Sunday School Mid-Terms will be held on Sunday, February 5th from 9am to 10am. Please prepare your children and bring them to church on time. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Nebu John, Principal.

Funeral Details for Lilly Kochamma

2012-01-16T14:35:00.000-08:00

We are very saddened by the loss of our dearest Lilly Kochamma on Sunday, January 15th. We pray for her soul and ask courage and strength for the family in this difficult time. The following are the details for the funeral:

Viewing:

Wednesday, January 18th, 6pm - 9pm

St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church

405 N. Dale St.

Anaheim, CA 92801

Funeral Services/Viewing:

Thursday, January 19th at 9am

St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church

405 N. Dale St.

Anaheim, CA 92801

Final Resting Place

Thursday, January 19th at 11am

Forest Lawn Cypress

4471 Lincoln Ave.

Cypress, CA 90630

Please participate in refreshments afterwards at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church Hall.

Flowers can be sent to Forest Lawn Cypress, (800) 204-3131.

Prayer at Church - Saturday, January 14th @ 7pm

2012-01-13T20:59:00.000-08:00

A special prayer will be held at church tomorrow at 7pm. Mathewkutty Achen from Houston will be arriving in the evening and will conduct the prayer meeting. We request everyone that can make it to please attend. Please pass on this information to others in your area and encourage others to attend.

Diocese invites Applications for Mar Barnabas Educational Scholarship - Deadline Jan 15, 2012

2012-01-09T22:28:00.000-08:00

The South-West Diocese of America is inviting applications from all 12th graders for the Mar Barnabas Educational Scholarship. One applicant will be selected from each of the 5 regions in the Diocese Midwest, Northwest, South, Southeast an West regions, the maximum award per person is $1000. If there are 2 people selected in one region, the amount will be split. The eligibility criterion are listed below so we encourage all senior students to apply.

Click here to download application form.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. 12th Grade students in the Diocese
2. Completed Application form

3. Supporting academic documents, GPA from school, ACT or SAT scores
4. 2 recommendation letters: Vicar, Sunday school principal or other spiritual organizations about the involvement in church activities
5. Recommendation letter: School principal or community leaders about the community/mission involvement or social awareness
6. Personal essay or "My Life after High school- personal, religious and social". Not more than 300 words.
Application and documents should be sent to the following address on or before Jan 15th, 2012
Diocese of South-West America
Attn: Scholarship Committee
3703 Chesterdale Dr.
Missouri City, TX 77459

No Holy Qurbana on January 1st

2011-12-29T13:37:00.000-08:00

There will not be any Holy Qurbana on Sunday, January 1st. Please make a note and inform any family and friends.

New Years Eve Service at 5:30pm

2011-12-29T13:23:00.001-08:00

Please note that the New Years Eve Service has been changed to begin at 5:30pm on Saturday, December 31st. Please make every effort to attend.

MOTHER OF SISSY THOMAS PASSES AWAY

2011-12-20T16:02:00.001-08:00

We are sorry to inform you that the mother of Mrs. Sissy Thomas (Cerritos) has passed away in Bhilai, India this morning. Sissy has already gone to India and Thomaskutty will be leaving tomorrow to attend the funeral services. Please pass on the information to our members in your area.

The St. Thomas Orthodox Church gives our heart-felt condolences to Sissy and family. Please keep the family in your daily prayers during this difficult time.

2011 Christmas Program

2011-12-05T22:31:00.000-08:00

The 2011 Christmas Program "The Miracle of Christmas", will be held on, Sunday, December 18th, at 5pm at Hoover Middle School Auditorium in Lakewood. Please let all your friends and family know and encourage them to attend. There will be many programs including Nativity, group/action songs, skits, dances, plays and carols. Come and enjoy an evening of entertainment with your family and friends. Please contact Mr. Jijo Koshy, Entertainment Coordinator, if you need more information.

Hoover Middle School Auditorium (Click here for directions)
3501 Country Club Dr.
Lakewood, CA 90712

Ammini George's Sister Passes Away

2011-12-05T10:15:00.000-08:00

We are sorry to inform you that Mrs. Sosamma Cherian, sister of Mrs. Ammini George (Cerritos) has passed away in India this morning. There will be a prayer meeting this evening at 6:30pm at Thankachen uncle's home in Cerritos. Please pass on the information to our members in your area.

The St. Thomas Orthodox Church gives our heart-felt condolences to Ammini aunty and family. Please keep the family in your daily prayers during this difficult time.

Mr. George Mathew
18002 Point Arguello Pl. (Click here for directions)
Cerritos, CA 90703
(562) 467-0298

MGOCSM One Day Conference

2011-11-19T23:34:00.001-08:00

MGOCSM California held a one day conference at St. Thomas Orthodox Church, Los Angeles on Saturday, November 19th. The conference was lead by Dn. Philip Mathew, New York and Dn. Saju Varghese. Over 50 students attended the conference. They were able to get an in depth knowledge about the Holy Qurbana. It was an enlightening experience for many of them that brought a new view of our Holy Service every Sunday. We thank both Semassens for their hard work and all the leaders who coordinated the conference. The churches that participated were st. Gregorios San Francisco, St. Mary's San Fernando Valley, St. Gregorios Fullerton and St. Thomas Los Angeles.

Prayer Meeting - Sat., November 5th @ 5:30pm

2011-10-30T23:58:00.000-07:00

In celebration of St. Gregorios Day Perunal, an evening prayer along with devotional message and meditation will be held on Saturday, November 5th at 5:30 pm at church. Please make every effort to attend and bring your family and friends.

Youth Bible Study - Sun., October 30th at 2pm

2011-10-29T14:50:00.000-07:00

A Youth Bible Study for High School Students and up has been scheduled for Sunday, October 30th from 2 to 4pm at church. Please make arrangements and have your children attend. Carpools can be arranged for anyone that needs a ride back home. Please contact Binil Mathew or Anish Mathew for assistance.

Prayer Meeting on Sat., October 29th CANCELLED

2011-10-28T16:53:00.001-07:00

Please note that the Prayer Meeting for tomorrow has been cancelled.

Sunday School Field Trip (Pre-School to 5th Grade) - Sat., October 29th

2011-10-23T13:51:00.000-07:00

The Sunday School Field Trip for grades Pre-school to 5th grade will be held at Adventure City Amusement Park in Anaheim. Please contact Mrs. Reni Mathew, to sign up your children or if you have any questions. The cost is $19/person which includes lunch. All our students should participate and enjoy the fun and activities.

Date: Saturday, October 29th
Time: 11am - 4pm
Address: 1238 South Beach Blvd
(between Ball and Cerritos)
Anaheim, California
in the Hobby City Complex

Sunday School Diocesan Level Competitions - October 16th

2011-10-03T23:02:00.000-07:00

This year's Sunday School Level Competitions will be held on Sunday, October 16th. The categories for the event are Bible Quiz, Essay Writing, Story Writing, Poetry Writing and Drawing. Please see the Sunday School page for the guidelines and the different groups for your child. Contact Dr. Nebu John right away if you wish to have your child participate in any of the events.

Schedule
9:15am - 9:45am: Drawing (Groups 1-6); Story Writing (Group 6); Poetry Writing (Group 7); Essay Writing (Group 7)
12pm - 12:30pm: Bible Quiz (Groups 2-7)
12:40pm - 1:10pm: Essay Writing (Groups 4-6); Poetry Writing (Group 4)
1:15pm - 1:45pm: Story Writing (Groups 4-5); Poetry Writing (Group 6)

Sunday School General Assembly

2011-10-03T22:59:00.000-07:00

A General Assembly for Sunday School has been scheduled for Sunday, October 9th after the Holy Qurbana. Dr. Nebu John, Principal, has mentioned that this will be a time for all the students and parents to get together and be able to share some of the items they are learning. There will be some presentations by some of the classes to begin the new year. Please mark your calendar and don't miss out.

Devotional Thoughts for October 2nd (Mark 2:23-28)

2011-10-03T22:56:00.000-07:00

In today’s reading we come across with the allegation from the Pharisees and Sadducees that our Lord’s blessed Apostles did not honor the Sabbath. The reason for the allegation is well known to each and every one of us. As and when Lord Jesus and the Apostles were going through the corn fields on a Sabbath day, the, Apostles began to pluck the ears of corn. According to Pharisees, the same action was a good proof to argue that the Disciples did not honor the Mosaic Law. We have evaluated many of the interpretations of the incident from different corners in the past. So let us leave them as it is and concentrate on the last verse of today’s reading.
Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of Sabbath, (Verse 28.) Whenever our Lord introduced Himself, He has used the words ‘son of Man’. It is only because He has identified with manhood and while being full God He became full man too. (Except in the matter of sin) In the epistle to Ephesians, (Chapter 1 VS 20-23) St. Paul says: “Which he wrought in Christ , when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his right hand side in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power, and might and domination and every name that is named not only in this world, but also in the that which is to come: And has put all things under his feet, and gave him to the head over all things to the church, which is the body, the fullness of him that fills all in all. “ The declaration of St. Peter about his master, the son of Man is like this: “Who did no sin, neither with guile found in his mouth.” (1 Peter 2: 22)

In today’s reading we find our Savior and Redeemer claiming that He is the Lord also of the Sabbath. Let us try to learn more about the term Lord, though it is not a new term for us. By watching the four alphabets in ‘Lord’ let us seek more information about Lord.
The first alphabet ‘L’ stands for Logos. We all are sure that Logos means the word of God which got incarnated. St. John starts his gospel by declaring that “in the beginning was the Word and the word was with God and the word was God.” In Revelations 19:13, we read, “And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood and his name is called the word of God.” Prophet Zechariah declares that the word of God was with God. In Zechariah 13: 7 we read, “Awake O sword, against my shepherd and against the man that is my fellow, says the Lord of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered and I will turn my hand against the little ones.” See the prophecy of Prophet Isaiah (9:6) “For unto us a child is born unto us a son is given and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called wonderful counselor the mighty God, the everlasting father, the prince of Peace. “ In Philippians 2: 6 we read, “Christ Jesus who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God.” ‘L’ also stands for the divine, unselfish and Godly love.

The next letter ‘o’ stands for the natures of God Almighty like the omnipotence, omnipresence and omniscience. Our Lord God is omnipresent, omnipotent and omniscient. Unfortunately we often forget these truths and unknowingly we presume that we are the ablest, first to be considered for anything and everything. We often pretend to be omniscient, knowing all branches of wisdom. Such people won’t be willing to appreciate goodness in others. And they cannot accept the duly qualified and desirable individuals or their achievements. Let us always remember that God Almighty is the only omnipresent, omnipotent and omniscient.

The third alphabet in the word ‘R’ stands for right and righteousness. We could watch the perfection of righteousness in Lord Jesus only. Lord Jesus is the role model for all the faithful to be righteous. Literally righteous means virtuous, just, equitable and law abiding. We should not forget the truth that our Lord has reduced the Ten Commandments as two: Love your God and Love your brethren. Let us find ourselves how far we are righteous in observing these two commandments given unto us by our redeemer and Savior. Let us be sincere in our words, deeds and thoughts. Let the innocent and unselfish love guide us and lead us.

The forth and the final alphabet in ‘Lord’ is ‘D’ which stands for deism. The word deism is meant for the belief in the existence of God. We might claim that we are really faithful and we all believe in the existence of God Almighty. But most often our words and deeds are representing the absence of deism in us. One who could maintain the perfect deism, he or she will be dedicated, obedient, trustworthy and sincere. He or she will always have good repentance.

So let us conclude by confessing that our Lord is Logos, originated from God Almighty, incarnated and took flesh from Virgin Mary and offered him on the cross as ransom for the sins of the mankind. E is the only omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient. He is the righteous. Our Lord wants us to be righteous always. Our Lord is the origin of deism. Unless and until we do not believe that our Lord God is existent, we cannot succeed in our human lives, though we claim that we are Christians.

May God bless us all.

Jose Kurian Puliyeril
Kottayam.

Church Picnic - Sat., Sept 24th 10am-4pm in Cerritos

2011-09-19T21:40:00.000-07:00

This year's Church Picnic will be held at Frontier Park in Cerritos on Saturday, September 24th from 10am to 4pm. All our families are requested to attend and participate in the activities. There will be events for all ages so don't miss out.
If you wish to volunteer to help with activities, please contact Mr. Jijo Koshy, Coordinator.

Frontier Park (click here for directions)
16910 Maria Ave.,
Cerritos, CA90703

Orthodox Church and Sleeba Perunnal

2011-09-14T22:42:00.000-07:00

In September we are at the ‘Sleeba Perunnal’, the feast of Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the instrument of salvation, on the 14th. This feast marks the discovery of the Holy Cross on which our Lord was crucified. In Greek and Latin this feast is called the ‘Exaltation of the Holy Cross of our Lord’. All Oriental Orthodox Christians, especially the Armenians and the Ethiopians observe this festival with utmost devotion, although the Ethiopians celebrate this feast on Meskel (the Holy Cross) day as per their Julian calendar tradition.

Queen Helene, Mother of Roman Emperor Constantine, was the one, who ventured a pilgrimage to Palestine to discover the Holy Cross in the year c.326-328, though she was nearly eighty years of age at that time. She was able to find the Holy Cross and the ‘Church of the Holy Sepulcher’ was built, where the Holy Cross of our Lord was found out. Tradition says that a dead person was made to touch the three crosses that were found in a pit down the outskirts of Jerusalem and at the touch of the real and holy Cross of our Lord the dead person came back to life. We get a notion of this legend in the song ‘Sleebaye vandippanaay Helene Rajnji…’ as well.

Holy Cross is the means of salvation that drives away all evil spirits because the Lord carried it upon His shoulders to Mount Calvary during His ultimate fight with evil. There beyond He ornamented it with His very own human body. Holy Cross is the symbol of peace and the flag of victory. It is in the Holy Cross that our glory confides. It is the fortress for all, who take their refuge in, including churches and monasteries. That is why we all ornament ourselves with a Holy Cross, mostly gold though!

Let us sing once again with optimistic and positive trust in the symbol of peace, the Holy Cross that ‘sleeba pallikal dayaraakal kkellaamaakatte kotta’!

1 Year Anniversary of Church Inauguration

2011-09-04T15:54:00.001-07:00

Rev. Fr. Philip Zachariah of Long Island, New York, gives Sermon on the first year anniversary after inauguration of our new church. Festivities included a potluck luncheon and a Harvest Auction. Special thanks to all that participated, brought items and donated at the auction.

1st Year Anniversary of Church Inauguration - Sept 3rd & 4th

2011-08-31T16:40:00.000-07:00

This weekend will be the one year anniversary for our church inauguration. A church convention and special events have been planned for the weekend. A Harvest Auction is being planned after the Holy Qurbana on Sunday so all members are requested to participate by bringing some items. Please make every effort to attend and participate in all the activities.

Saturday, September 3rd
Evening Prayer - 5:30pm
Convention Speech - 6pm

Sunday, September 4th
Morning Prayer - 9am
Holy Qurbana (Rev. Fr. Cherian) - 9:45am
Lunch - 12:30pm
Auction - 12:40pm

Shunoyo (Dormition of the Theotokos) - August 15th

2011-08-14T09:11:00.000-07:00

The Theotokos had now reached an advanced age. Her fervent and unceasing desire was to leave the body and be with her beloved Son and God. The Mother of God did not fear death, nor did she seek to avoid it. She knew that death had already been overcome by her Son and God. At that time she still lived in the house of John the Evangelist on Mount Sion. She often went from there to the Mount of Olives to offer fervent prayers. As she was thus praying on the Mount of Olives that the Lord quickly take her to heaven, there appeared before her the archangel Gabriel and disclosed to the Theotokos the following: “Thus says your Son: The days are approaching when I will take My Mother unto Me”. Thus the Virgin heard those much longed for words which she received with gladness.

Tradition has it that it occurred on a Friday. Thus after three days, on a Sunday, she would depart and be with Christ. On the message of the angel, she uttered the following prayer to God: “I would not have been worthy to receive Thee, O Lord, into my womb, unless Thou Thyself had mercy on me, Thy slave. I kept the treasure entrusted to me and, therefore, I have the boldness to ask Thee, O King of glory, to protect me from the power of Gehenna”. The Theotokos also desired to behold the holy Apostles who were scattered throughout the world preaching the Gospel. When the Virgin knelt and offered her petition and thanksgiving, her prayer was accompanied by a manifestation: the olive trees growing on the Mount of Olives bowed with her as they were animate. When the Theotokos knelt, the trees bent down; when she arose, the trees straightened themselves out again. Thus, even the trees revered and honoured the Mother of God.

After completing her prayer, the Theotokos returned to her home. The Theotokos prepared for her repose. She told the matter to the beloved disciple John, who had taken her into his home as his own mother. She ordered that her bed and room be decorated, and that incense and as many lamps as possible to be lit in it. She then changed her clothes. Simply put, all necessary preparations for her burial were made.

John at once sent for James. John also sent for all their relatives and neighbours, informing them of the imminent repose of the Mother of God. James, too informed all the Christians, both them that were in Jerusalem and in the surrounding towns and villages. Thus, a great multitude of the faithful gathered around the Theotokos. The whole house was filled with weeping and lamentation. The Theotokos, however, asked them not to weep for her, but to rejoice at her repose. These comforting words dried the tears and brought solace to their sorrow.

The Theotokos then made a will concerning her two garments. She desired that they be given to two poor widows who had faithfully served her and received their maintenance from her. With regard to her body, the Mother of God made her will known that it should be buried on the Mount of Olives, not far from Jerusalem, in the garden of Gethsemane. There also were interred her parents, the righteous Joachim and Anna, and her spouse, Joseph. The tombs lay in the Valley of Jehosaphat between Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives.

While the Theotokos was making these arrangments, all of a sudden a noise was heard, similar to a clap of thunder. A cloud then encircled the home of John. By the command of God, angels had siezed the Apostles that were scattered to the ends of the world and brought them on clouds to Jerusalem. All, except the Apostle Thomas, were then placed on Sion before the door of the house where the Theotokos dwelt. Therefore, on seeing one another, the holy Apostles rejoiced, but at the same time they wondered, saying, “Why has the Lord gathered us together in this place?” John informed them of the speedy departure of the Mother of God.

It was the Lord’s day, and the fifteenth day of the month of August, when that blessed hour that all were awaiting drew near. It was the third hour of the day (9:00 a.m.). In the rooms the lamps were burning. The holy Apostles were offering praise to God. When they had prayed, there was a thunder from heaven and there came a fearful voice as if of chariots; and behold, a multitude of a host of angels and powers, and a voice, as if of the Son of Man was heard. Raising herself from bed as if she were trying to go and meet her Son, she worshipped the Lord. The she said, “Ready is my heart, O God, ready is my heart”. The she repeated the words once said by her, “Be it unto me according to Thy word” [Lk 1:38], and then lay down on the bed. With these words, the Theotokos, surrendered her soul into the hands of the Lord. At once there began wonderful and joyous angelic singing repeating the fomer words of gabriel: Rejoice, thou who are full of grace, the Lord is with thee: Blessed are thou among women” [Lk 1:28].

Then a solemn procession conveyed the body of the Theotokos from Sion through Jerusalem to Gethsemane. The tomb in the Garden of Gethsemane was east of Jerusalem, across the Kidron Valley. Finally, the holy Apostles with all the multitude of Christians reached the Garden. When they laid down the bier with the body, the Christians began to weep. In giving the last kiss, the Christians fell down before the body of the Theotokos. Kissing it, thy shed copious tears, so that only towards evening could the body be placed in the new tomb. Her relics were laid with the greatest honour, while chanting and weeping took place. When the Apostles stepped before her bier to bid her farewell, each according to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, they uttered pslams of triumph and thanksgiving and chanted prayers.

Many believe that at the end of her life Mary was assumed bodily ‘into heaven’. This claim, magisterially entitled ‘The Doctrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary’, is a Latin concept. The Orthodox marked this feast as the koimesis (dormition) of the Theotokos. Finally, we Orthodox do not “worship” the Virgin Mary. We “venerate” her and show her great honor. Nor have we ever, like the Latins, developed the idea that the Theotokos was born without sin (the Roman Catholic dogma of the Immaculate Conception) or that she is a co-redemptor with Christ. The consensus of the Church Fathers rejects such ideas, and the Orthodox Church adheres to that consensus. However, we do believe that the Virgin Mary is an image of the Christian goal of becoming Christ-like, of theosis. Just as the Theotokos gave birth to Christ in a bodily way, so we must bear Christ in a spiritual way. In so doing, we imitate her practical spiritual life, including the purity and humility by which she formed her free will into perfect obedience to the Will of God.

15 Day Sunoyo Fast - August 1 to 15

2011-08-01T22:40:00.000-07:00

The Fast before the Migration of Virgin Mary the Mother of God

This is one of the traditional fasts observed in all the Eastern Churches. A feast in commemoration of the Mother of God was celebrated in the East as early as fourth century. Later this was identified as the migration of the blessed Virgin and it came to be called the feast of Sunoyo (Migration) of the Mother of God. This fast starts from the first day of August and ends with the Sunoyo feast on the fifteenth day. This is the time for the faithful to prepare themselves for their death because the death of the Mother of God is a desirable and exemplary death for all.

OVBS 2011 - July 29-31

2011-07-15T00:45:00.000-07:00

This year's Orthodox Vacation Bible School (OVBS) will be conducted on July 29th, 30th and 31st (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) at our Church. Dr. Sheba Edwards will be the Regional Director of the program. The theme of the conference will be "Grow in Obedience", based on the Bible verse Eph. 6:1

We encourage all our parents to register your children for this year’s OVBS.

We are also in need of volunteer teachers to assist with the OVBS so if you are available, please contact Sheba at shebaghome@aol.com.

Please turn in the completed application and registration fees on or before Sunday, July the 17th.

Please contact Dr. Sheba George or Dr. Nebu John, if you need further assistance in this regard.

Martha Mariam Samajam Meeting - Sun., July 17th

2011-07-15T00:43:00.000-07:00

A Martha Mariam Samajam Meeting will be held after the Holy Qurbana on Sunday, July 17th. All ladies are requested to attend and participate.

Western Region Family Conference Pictures

2011-07-15T00:41:00.000-07:00

Please click here to see all the pictures from the Family Conference held from July 7-10.

We would like to thank all our members that participated, donated, and worked very hard to make this conference a success. It wouldn't have been the same without you!

See My Creation

2011-07-09T10:25:00.001-07:00

Josh Abraham, St. Mary's San Fernando Valley, California

Youth activity on Saturday Morning

2011-07-09T10:22:00.001-07:00

Friday Afternoon Youth Breakout Session

2011-07-08T15:17:00.001-07:00

Semassans discussing Self Centered part of life with youth.

Eusebius Thirumeni and Deacon Pike With Children

2011-07-08T13:55:00.001-07:00

Severios Thirumeni Speaking to Youth

2011-07-08T11:42:00.000-07:00

Question Sessions

2011-07-08T11:37:00.001-07:00

Semassan moderating group.

Youth Group Session

2011-07-08T11:36:00.001-07:00

Childrens breakout session

2011-07-08T11:26:00.001-07:00

Adult Session Breakout

2011-07-08T11:16:00.001-07:00

Adults session breakout

2011-07-08T11:15:00.001-07:00

Youth Session of 2011 Family Conference

2011-07-08T11:07:00.001-07:00

>
> H.G. Dr. Mathews Mar Severios with youth group.
>

2011 Family & Youth Conference

2011-07-08T11:04:00.001-07:00

> We welcome all participating churches to the Sout-West Diocese Western Regional Family & Youth Conference.

Regional Prayer Meeting - June 25th @ 6pm, Mr. Abraham Varughese, Buena Park

2011-06-23T22:48:00.000-07:00

A South Regional Prayer Meeting has been scheduled at Shaji and Rekha's home in Buena Park. All families in the South Region and nearby cities should plan to attend.

Address: (Click here for directions)
20 Centerstone Cir.
Buena Park, CA 90620
(714) 523-4542

Holy Qurbana on Thu., June 2nd @6pm - Ascension of our Lord

2011-05-30T01:05:00.000-07:00

There will be a Holy Qurbana on Thursday, June 2nd to celebrate the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord.
The Feast of the Ascension of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ is celebrated each year on the fortieth day after Easter. The Feast is always celebrated on a Thursday. The Feast itself commemorates when, on the fortieth day after His Resurrection, Jesus led His disciples to the Mount of Olives, and after blessing them and asking them to wait for the fulfillment of the promise of the Holy Spirit, He ascended into heaven.

The Lord Jesus passed forty days on earth after His Resurrection from the dead, appearing continually in various places to His disciples, with whom He also spoke, ate, and drank, thereby further demonstrating His Resurrection. On this Thursday, the fortieth day after Easter (Kyamto) , He appeared again in Jerusalem. After He had first spoken to the disciples about many things, He gave them His last commandment, that is, that they go forth and proclaim His Name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. But He also commanded them that for the present, they were not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait there together until they receive power from on high, when the Holy Spirit would come upon them.
Saying these things, He led them to the Mount of Olives, and raising His hands, He blessed them; and saying again the words of the Father's blessing, He was parted from them and taken up. Immediately a cloud of light, a proof of His majesty, received Him. Sitting thereon as though on a royal chariot, He was taken up into Heaven, and after a short time was concealed from the sight of the disciples, who remained where they were with their eyes fixed on Him. At this point, two Angels in the form of men in white raiment appeared to them and said, "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into Heaven? This same Jesus, Who is taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into Heaven" (Acts 1:11). These words, in a complete and concise manner, declare what is taught in the Symbol of Faith concerning the Son and Word of God. Therefore, having so fulfilled all His dispensation for us, our Lord Jesus Christ ascended in glory into Heaven, and sat at the right hand of God the Father. As for His sacred disciples, they returned from the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem, rejoicing because Christ had promised to send them the Holy Spirit.
It should be noted that the Mount of Olives is a Sabbath's day journey from Jerusalem, that is, the distance a Jew was permitted to walk on the day of the Sabbath. Ecumenius writes, "A Sabbath day's journey is one mile in length, as Clement says in his fifth Stromatis; it is two thousand cubits, as the Interpretation of the Acts states." They draw this conclusion from the fact that, while they were in the wilderness, the Israelites of old kept within this distance from the Holy Tabernacle, whither they walked on the Sabbath day to worship God.

Happy Easter!

2011-04-25T00:24:00.000-07:00

Wishing all our families a Blessed and Happy Easter! The Easter Service began at 7:30am and concluded at 11:15am. A procession was held around our church and concluded with Cross Veneration. Mr. Kirk Edwards, gave the Easter message to capture the details of the Passion of Christ as well as the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus. Lunch was provided to all that attended. We thank all the members that participated and helped make this Holy Week a success. CHRIST IS RISEN! RISEN INDEED!!

Good Friday Sleeba Vandanam

2011-04-24T16:32:00.000-07:00

Here is a clip of the Sleeba Vandanam Service on Good Friday.

Good Friday Service

2011-04-23T23:52:00.000-07:00

Good Friday Service was held on April 22nd from 9am to 3:30pm. All the faithful participated in our first Good Friday Service at the new church. Kanji was provided for all the members after the service.

Devotional Thoughts for Pesaha - April 21, 2011

2011-04-20T07:48:00.000-07:00

The new covenant in the blood of our Lord
(H.G. Mathews Mar Barnabas)

May I explain the importance of the Holy Eucharist (Holy Qurbana) celebrated by our Lord before His self-sacrifice on the cross.

There are two important aspects connected with it. 1) Through the Holy Qurbana we receive our Lord into us. 2) We make a dedication to lead a godly life. It is the new covenant that we make with God.

Let us see how we make this covenant with God. In the book of Exodus chapter 24, we find how a covenant was made between the Israelites and God. This is the old covenant. This covenant which God made with the Israelites was the covenant He made at Mount Sinai as recorded in the book of Exodus.

"Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord and all the ordinances; and all the people answered with one voice, and said, "All the words which the Lord has spoken we will do." And Moses wrote all the words of the Lord. And he rose early in the morning, and built an altar at the foot of the mountain, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel. And he sent young men of the people of Israel, who offered burnt offerings and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen to the Lord. And Moses took half of the blood and put it in basins, and half of the blood he threw against the altar. Then he took the book of the covenant, and read it in the hearing of the people; and they said, "All that the Lord has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient." And Moses took the blood and threw it upon the people, and said, "Behold the blood of the covenant which the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words." (Ex. 24:3-8)

But in Exodus 32:15-20, we find how the Israelites made a calf of gold and worshipped it, breaking the covenant they had made with God.
In our Lord we find the new covenant. "And he took bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." And likewise the cup after supper, saying, "This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood" (St. Lk. 22: 19-20).
Concerning this new covenant, God spoke through prophet Jeremiah as follows "Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, not like the covenant which I made with their fathers when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant which they broke, though I was their husband, says the Lord. But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it upon their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each man teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, "Know the Lord," for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." (Jer. 31:31-34) The thought that our Lord shed his blood for us will make a real change of heart. If the Lord lived for us and died for us, we must live and die for Him.

It is the new covenant which was fulfilled in the blood of Jesus Christ which was shed on the cross. It is in this new covenant that we participate in the Holy Baptism in which we renounce Satan and proclaim our faith in Jesus Christ. When we drink the blood of the new covenant in the Holy Eucharist (Holy Qurbana), the covenant is being renewed again and again. But many of us break our covenant in practical life, forgetting the importance that the new covenant was made in the blood of the incarnate Lord while the old covenant was made in the blood of the animals. In fact every baptism and Holy Qurbana must be occasions of the new covenant making a thorough change in the hearts of the faithful.

H.G. Mathews Mar Barnabas Metropolitan
Northeast American Diocese

Holy Week 2011 Schedule

2011-04-18T23:37:00.000-07:00

Mon., April 18th @ 6pm - Evening Prayer
Tue., April 19th @ 6pm - Evening Prayer
Wed., April 20th @ 6pm - Maundy Thursday Service (Pessaha)
Fri., April 22nd @ 9am - Good Friday Service
Sat., April 23rd @ 9am - Holy Saturday Service (all departed ones)
Sun., April 24th @ 7:30am - Easter Service

Confession Day - Saturday, April 16th

2011-04-09T13:29:00.001-07:00

A confession day has been scheduled on Saturday, April 16th at 10am. All Sunday School students, youth and adults should plan on taking Holy Confession during the Great Lent. As an Orthodox Christian we reminded that we should take confession at least once a year.

Catholicate Day Flag Hoisting Ceremony - Sunday, April 10th at 9:15am

2011-04-09T13:08:00.001-07:00

The Catholicate Day Flag Hoisting Ceremony will be held on Sunday, April 10th at 9:15am. All members are requested to come early and participate in the ceremony.

Prayer Meeting - Sat., April 9th at 6pm - Fr. Yohannan Panicker

2011-04-06T22:41:00.000-07:00

A Regional Prayer Meeting has been scheduled at Fr. Yohannan Panicker's home in Yorba Linda at 6pm. Please make every effort to attend with your family.

Address:
18485 Nicklaus Rd.
Yorba Linda, CA 92886
(714) 485-2203

General Body Meeting - Sun., April 3rd

2011-03-27T13:59:00.001-07:00

A General Body Meeting has been scheduled after the Holy Qurbana on Sunday, April 3^rd. All eligible members should plan to attend the meeting.

Prayer Meeting - Sat., March 26th @ 5:30pm - Mr. Philip Abraham, San Diego

2011-03-25T15:37:00.001-07:00

A prayer meeting has been scheduled at the residence of Mr. Philip Abraham in Chula Vista, San Diego. Carpool to San Diego is being organized so please meet at church at 2pm on Saturday. Please plan to attend with your family.

Address: (Click here for directions)
1250 Monte Sereno Ave.
Chula Vista, CA 91913
(619) 482-9118

Holy Qurbana on Fri., March 25th @ 6pm to Celebrate Feast of Annunciation to St. Mary

2011-03-23T16:50:00.000-07:00

There will be special Holy Qurbana on Friday, March 25th from 6 to 7:30pm to celebrate the Feast of Annunciation to St. Mary. Please make every effort to attend and pass along the info to the families near you.

Regional Prayer Meeting at Mr. Winson Varghese's Home - Sat., March 19th @ 6pm

2011-03-18T20:45:00.000-07:00

This is a reminder that a regional prayer meeting has been scheduled at Winson and Ninu Varghese's home tomorrow, Saturday, March 19th at 6pm. All our families in the Central Region (Norwalk, Cerritos, Bellflower, Lakewood, Long Beach and nearby cities) should make every effort to attend. Please pass on the information to any families in your area.

Address: (click here for directions)
13243 Rose St.
Cerritos, CA 90703
(562) 407-5177

Prayer Meeting - Saturday, March 12th @ 5:30pm

2011-03-09T19:20:00.000-08:00

Hosted by Mr. Sodharan Varughese and Family
This is a reminder that a General Prayer Meeting has been scheduled on Saturday, March 12th at 5:30pm at Church. This will be the first prayer meeting of Great Lent so please don't miss it. Mr. Sodharan Varughese and family invite all our families to attend and participate in the prayer meeting.

LENTEN RETREAT - Mar 4th HAS BEEN CANCELED

2011-02-28T16:04:00.001-08:00

The planned Lenten Retreat on Friday, March 4th has been canceled as well as all other retreat functions scheduled over the weekend by other churches since His Grace Eusebios Thirumeni will not return from India in time due to administrative reasons. Please pass this information to others near you.

3rd Memorial Service of Makarios Thirumeni - February 23rd

2011-02-22T23:41:00.000-08:00

The 3rd Memorial Service of H.G. Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios will be held during the Holy Qurbana on Sunday, February 27th. He was instrumental in the growth of our church and have been part of many of our lives. Let us all pray and remember the great things he has blessed us with on this special day. May his memory live with us forever.

Feast of St. Geevarghese Mar Dionysius Vattasseril - February 23rd

2011-02-22T23:25:00.000-08:00

Vattasseril Geevarghese Mar Dionysius is popularly known as Malankara Sabha Bhasuran (The Great Luminary of Malankara Orthodox Church) which our Church has bestowed on him in recognition of his rich contribution to Malankara Orthodox Church. Vattasseril Thirumeni was a man of prayer, determination and dynamism. He was a saint who never stooped before falsehood.
He bravely fought for the establishment of Catholicate to be the symbol of self-identity and independence of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. The unique and historic contribution of Mar Dionysius is the establishment of Catholicate in Malankara in 1912 at Kottayam. He can be called as the architect of the Indian Orthodox Church and thus endeared himself as one of the greatest fathers of the Indian Orthodox Church.

Geevarghese of Vattasseril was born on 31st October, 1858 in Mallappalli, near Kottayam. At that time Malankara Syrian Church was in a state of internal conflict. Two parties in it were fighting each other to gain control of the Church and its assets. Mathews Mar Athanasius was the Metropolitan of the Church then. He had his own supporters in addition to the support he enjoyed from the government.
Geevarghese had his early education in Malayalam under a local village teacher. After his elementary studies, he continued his learning in the C.M.S. High School, Kottayam, when Patriarch Peter III visited South India. He paid special attention to study English language and thereby he got attracted to religious subjects in English Books. In 1876 he was ordained to one of the minor orders in the Church's ministry by Patriarch Peter III himself. He then took up a study of the Syriac language and syriac fathers. Geevarghese read these works under the guidance of Metropolitan Mar Gregorios of Parumala and Mar Ivanios Murimattom of Kandanad, who was later made the first Catholicos of the Indian Orthodox Church. His two literary works, a Syriac Text Book for Beginners and "Mathopadesa Sarangal" (Basic Doctrines of Religion) show the influence of his early training in this direction.
In 1879 Geevarghese was ordained as a deacon, and in the following year, when he was hardly 21 years old, he was made a priest. As a deacon, he served Mar Gregorios as his secretary and accompanied him while he visited Churches. This experience brought him in contact with people and clergy in different parts of the Church. As priest, Fr. V. J. Geevarghese was involved in a number of activities, both in church and in society. In church, he maintained close connection with Mar Dionysius V, the then Malankara Metropolitan, Mar Gregorios of Parumala and Mar Ivanios Murimattom. This association helped him soon to be intimately related to three important institutions in the Church the Old Seminary, the Parumala Seminary and the M.D. Seminary. In 1881 Fr. V. J. Geevarghese was appointed to teach at Parumala. Besides, he served as its Manager as well for a period of about thirty years. When Mar Dionysius V took the control of Old Seminary in 1885, the teaching program came to be reinaugurated at the Seminary under the Malpans V. J. Geevarghese and Mathen of Konat.
In 1903, on the first death anniversary of Mar Gregorios, Fr. Geevarghese was ordained as a Monk. It was while serving as Principal of M.D. Seminary that Fr. Geevarghese played a key role in the social life of the community, namely starting of the M.G.M High School, Thiruvalla in memory of the Mar Gregorios of Parumala, establishment of a number of Primary Schools founding of the Malankara Syrian Mahajan Sabha etc. During the Malankara Association Meeting held in March, 1908, Vattasseril Geevarghese Ramban has been chosen as Metropolitan and sent him to the Patriarch in Antioch for consecration. Thus he was consecrated as the Metropolitan by name Geevarghese Mar Dionysius VI on 31st May 1908. But he was not given the "staticon (kalpana)", the authorization letter assigning him to a particular church or a diocese specifying the field of his service. It is customary that every bishop when ordained, a staticon is also given to him. Later on, a staticon was issued without mentioning any, right of succession to Mar Dionysius V. The Patriarch Mar Abdulla expressed that office of the Metropolitan of Malankara was not necessay for the Indian Church. Accordingly the Patriarch has sent a Syrian Bishop by name Sleeba Mar Osthathios to India to succeed Mar Dionysius V, who was expecting Geevarghese Mar Dionysius VI to succeed him.
When Mar Dionysius V passed away on 11th July 1909, Patriarch Abdulla was requested to confirm the appointment of Geevarghese Mar Dionysius as his successor, which he had agreed. He was given a rousing welcome and felicitation by the Malankara Association and all Churches. During his meeting with leaders of Malankara Association, Patriarch made a suggestion in a very diplomatic way that they should write a statement acknowledging the authority of the Patriarch over everything in the Church, which few have opposed. Even then Patriarch gained strength by various methods. Patriarch Abdulla asserted that he had the authority whether the Indian Church admitted it or not. He was claiming both spiritual and temporal authority in the Church of Malabar as a divine right while the Royal Court decision admitted only the spiritual authority, which Mar Dionysius VI and those who stood with him were willing to admit but opposed to his claim of temporal authority. In fact this was the only difference between the two sides.
Spiritual authority here referred to matters related to interpretation of faith, maintenance of the sacramental life, and the observance of ecclesiastical discipline. Authority of temporal matters consisted of the carrying out of the Church's internal administration, management of its finances, Schools, Parishes and other institutions. Court decisions from the 19th Century (1889) had denied to the Patriarch authority in the temporal sphere. All the Bishops consecrated by Ihe Patriarch during the period following 1875, except Mar Dionysius VI, had admitted this illegitimate claim and given the Patriarchs concerned the registered deeds demanded by them. Thus in reality all of them have betrayed the cause of preserving the integrity of the Indian Church.But the only exception was Mar Dionysius VI. The Malankara Association also turned down the demand on the Patriarch. In the face of this serious humiliation, Patriarch Abdulla adopted the method of threats saying that if the Metroplitan did not abide by his demand, he would see evil days and the Church of Malabar would not see peace and unity any longer.
Finally Patriarch Abdulla with the advice of his supporters took the decision of sending a letter of excommunication to Metropolitan Mar Dionysius, received by him on 27th June 1911. Mar Dionysus convened the Managing Committee of the Church at the M.D. seminary Chapel. This meeting expressed its solidarity with the Metropolitan, ignoring his excommunication, and resolved to call the Malankara Association to workout the steps to be adopted in handling the situation. Meanwhile, in response to communication from Kerala, the Senior Patriarch Mar Abdul Messiah, the canonical Patriarch informed on 17th August 1911 that the excommunication of Mar Dionysius by Abdulla was null and void, and the Church of Malabar should only ignore it. The supporters of Mar Dionysius have requested the Senior Patriarch Mar Abdul Messaiah to visit India to repair the damage done by Patriarch Abdulla. Accordingly, on 13th June 1912 he arrived in Kerala. He raised Punnoose Ramban to the Episcopal rank as Metropolitan Geevarghese Mar Gregorios (later installed as third Catholicos in 1929), in cooperation with Mar Dionysius and Mar Evanios Murimattom. The Patriarch has also cooperated with Mar Dionysius and Mar Gregorios in the installation of Mar Ivanios as Catholicos, at Niranam. He has further consecrated two other Bishops, Geevarghese Mar Philoxenos, who became the second Catholicos in 1925, and Euachim Mar Ivanios.
Mar Abdul Messaiah returned to Antioch and passed away on 30th August 1915, before which he issued two Kalpanas dated 17th September 1912 and 24th February 1913 stating that the Catholicos has been installed, and that the Bishops of Malankara Syrian Church have the right to raise a successor to the Catholicos. It is given the authority to fulfill, in consultation with the Malankara Association, all the services needed for the edification of the Church, by the Holy Spirit. He shall thus ordain Melropolitans and Bishops, consecrate the Holy Mooron, and perform the other functions necessary for the Church. The matter had gone through the court and finally Mar Dionysius' right to be the Malankara Metropolitan and hold the Seminary and other assets of the Church in his possession was established in the Court.
Thus Mar Dionysius VI attained the zenith of his glory as the victor in all court cases. Ha had won all the law suits in which he was involved and he was legally recognized as the Metropolitan of Malankara. He had organized matters connected with the Church in such a way that the people who followed him were assured of their spiritual and ecclesiastical needs satisfactorily met. With all these obstacles Mar Dionysius had prepared the ground for establishing a seminary for the training of the candidates for the Church's ministry and concentratred on the formation of a constitution for the Church. During last days of his life, Mar Dionysius VI involved himself in the drawing up of the Constitution for the guidance of the Church and he made a draft for the same, though he could not see its adoption.
About a year before his death, Mar Dionysius VI got ready his 'Will', handing over all the properties of the Church administered by him to the episcopal Synod of the Church, after his time. The Patriarchal side raised objection to its adoption in Court, soon after his death. But it had no effect, as the court dismissed the case. The 'Will' was then registered and formally executed. He bade farewell to his earthly life on 23rd Febraury 1934 in triumph and glory, after receiving the benefits of all the sacred rites with full participation.
An illustrious leader, Mar Dionysius served the Malankara Syrian Church as its Metropolitan for a period of twenty five years. His unwavering faith, sincere devotion and dauntless courage are laudable and commendable.
During his priestly days when he was teaching in the Seminary, he wrote the Book Mathopadesa Sarangal (Basic Doctrines of Religion) which reflects the faith of man, such as teaching of the Church concerning God, the Sacraments, Prayer, Fasting, Man and his Salvation and similar subjects. He has also brought out the Malayalam version of Qurbana Kramam (Order of Service for Qurbana), now in use on Sundays in our Church.
Another historical achievement Mar Dionysius VI was able to pursue, was the establishment of the Catholicate in Kerala. Mar Abdul Messaiah Patriarch was willing to cooperate with Mar Dionysius VI and his episcopal colleagues in instituting the office of the Catholicate at Kottayam. Murimattathil His Grace Paulose Mar Ivanios was raised as the first Catholicos of the East in 1912 and he has been named as His Holiness Baselios Mar Paulose I. By the reestablishment of the Catholicate in Kerala, the Malankara Orthodox Church became autocephalous.
The first Catholicos of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, occupied the throne as stated above was His Holiness Baselios Mar Paulose I, installed at the Niranam Church in 1912. The Catholicate and the Patriarchate are indeed equal in rank. The Catholicos has the right at supervision over his church, in the same way as the Patriarch has it over that of his.
As our Church pays its profound respects to the sacred memory of Mar Dionysius VI, it should dedicate itself to follow his example and build on what he had begun. May the remembrance of his saintly life be a blessing to the Church as a whole and to its members individually.
Ref: 'Truth Triumph', by Rev. Dr. V.C. Samuel.

Lenten Retreat - Friday, March 4th 5-9pm CANCELED

2011-02-21T09:58:00.000-08:00

H.G. Alexios Mar Eusebius will be visiting Los Angeles during this weekend and will conduct a Lenten Retreat to help us prepare for the Great Lent. All our members should make every effort to attend this occasion and not miss this important message.

Theme: Lent and its importance in modern life situation
Date: Friday, March 4th
Time: 5pm - 9pm
Location: St. Thomas Orthodox Church, Whittier

Martha Mariam Samajam Meeting - March 6th

2011-02-21T09:45:00.000-08:00

There will be a Martha Mariam Samajam Meeting after the Holy Qurbana on Sunday, March 6th. All women are encouraged to participate. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Saramma John, Secretary.

His Holiness Honors His Grace Mathews Mar Barnabas' Wish to Retire

2011-01-19T23:16:00.000-08:00

His Holiness the Catholicos has formally accepted His Grace Mathews Mar Barnabas’ request to be relieved from administrative responsibilities as Diocesan Metropolitan of the Northeast American Diocese.
His Holiness has assumed the spiritual and temporal administration of the Northeast American Diocese according Constitutional provisions of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.
His Grace Zachariah Mar Nicholovos, Assistant Metropolitan of the Diocese has been appointed to discharge the administrative responsibilities of the Northeast American Diocese, on behalf of His Holiness the Catholicos until further orders.

St. Gregorios Day Celebrated

2010-11-11T23:04:00.000-08:00

St. Gregorios Day was celebrated on Sunday, November 7th. Special Prayers, Rasa, taking down the flag and a great feast was provided to all that attended. This Perunal was the first after the inauguration of our new church. During the taking down of the flag, a chenda mela was provided to end all festivities. We thank all the members and families that worked hard to make this event a grand success.

Parish General Body Meeting - Nov 14th

2010-11-11T22:59:00.000-08:00

A Parish General Body Meeting has been scheduled on Sunday, November 14th after the Holy Qurbana. All eligible members have been posted on the church bulletin board. The main agenda for the meeting will be electing office bearers for 2011. Please make every effort to attend.

Central Region Prayer Meeting - Sat., August 21st @ 6pm

2010-08-15T20:46:00.000-07:00

A regional prayer meeting has been scheduled at Mr. John Varghese (Vinu) and Jesse's home in Cerritos on Saturday, August 21st. All members in this region as well as from the nearby cities should plan to attend.

Address: (click here for directions)
13017 Palm Place
Cerritos, CA 90703
(562) 921-1866

Sunday School Day Celebration and Competitions - July 11th & 18th

2010-07-01T00:22:00.000-07:00

This year's Sunday School Celebrations and Competitions will be held after the Holy Qurbana on July 11th and 18th. Please prepare your children for the competitions. July 4th is the deadline to sign up for the July 11th competition and July 11th is the last day to sign up for the July 18th competitions. Please contact Sunday School Director, Dr. Nebu John and sign up as early as possible. Please visit our website for detailed information.

Address for New Church

2010-05-26T23:58:00.000-07:00

The address for the new church is:

14121 Coteau Dr.
Whittier, CA 90604

Click here for directions.

Evening Prayer at New Church

2010-05-26T23:56:00.000-07:00

An evening prayer at the new church before beginning Services is scheduled on Saturday, May 29th at 7pm. All are requested to partake in this evening prayer.

Last Holy Qurbana at Montebello Church - May 23rd

2010-05-20T19:13:00.000-07:00

Sunday, May 23rd will be our last Service at the Montebello Church. We have been at this church since September 1986. Many of us have grown up in this church and have great memories that we take with us. Achen has requested that all our members attend this last Service and take Holy Communion.

This will also be Pentecost Sunday so please make every effort not to miss this last Service at the Montebello Church.

New Church Consecration

2010-05-12T08:35:00.000-07:00

September 4th Weekend (Tentative)
Our new church consecration is tentatively scheduled for the September 4th Weekend. H.G. Alexios Mar Eusebios, Diocesan Bishop, will conduct the Consecration Services. Details will follow in the coming months.

Please continue to pray for our church during this transition period.

First Qurbana at New Church

2010-05-12T08:34:00.001-07:00

Sunday, May 30th
Our first Holy Qurbana at the new church will be held on Sunday, May 30th. More details will be provided in the coming weeks.

Church Moving Schedule

2010-05-12T08:31:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 22nd (Packing/Moving)
Pack all items from Montebello Church.
Sunday, May 23rd (Move Items)
All items will be moved to the Whittier Church after Holy Qurbana.
Saturday, May 29th (Unpacking)
Unpack all the items at the Whittier Church and prepare for first Holy Qurbana.

We need everyone's help in making this memorable event a success. Please volunteer your time with Mr. Mathew John, Secretary as soon as possible.

Prayer Meeting @ Mr. Rajan Varughese's Home in Monrovia

2010-05-12T08:26:00.000-07:00

A Prayer Meeting has been scheduled at Mr. Rajan and Sheela Varughese's home in Monrovia on Saturday, May 15th at 5:30pm. All members in the Valley Areas, Culver City, Los Angeles, Glendale, Arcadia and nearby areas should plan to attend.

Address:
1160 Norumbega Dr.
Monrovia, CA 91016
(626) 239-6125

Please click here for directions.

Marcus Mathews' Sister-in-law Passes Away

2010-05-03T22:07:00.000-07:00

Mr. Marcus Mathews' sister-in-law, Mrs. Perm Elias, passed away Sunday in Dallas, Texas.

The St. Thomas Orthodox Church gives our heartfelt condolences to Mathews and Family. Please pray for the family during this difficult time.

Palm Sunday Video

2010-04-11T08:26:00.000-07:00

Please see the pictures and video from this year's Palm Sunday Service. We thank Mr. Winson Varghese for putting this together.

Sunday School Students Records a New OVBS Song

2010-04-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

The Sunday School Children with the assistance of Mr. Kirk and Sheba Edwards have accomplished a great task for this years' OVBS. First time ever, the students have recorded an OVBS song. This song will be submitted to the Diocese so it can be included in the OVBS CD's that will be distributed to all the churches outside Kerala. We congratulate all that worked hard and participated to make this a success.

Please download the music and share with your family.

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T23:58:00.000-07:00

Wishing all our members a Happy Easter!

Palm Sunday

2010-03-22T14:15:00.000-07:00

Palm Sunday Service will be held on March 28th at 8:30am. Please make sure to bring flowers for the Osana Service.

Feed the Poor Day - March 27th

2010-03-22T14:12:00.000-07:00

The Sunday School along with the Youth League and the MGOCSM will be making sandwiches on Saturday, March 27th after the Holy Confession for the poor. The plan will be to deliver the food to a local mission afterwards. Please bring your children and partake in this giving during our Great Lent. Please contact Dr. Nebu John if you need any further details.

Confession Day - March 27th @ 10am

2010-03-22T14:02:00.000-07:00

A confession day for the Sunday School and all our members have been scheduled for Saturday, March 27th at 10am. Please prepare prior to coming and bring all your family to partake in the sacrament of Holy Confession.

Prayer Meeting - Sat., March 27th @ 5:30pm

2010-03-22T13:56:00.000-07:00

A South Region prayer meeting has been scheduled at Soomodh and Anitha's home in Fontana on Saturday, March 27th at 5:30pm. This will be our last Lenten Prayer Meeting. All members in the nearby cities should make every effort to attend.

Address: Click here for directions
7208 Oak Tree Pl., Fontana, CA 92336

Prayer Meeting Central Region - Sat., March 20th @ 5:30pm

2010-03-13T21:49:00.000-08:00

A Central Region Lent Prayer Meeting has been scheduled at the home of Mrs. Seema and Saji Geevarghese's home in Cerritos. Please make every effort to attend.

11606 Bos St.
Cerritos, CA 90703
(562) 402-7087

Mid-Lent Service - Wed., March 10th @ 6:30pm

2010-03-08T22:23:00.000-08:00

The Mid-Lent Service will be held on Wednesday, March 10th at 6:30pm. Please plan to attend with your family. This is the day we erect the Golgotha.

Prayer Meeting North Region - Sat., March 13th @ 5:30pm

2010-03-08T21:42:00.000-08:00

A North Region Lent Prayer Meeting has been scheduled at the home of Mrs. Reeba and Mathew (Sajan) John's home in Simi Valley. Please make every effort to attend.

2158 Fig Street,
Simi Valley, CA 93063

Prayer Meeting South Region - Sat., March 6th @ 5:30pm

2010-03-01T21:47:00.000-08:00

A South Region Lent Prayer Meeting has been scheduled at the home of Mrs. Kunjumol and Peter Palal's home in Cypress. Please make every effort to attend.

11409 Provedencia St.
Cypress, CA 90630

Great Lent Prayer Meeting (North Region)

2010-02-17T20:42:00.000-08:00

A prayer meeting has been scheduled at Mr. Thankachen Varghese's home in Culver City on Saturday, February 20th at 5:30pm. Please make every effort to attend.

11208 Ryandale Dr., (Click here for directions)
Culver City CA 90232
(310) 390-4587

7 New Bishops Elected

2010-02-17T20:26:00.000-08:00

Malankara Association held today at Sasthamkotta Elected the Following 7 Candidates as Bishops.

1. Fr. Dr. V. M. Abraham (40) - B.Sc. B.D, G.S.T, M.Th, D.min, General Secretary (MGOCM of India), St. George Valiya Pally, Eram, Thumpamon Diocese.

2. Fr. Dr. George Pulikkottil (42) – B.Sc, B.D, M.Th, DTh, Professor, St. Thomas Orthodox Theological Seminary Nagpur. Member St. Mathias Church, South Bazar, Kunnamkulam.

3. Fr. V. M. James (56) – M.A, G.S.T, B.D, M.Th, Dip in Theology manager, Mar Elia Chapel, Mount Horeb Ashram, Sasthamkotta. Member of St. Elias Orthodox Church, Dudhannoor, Chengannoor Diocese.

4. Fr. Dr. John Mathews (57) – B.A, M.R.E, Phd. Professor, Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam. From St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral, Kollam.

5. Very Rev. Dr. Nathanel Ramban (57) – M.A, B.D, M.Th, DTh. Principal St. Pauls Mission Centre, Mavelikkara. Member Mar Baselios Church, Vazhuvady Mavelikkara Diocese.

6. Fr. Dr. Sabu Kuriakose (43) – B.Sc, G.S.T, B.D, M.Th, D.Th. Principal Secretary to His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Didymus I. Member St. George Valiyapally, Chungathara.

7. Very Rev. Yuhanon Remban (47) M.A, B.D, G.S.T, S.T.M Superior,Holytrinity Ashramam, Ranni. Member St. Thomas Valiya Pally, Pandalam, Chengannoor Diocese.

Titus Areeckal's Mother Passes Away

2010-02-05T20:00:00.000-08:00

The mother of Mr. Paulose (Late), Elias, Varghese, and Titus Areeckal has passed away on Thursday, February 4th. Mother is also survived by four daughters, Salomy, Baby, Alice and Gladis (All are in New York). Viewing arrangements are scheduled for Saturday, February 6th between 4pm and 7pm at Del Angel Funeral Home, 1001 N. Maclay Ave., San Fernando 91340. St. Thomas Orthodox Church gives our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Areeckal and all the families. Please pray for the families during this difficult time.

Danaha Perunnal - Jan. 10th to begin at 8:30am

2010-01-08T14:56:00.000-08:00

Danaha Perunnal (The birth of our Lord Jesus Christ) is on January 6th, however we will have the service on Sunday, January 10th along with the Holy Qurbana. The morning prayers will begin at 8:30am and the Danaha Service will start at 9:15am and the Holy Qurbana to continue after at 9:45am. Sunday School will be held as usual at 9am so please make sure to bring your children on time. Fr. Alakott will conduct the services.

New Office Bearers for 2010

2009-12-30T10:59:00.000-08:00

The elections for 2010 Office Bearers were held on Sunday, November 29th. The following are the Office Bearers:
Secretary: Mr. Mathew John (Sajan)
Treasurer: Mr. John P. Varghese (Vinu)
Committee Members: North Region (Mr. Sodharan Varughese & Mrs. Reeba Mathew)
Central Region (Mr. Johnson Baby & Mrs. Mariamma Alexander)
South Region (Mr. Sony Mathews & Mrs. Susan E. Varughese)
All Regions (Mr. Mathew Varughese, Mr. Abraham George, Mr. Alexander Mathew & Mr. Jacob K. Mathew)
Auditors: Mr. K.M. Mathew & Mr. Saji Philipose
Sunday School Director: Dr. Nebu John
Prayer Coordinator: Mr. Abraham Varughese
Entertainment Coordinator: Mrs. Elizabeth Mathew (Sheena)
Food Coordinator: Mr. Sodharan Varughese
Communications Coordinator: Mr. Mathew Varughese

New Year's Eve Service - Thu., December 31st @ 6:30pm

2009-12-29T21:47:00.000-08:00

There will be a New Year's eve Service on Thursday, December 31st at 6:30pm. Please make every effort to attend the candle light service to end 2009 and begin 2010 with prayers.

No Holy Qurbana on December 27th

2009-12-21T19:38:00.000-08:00

There will not be a Holy Qurbana on Sunday, December 27th. We will resume our Service on Thursday, December 31st. Since Panicker Achen will be going to India for vacation, Fr. Alakott will conduct services in his absence.

Ecumenical Christmas Program - Sat., December 26th

2009-12-21T19:32:00.001-08:00

This year's Ecumenical Christmas Program will be held on Saturday, December 26th at 5:30pm at St. Bernandine of Siena Church Auditorium in Woodland Hills. Please inform your friends and make every effort to attend. Please click here for directions...

Christmas Service Begins at 7am

2009-12-21T19:29:00.000-08:00

We will have our Christmas Service on Friday, December 25th at 7am. This year we will begin 2 hours earlier and conclude at 10:30am. May the Birth of Christ bring Love, Joy and Peace to all our families. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Program - Margam Kali

2009-12-19T22:38:00.000-08:00

The Kerala Kuttappans performed a spectacular Margam Kali for the Christmas Program held at Bellflower Civic Auditorium on Sunday, Decemeber 13th. Please see the youtube video attached. Thanks to all the participants for their dedicated time and effort. Click to see the video...

Christmas Caroling - December 20th

2009-12-14T20:49:00.000-08:00

We will be visiting homes in the cities of Fullerton, Anaheim, Cypress, Fountain Valley, Irvine, Foothill Ranch and Newport Coast.

Inauguration of Bishop's House for South-West Diocese of America

2009-12-08T19:38:00.000-08:00

The inauguration of the new Bishop house for the Diocese of South-West America was held on Dec 6th 2009 at 6pm.The location of the new Bishop house is 3703 Chesterdale Dr., Missouri City, Texas and is near to Sienna Plantation at Estates of Silver Lake sub division.
The Diocesan center will operate from this building until the diocese purchase a full fledged diocesan center in future. The total sq feet of the building is 5600 with a lot size of 1.25 acre completely fenced and gated. The building features a diocesan office, Chapel, conference room, 5 bed rooms and 4.5 baths.
Metropolitans Zachariah Mar Nicholovos( Diocese of North East America ) and Dr. Yuhanon Mar Chrysostomos (Diocese of Niranam) lead the dedication service along with the Diocesan Bishop Alexios Mar Eusebius. Over 350 people attended the inauguration ceremony.

Christmas Caroling - Sat., December 12th

2009-12-08T19:14:00.000-08:00

San Fernando Valley, Glendale, North Hollywood, Monrovia, Fontana, Corona, Temecula, Chino Hills, Diamond Bar and nearby areas.

Easter Service to start at 7am

2009-11-29T23:14:00.000-08:00

The General Body held on November 29th approved to have the Easter Service begin at 7am.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T00:13:00.000-08:00

The Managing Committee wishes all our families a Happy Thanksgiving! May we all thank God for all the blessings He has showered upon us this year. Let us pray for and help those that are in need during these Holiday Season. Please bring some canned food or some toys to church on Sunday. We will be delivering these items to the shelters in Los Angeles.

Benzi Alex and Family Moves to Northern California

2009-11-25T23:44:00.000-08:00

Benzi Alex and family will be moving to Northern California temporarily. Benzi, Reeba and Becky have been instrumental part of our church choir and caroling group. Benzi has setup the foundation for the choir group and have brought our Holy Qurbana to a new level. We appreciate all the dedicated work Benzi and family have provided for our church and wish them well. We know that Benzi will be back soon to continue the work that he has started. May God bless the family!