2012 Christmas Program - Sat., December 22nd @ 5pm

The 2012 Christmas Program "The Miracle of Christmas", will be held on, Saturday, December 22nd, at 5pm at William Bristol Auditorium in Bellflower. 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, Coordinator, if you need more information.

William Bristol Auditorium (Click here for directions)
16600 Civic Center Dr.
Bellflower, CA 90706

MMVS Meeting - Sun., December 16th

The last Morth Mariam Vanitha Samajam Meeting for 2012 will be held on Sunday, December 16th, after the Holy Qurbana. All women are requested to attend and participate. We will also have our annual elections for 2013 at this meeting.

We had a great year with lots of activities including the Diocesan Level Annual Conference in October. All the hard work from each member made the conference a huge success. Let us continue to keep the Samajam growing and improve our spiritual knowledge.

 

Live Burial Service of Barnabas Thirumeni - Tue., Dec 11th @ 6pm

The Burial of His Grace Mathews Mar Barnabas, Metropolitan, will be shown live this evening (Tuesday, December 11, 2012) at 6PM at www.orthodoxtv.in.

The Burial Service of our Vailya Thirumeni at Sts. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church, Valayanchirangara, Kerala, India will begin with Holy Qurbana (7:30AM IST), celebrated by His Grace Zachariah Mar Nicholovos, Metropolitan followed by the Rite of Burial.

His Grace Mathews Mar Barnabas enters eternal rest

With faith in Christ and in hope of the Resurrection, we inform you of the falling asleep of our beloved Father in Christ, His Grace Mathews Mar Barnabas, Metropolitan.

Information on the Burial Services will be informed as it is finalized in India by His Holiness the Catholicos of the East.

May the memory of our Father in Christ, be eternal!

St. Thomas Orthodox Church of Los Angeles will remember all the memories His Grace has left us and pray for his soul.

Fr. Stephen Varghese of OCYM Visits Los Angeles

Fr. Stephen Varghese, General Secretary of the Orthodox Christian Youth Movement (OCYM) will be celebrating the Holy Qurbana on Sunday, December 9th.

Fr. Stephen Varghese of Chenganur Diocese hails from the Thekkedath Kizhakkethil family, Kudassanadu.

The Orthodox Christian Youth Movement (OCYM), One of the most important spiritual Organization of the Malankara Orthodox Church has come a longway. This spiritual organization having worship, study and service as its objective, occupies a significant place in the history of our church.  The Youth should be the courage of faith shown by St. Stephen, the wisdom of St. Paul and the compassion shown by our Lord Jesus Christ, so should all of us. "Sell what you have and give alms provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not jail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is there your heart will be also "(St. Luke 12:33, 34).

Pictures from Sunday School Talent Competition

The Sunday School Talent Competitions were held on Saturday, November 17th. Our children displayed their great talents in the various age groups and categories.  We are very proud of the growth of our children as well as the parents who have taken time to dedicate towards the Sunday School Programs.  We thank Achen, coordinators, parents and children who made the program a success.  Please continue to encourage your children and pray for our Sunday School.

Pictures from the Talent Competition (click here)

Sunday School Parish Level Talent Competitions - Sat., November 17th

The Sunday School Parish Level Talent Comptetitions will be held on Saturday, November 17th from 9am to 4pm at church.  This will provide an opportunity for our children at the parish level for the development and encouragement of their talents.  Competitions will be held for solo song, group song, instrumental music, Bible verse find, speech and talent show. 

Please contact Mr. Winson Varghese, Parent-Teacher Association representative, to sign up or if you have any questions.    Please encourage your children to participate.

Competition Guidelines (click here)

Pictures from Memorial Perunal of St. Gregorios of Parumala

Please enjoy the pictures from the Perunal Rasa held on Sunday, November 4th. 

പരിശുദ്ധ പരുമല തിരുമേനീ.... ഞങ്ങൾക്കു വേണ്ടി അപേക്ഷിക്കേണമേ.....

Picture Video of 110th Memorial Perunal of St. Gregorios of Parumala.

St. Gregorios Day Perunal Evening Prayer - November 3rd @ 5:30pm

Sat., November 3rd at 5:30pm - Prayer & Devotional Talk
An evening prayer along with devotional talk and meditation is scheduled for Saturday, November 3rd at church. All members are requested to attend and participate.  Please contact Abraham Varughese, if you wish to host a prayer meeting.

Catholicate Centenary Celebrations: Significance and importance

The Malankara Orthodox Church, established by St. Thomas, disciple of Lord Jesus Christ, Apostle and Patron Saint of India in AD 52 has sustained so far in its original charisma only because of God’s special care, abundant graces and blessings.

Many Churches which came into existence in almost the same time of the inception of Malankara Church, which became prominent and influential later, disappeared from the face of earth in course of time. In this context, the greatness of the graces and blessings bestowed upon our Church becomes significant.

Sunday School Centralized Written Competitions - Sun., October 21st

The Sunday School centralized written competitions will be held Sunday, October 21st according to the attached schedule.  The competition details are also attached for your reference.  If you have any questions regarding the exam or schedule, please contact Stephen Mathew (Anish).  Please bring your children on time.

Competition Schedule
Competition Subject Details

MMVS Conference on Orthodox TV

Coming up on Orthodox TV

Southwest American Diocese Morth Mariam Samajam
4th Annual Conference

held at St. Thomas Orthodox Church, Los Angeles

on 19th Friday & 21st Sunday

The conference will be shown on OrthodoxTV.in on the following days.  Please make a note to watch and inform others.

Schedule I
Friday

10 AM EST
O9 AM CST
O8 AM MST
07 AM PST
INDIA 07.30 PM
Dubai 06.00 PM

Schedule II
Sunday
09 PM EST
O8 PM CST
O7 PM MST
06 PM PST
INDIA 06.30 AM Monday
Dubai 05.00 AM Monday

Diocese of South West America Morth Mariam Samajam 4th Annual Conference held at St.Thomas Orthodox Church Los Angels

 

Promo Videos (Pictures taken by Winson, Viji and Sodharan)

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=VzodXhfXFwc

2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auiqFwrllyE&feature=share

MMVS Conference

The 2012 Annual MMVS Diocesan Conference will begin today at 8am.  Over 85 women from out of California and 100 women from California will be attending the conference.  The conference is co-hosted with St. Gregorios and St. Mary's Church of Los Angeles. The Keynote Speaker is Fr. Dr. O. Thomas.  All are excited to begin the conference.  The local committees worked very hard in coordinating the event and now will see the results.

Prayer at Church - Sat., September 22nd @ 6:30pm

A prayer meeting has been scheduled at church on Saturday, September 22nd at 6:30pm.  Please make every effort to attend.

If you wish to host a prayer meeting at your home or at church, please contact Mr. Abraham Varughese, Prayer Coordinator.

Picnic Pictures

Please see some of the pictures from our Church Picnic held on Saturday, September 8th at Cerritos Park East.  We thank Roy Varghese, Jijo Koshy and all the volunteers that helped make this year's picnic a success. 

Click here to see pictures

2011-12 Sunday School Awards - September 16th

The Sunday School Awards for the academic year 2011-12 will be held after the Holy Qurbana on September 16th.  This is a time to reflect on our children's accomplishments for the past year.  Please make sure your children attend the awards ceremony.

Harvest Day - September 9th

Harvest Day  celebration is scheduled for this Sunday after the Holy Qurbana. We request  all our families to participate and bring any items harvested at your home or  wish to donate.

Sunday School Restarts September 9th @ 9am

The 2012-13 Sunday  School Year will begin this Sunday at 9am.  Please plan to bring your  children on time.  If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Nebu  John, Principal.

Happy Birthday to H.H. Baselius Mar Thoma Paulose II

Wishing our Catholicose, H.H. Baselius Mar Thoma Paulose II, a Happy Birthday.  His Holiness will be 67 on August 30th.  We pray for his health and wish him all the best in his leadership.

MORTH MARIAM SAMAJAM DAY - Sun., August 19th

We are commemorating the blessed Feast of Assumption of St. Mary, the Mother of God. This lent is always observed during the days of August 1-15. This Sunday, the South-West Diocese will celebrate Morth Mariam Samajam Day so we will have various activities at our parish to celebrate this special day. We request all ladies to prepare and take Holy Communion on Sunday. The Diocese also has requested that all ladies make some donation toward the Charity Project of the Samajam. We also request that all ladies try to dress in the traditional Kerala Sari if possible.

A Documentary about Mathews Mar Barnabas Metropolitan

St. Thomas Day Perunal - July 21-22

The St. Thomas Day Purunal will be held from Saturday, July 21st to Sunday, July 22nd.  The Diocesan Metropolitan, H.G. Alexios Mar Eusebius will be here to celebrate the Perunal and conduct all the events.  The following are the schedule of events for the weekend.



Sat., July 21
5:30pm - Flag Hoisting
5:45pm - Evening Prayer
6:15pm - Devotional Speech

Sun., July 22
9:00am - Morning Prayer
9:45am - Holy Qurbana
11:45am - Rasa
12:30pm - Inauguration of Church Library
               - Award Ceremony - Jobin Panicker
               - Makarios Thirumeni Scholarship Award
1:00pm- Feast

South Zone (2) will be responsible for the pot-luck so please contact Sodharan Varughese to coordinate the items.

Please don't miss any of the activities and plan to recieve blessing from Thirumeni.

H.G. Yuhanon Mar Meletius - Prayer Meeting

H.G. Mar Meletius speaking at Prayer Meeting on Saturday hosted by Mr. Thomas Varughese, Torrance.

PRAYER MEETING - Saturday, June 30th @ 6pm, Mr. Thomas Varughese, Torrance

This is a reminder  that a General Prayer Meeting has been scheduled for Saturday, June 30th at  6pm at the home of Mrs. Achamma and Thomas Varughese, Torrance.  H.G. Yuhannon Mar Milithios is visiting Los Angeles and will conduct the prayer meeting.  All our families should plan to attend and participate in the prayer meeting.


Address: (Click here for directions)
21229 Doble Ave.
Torrance, CA    90502
(310) 561-8895

If you wish to host a prayer meeting at your home or at church, please contact Mr. Abraham Varughese.

Mother of Abraham Chacko Passed Away - Prayer at 6:30pm

We are very saddened to inform you that the mother of Mr. Abraham Chacko (Norwalk), Mrs. Mariamma Chacko (96), has passed away in India.  A prayer meeting has been sheduled at his home in Norwalk at 6:30pm tonight.  Please pass on the information to our members in your area.The St. Thomas Orthodox Church gives our heart-felt condolences to the family.  Please keep the family in your daily prayers during this difficult time.

PRAYER MEETING
Date: Monday, June 4, 2012
Time: 6:30pm
Address:  15423 Studebaker Rd. (Click here for directions)
Norwalk, CA  90650
(562) 868-9295

Sunday School Final Exam - Sun., June 3rd

The Final Exam will take place on Sunday, June 3rd at 9am.  Parents are kindly requested to prepare their children and bring them on time.  Please contact Dr. Nebu John if you have any questions.

Sunday School General Assembly - Sun., May 27th

A General Assembly will be held on Sunday, May 27th after the Holy Qurbana.  All students, teachers and parents should plan to attend.

Prayer Meeting - George Alex, Sat., May 19th @ 6pm

A Prayer Meeting is being hosted by Mr. George and Asha Alex at their home in Murrieta, on Saturday, May 19th. We request all members in the South Region and nearby areas to attend and participate in the Prayer Meeting.




George Alex
39864 Hillsboro Cir. (Click here for directions)
Murrieta, CA 92562
(951) 324-2164


If you would like to schedule a prayer meeting either at your home or at church, please contact Mr. Abraham Varughese.

MGOCSM Group Discussion - Sun, May 13th @ 1pm

A Youth Group Discussion for High School Students and up has been scheduled for Sunday, May 6th from 1 to 3pm at church. Please make arrangements and have your children attend.  If you have any questions, please contact Anish or Binil Mathew.

Photo Gallery - MMVS Parish Level Talent Competitions

We thank all the MMVS Parish Level Competition participants in making the event a success. Please see photo gallery.

Marth Mariam Samajam Conducts 1st Talent Competitions

Marth Mariam Vanitha Samajam conducted its first ever Talent Competition on April 22nd.  Competitions were held for Solo Song, Group Song and Speech.  Over twenty members participated in the event and made it memorable to remember.  The judges were Santhosh Achen from Houston, Dn. Saju Varghese and Mr. George Mathew.  Many were in attendance to witness this exciting event and cheer on the participants.  We congratulate all the winners who will go onto the next level Regional Competitions on June 16th.

Images from Good Friday Service

Fr. Shoban Baby, Fr. Yohannan Panicker and Dn. Saju Varghese lead the Good Friday Service.

 

Prayer Meeting - Dr. Joy Paul, Sat., March 24th @ 6pm

A Prayer Meeting is being hosted by Dr. Joy and Lally Paul at their home in Rancho Palos Verdes, on Saturday, March 24th.  We request all members in the North Region and nearby areas to attend and participate in the Prayer Meeting.

Dr. Joy and Lally Paul
6449 Le Blanc Pl. (Click here for directions)
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA  90274
(310) 541-3607


If you would like to schedule a prayer meeting either at your home or at church, please contact Mr. Abraham Varughese.

Mid-Lent Service - Wed., March 14th @ 6pm

There will be a Mid-Lent Holy Qurbana on Wednesday, March 14th at 6pm.  Please make every effort to attend this Special Service.

This is the day we erect the Golgotha in the middle of the church. There are several significances to the erection of Golgotha.

The Bible Reading says: "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3: 14-15. Jesus predicted his eventual crucifixion to his disciples in this verse.
Moses lifted up the bronze serpent in the middle of the desert (wilderness) around the middle of the Exodus, the journey of the Israelites from slavery to their promised land. He lifted up the serpent so that those who are bitten by the snake might look at it and have life. Similarly the cross (Jesus) is lifted up in the middle of the church so that we are reminded that those who are bitten by sin can look at Jesus and gain eternal life by the Him.

The Golgotha and erection of cross in the middle of the church also signifies that God came down from heaven and dwelt among us in this world. This is why the Golgotha is in the middle of the church with us, the common folks, and not in the Madbaha as we normally expect to find it. It is going to be in the middle of the church till Good Friday (representing the Public Ministry of Jesus) when it will be taken to Calvary and then buried. On Easter, Jesus will rise from the dead and then the cross will be placed in the Madbaha for another 40 days till the Feast of Ascension. Between the Easter and Ascension, Jesus only revealed to selected people (no public ministry as earlier), so the veiled cross will be seen only in the Madbaha during this time.

Prayer Meeting at Church - Sat., March 10th @ 6pm

A Prayer Meeting is being hosted by Mr. Abraham George and Family on Saturday, March 10th at church.  Please make every effort to attend and participate in the Lenten Prayer Meetings.

If you would like to schedule a prayer meeting either at your home or at church, please contact Mr. Abraham Varughese.

South Region Prayer - Mr. Mathew Varughese, Sat., February 25th @ 6pm

A South Region Prayer Meeting has been scheduled at Mr. Mathew and Susan (Biji) Varughese's home in Cypress on Saturday, February 25th at 6pm. We request everyone in the South Region and nearby areas to attend. Please pass this information to other members in your area.


Mr. Mathew Varughese (Viji)
9965 Princeton St. (click here for directions)
Cypress, CA 90630
(714) 821-3677

H.G. Mar Osthathios Entered Into Eternal Rest

H.G Dr. Geevarghese Mar Osthathios entered into eternal rest at 8:10 pm, Februrary 16th, 2012, Indian time. During the last week he was admitted in Parumala Hospital because of kidney and other issues which had arisen because of old age. His Grace was 94 years old. He was the metropolitan of the Niranam diocese from 1975-2007. He was retired since then. He had served actively on the World Council of Churches.
Ordained as a Deacon on 9 August, 1947. He was then ordained as priest on 10 May 1956. Elected by the Malankara Syrian Christian Association as a Metropolitan on 2 Oct 1974.

H.G. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Osthathios

His Grace Dr. Geevarghese Mar Osthathios is in critical condition at Parumala Hospital. Please remember His Grace in your prayers.

MGOCSM Bible Study - Sun., February 12th @ 1pm

A Youth Bible Study for High School Students and up has been scheduled for Sunday, February 12th from 1 to 3pm 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.

Marth Mariam Samajam Meeting - Sun., February 12th

Inviting all women to be part of an exciting, educational and spiritual journey.  This year will be an important year with the Diocesan Marth Mariam Samajam Conference being held at our church in October.  The theme for this year is taken from Titus 2:7, "Show yourself in all respects a model of good deeds."  Please join us after the Holy Qurbana on February 12th.

Central Region Prayer - Mr. BC Mathews, Sat., February 11th @ 6pm

A Central Region Prayer Meeting has been scheduled at Mr. B.C. Mathews and Rajamma's home in Cerritos on Saturday, February 11th at 6pm.  We request everyone in the Central Region and nearby areas to attend.  Please pass this information to other members in your area.


Mr. B.C. Mathews
11342 Michelle St. (click here for directions)
Cerritos, CA  90703
(562) 860-0694

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

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

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

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

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

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

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