Miracle Of Christmas Program - Sun., Dec 22nd @ 4pm

Miracle of Christmas Program will be held on Sunday, December 22nd at 4pm at the Bellflower Civic Auditorium.  Please try to bring at least one more family to the program.

Please remind all your family and friends to attend.  See you all there!

MGOCSM California Basketball Tournament - Sat., Nov 30th @ 1pm

The MGOCSM California Basketball Tournament will be held tomorrow, Saturday November 30, 2013 starting at 1:00 PM in the Brea Community Center (695 Madison Ave., Brea, CA 92621).  Please come out and support this event and enjoy a day out with your family.  See you all there!

Click here for directions

Funeral Details for Philipose Geevarghese

We are very saddened by the loss of our dearest Philipose uncle (79) on Saturday, October 19th. He is survived by his wife, Aleykutty, brothers, Kunjumon and Mathewkutty, sisters, Saramma and Kunjumol and children Jessy, Saji and Joice.  We pray for his soul and ask courage and strength for the families in this difficult time. The following are the details for the funeral:

Viewing/Funeral Services:
Sunday, October 27th, 5pm - 8pm
Forest Lawn Cypress
Church of our Fathers Chapel
4471 Lincoln Ave.
Cypress, CA 90630

Click here for directions

Burial Service/Final Resting Place

Monday, October 28th at 11:30am (No Viewing)
Forest Lawn Cypress
Church of our Fathers Chapel
4471 Lincoln Ave.
Cypress, CA 90630

Please participate in refreshments afterwards at the Cypress Room Hall in Forrest Lawn, Cypress.

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

Mr. Philipose Geevarghese (Cerritos) Passes Away

It is with deepest sorrows that we inform you that our dearest friend, Mr. Philipose Geevarghese, 79 years old, passed away yesterday evening. He is survived by his wife, Aleykutty, brothers, Kunjumon and Mathewkutty, sisters, Saramma and Kunjumol and children Jessy, Saji and Joice.  Funeral details will follow as it gets finalized.

The St. Thomas Orthodox Church gives our heartfelt condolences to all the families.  Please pray for them during this difficult time.

Church Retreat - Sat., October 26th, H.G. Yuhanon Mar Meletius

A Retreat has been scheduled for Saturday, October 26th from 9am - 4pm at Church.  H.G. Yuhanon Mar Meletius will be visiting Los Angeles and will conduct the Retreat.  Please mark your calendars and plan to attend with your family.

Thirumeni will be celebrating the Holy Qurbana on Sunday, October 27th and will also be hoisting the flag for St. Gregorios Day Perunal which will be held the following weekend.

Divyabodhanam Class - Monday, October 7th at 6pm

A Divyabodhanam class will be held tomorrow, Monday, October 7th by Tele-Conference. Classes sessions are held for 1 hour every month . The topics to be covered are from the associated books. The time and the date is fixed on the First Monday of Every Month at 06:00 PM Pacific time.


Western Regional Coordinator:  Mr. Abraham Mathew, Fullerton

The tele-conference number is 1- 218-632-0187 Code 3703#

Please click here to see more details about Divyabodhanam.

Bava Thirumeni's Onam Message

Blessings and wishes for a prosperous, joyous and peaceful Onam!!

Pictures from Church Picnic

See all the pictures from the church picnic.

Click here to see pictures

Sunday School Teachers Meeting - Sun., August 25th

A Sunday School Teachers meeting has been scheduled for Sunday, August 25th after the Holy Qurbana.  We are also seeking volunteers to assist with our Sunday School so if you are interested, please contact Mr. Mathew Varughese, Principal.  Please plan to attend and bring your ideas for the new year.

San Diego Chapel Service - Sat., August 24th

There will be Holy Qurbana celebrated at the San Diego Chapel on Saturday, August 24th at 9:30am.  Please plan to attend with your family.

Grace Chapel
9050 Mira Mesa Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92126

Fr. Dr. Reji Mathew Visits LA - July 28th

Fr. Dr. Reji Mathew visiting from India will celebrate Holy Qurbana on Sunday, July 28th.  Please plan to attend and hear his message.

Fr. Dr. Reji Mathew is currently professor at the Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam. He is also Dean of Studies for the Seminary as well as Registrar of the Federated Faculty for Research in Religion and Science(FFRRC). Following a Bachelor in Education (B.Ed.) from the Mahatma Gandhi University, Fr. Reji Mathew began his theological education at the Orthodox Theological Seminary at Kottayam where he completed the Graduate in Sacred Theology (diploma) and Bachelor in Divinity degree with first class and second rank from Serampore University. He earned a Master in Theology (New Testament) from the FFRRC under the Senate of Serampore. He further completed an M.A. in English from the Kerala University. He has earned a Doctorate in Theology in New Testament from the Friedrich Alexander University in Erlangen, Germany. His research was on The Christological Significance of the Geneology of Jesus in St. Matthew's Gospel. He has been lecturer at the OTS Kottayam since 2010

His principal areas of teaching are New Testament, Inter-Testamental Period and Dead Sea Scrolls.

Fr. Reji Mathew is the Executive Editor for the Thiruvachana Bhashyam and is on the Curriculum Committee of the Orthodox Sunday School Association of the East (OSSAE). He currently serves as Vice-President of Akhila Malankara Orthodox Susrushaka Sangom (AMOSS). He is also a member of the Joint Commission for Orthodox – Roman Catholic Church.

‘A Commentary on I Corinthians’ (Thiruvachana Bhashyam) and ‘I Worship Therefore I Am’ are two of is very popular books. Along with several other articles in various Church publications, he also authored the popular article ‘Jesus Christ as the Hermeneutical Key for Interpreting the Book of Revelations’.

Fr. Reji Mathew has served as Principal of the St. Thomas Orthodox Theological Seminary (STOTS) at Nagpur (1991-2010), Director of the OSSAE Outside Kerala Region (2000-2010), President of Prerana School for Mentally Challenged Children (2001-2010) and Chief Editor of the Sahayatra Magazine.

First Holy Qurbana at San Diego Chapel - Sat., July 27th

A handful of families from our Church, who live in San Diego, have taken the initiative to form the San Diego Congregation as an extension of the St. Thomas Orthodox Church, Los Angeles.  They plan to host a Holy Qurbana service in San Diego the fourth Saturday of each month.

The first Holy Qurbana will be celebrated by Rev. Fr. Panicker at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 27th, at Grace Chapel located at 9050 Mira Mesa Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92126.

This Chapel is easy to get to, because Mira Mesa Boulevard is an exit from 15 and 805 freeways. It can conveniently accommodate up to 80 people and has a large parking lot.

We invite you to show your support by attending this joyous event.

If you plan to attend this Holy Qurbana, could you please send Dr. Kandathil Jacob an e-mail at kjacob@earthlink.net and let him know how many adults and kids will be there in your party. This would help the San Diego Congregation ensure a pleasant experience for you.

Prayer Meeting at Church - July 6th @ 5:30pm

A General Prayer Meeting has been scheduled for Saturday, July 6th at 5:30pm at church.  Fr. Shibi John, visiting Los Angeles, will conduct the prayer meeting.  All our families should plan to attend and participate in the prayer meeting.

NUH'RO Summer Camp Starts July 1

Please enroll your children for the Nuh'ro Summer Camp on Mondays from July 1 to August 5th from 9am to 4pm at church.  The camp is recommended for children in grades KG through 8th grade. The camp will be led by Dn. Saju Varghese with the assistance of MGOCSM students like last year. We will provide all the supplies, snacks and drinks for the children. Please send a sack lunch for your children. Please make a donation of $25/child for supplies for all the sessions. 

If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to assist, please contact Mathew Varughese, Sunday School Principal.

Please click here to register your children for the camp.

Prayer Meeting at Church - Sat., June 29th @ 6pm

A prayer meeting has been scheduled at church this Saturday. Evening Prayer will begin at 6pm and a devotional talk after. The prayer meeting is hosted by Mr. Abraham Varughese and family, Buena Park. Please make every effort to attend with your family.

JACOB AND KUNJUMON KOSHY'S MOTHER PASSES AWAY

We are very saddened to inform you that the mother of Jacob (Babykutty) and Kunjumon Koshy (Ex-Members), has passed away yesterday.  Many of you know the families since they were members of our church for long time.  

The St. Thomas Orthodox Church gives our heart-felt condolences to the families.  Please keep the families in your daily prayers as they pass through this difficult time.

VIEWING: 
Friday, June 14th - 4 PM to 8 PM

FUNERAL SERVICE: 
Saturday, June 15th - 10 AM to 11AM

FUNERAL HOME:
Eternal Valley Memorial Park (Click here for directions)
23287 Sierra High way
Newhall  CA 91321 
661-259-0880

Sunday School Final Exam - Sun., June 2nd

The Final Exam will take place on Sunday, June 2nd at 9am.  Parents are kindly requested to prepare their children and bring them on time.  Please contact Mathew Varughese or the teachers, if you have any questions.

Pictures from Sunday School General Assembly

The Sunday School had a General Assembly on Sunday, April 21st after the Holy Qurbana.  All the even classes made presentations consisting of skits, speeches and songs.  All our children were awesome!  They displayed their talents in many ways and entertained all in attendance.  The teachers were amazing helping the students prepare and present what they learned in their classes in a very short time.  It was great to see our children grow and be able to share their knowledge with others.  Congratulations to all the students, teachers and parents!

Please see the pictures from the event.

Kottayam Diocese Metropolitan, Geevarghese Mar Ivanios Enters Eternal Rest

Geevarghese Mar Ivanios, Kottayam Diocese Metropolitan of the Orthodox Church, passed away on Friday at 7.30 am Indian time. He was 72 and was undergoing treatment at a private hospital here for old age ailments.

Born on November 14, 1940, Geevarghese Mar Ivanios joined the seminary in 1963.  He became the vicar of Karapuzha Chapel after being bestowed with the "Kashisha" title in 1973.  He was promoted as  Baselios Marthoma Mathews I Ramban in 1979.  Geevarghese Mar Ivanios was then promoted as the Episcopa at the Puthiyakavu St. Mary's church in 1985.

Geevarghese Mar Ivanios became the Metropolitan in 1991.  He was a teacher in the Theological Seminary from 1971.  He has authored a book, “Hridaya Sudhikaranam”.  His Grace is also a known guru in meditation!

General Body Meeting - Sun., April 14th

A General Body Meeting has been scheduled for Sunday, April 14th after the Holy Qurbana.  All eligible members should make every effort to attend and provide input to the church decisions.  If you have any questions, please contact Mr. K.M. Mathew, Secretary.

Holy Week Schedule

Pictures from Palm Sunday Service

Click here to see pictures from Palm Sunday Service.

ഇസ്രായേലിന്റെ രാജാവായി കർത്താവിന്റെ നാമത്തിൽ വരുന്നവൻ വാഴ്ത്തപ്പെട്ടവൻ !

സ്വർഗ്ഗത്തിൽ സമാധാനം ...
... ഉന്നതങ്ങളിൽ സ്തുതി ..
അത്യുന്നതങ്ങളിൽ ഓശാന !! ....

സർവ്വവും മറന്ന് നാഥനെ സ്തുതിക്കുവിൻ ! യിസ്രായേലിന്റെ രാജാവിന് ഓശാന പാടുവീൻ ...

ഏവർക്കും ഒശാനയുടെ പ്രാർത്ഥനാ - മംഗളങ്ങൾ !!

Catholicate Day - Sunday, March 17th

Catholicate Day ("Sabha Dinam" or "Church Day") celebrations will be held on Sunday, March 17th.  Flag hoisting will be held on Saturday after the Retreat. Special Catholicate Day prayers and the reading of the Catholicate pledge and anthem will be held during the Holy Qurbana.  All women are encouraged to dress in Kerala Sari or similar colors.

Funeral Details for Mr. O.T. Daniel, Mar Thoma Church

Mr. O.T. Daniel, one of the early members of the Mar Thoma Church of Los Angeles, passed away on Tuesday, March 12th.  Some of our members were friends of the family and will surely miss him.  Please pray for the family during this difficult time.

The St. Thomas Orthodox Church gives our heartfelt condolences to the Daniel family.




Viewing and funeral arrangements:

03/15/13 Friday 6.30 PM to 10.00 PM 
Viewing at Angeleno Mortuary
5948 Van Nuys 
Blvd  Van Nuys, CA 91401
(818) 778-1788

03/16/13 Saturday 10.00 AM  
Memorial Service at St. Stephens Episcopal Church 
24901 Orchard Rd. Village  Santa Clarita, CA 91355 | 
[661] 259-7307.

Burial service starts at 1.00 PM 
Eternal valley memorial park, 
23287 N.Sierra Hwy, Newhall,CA, 91321

Lenten Retreat - Sat., March 16th @ 9:30am

H.G. Dr. Gabriel Mar Gregorios, Metropolitan of Trivandrum Diocese, will be our chief guest for the Lenten Retreat on Saturday.  Please make every effort to attend and hear his message with your family.  The following will be the schedule for Saturday.

9:30am - Morning Prayers
10am - Children/Youth Session
11am - Absolution and Confession for Children/Youth
11am - Adult Session 1
11:30am - Sunday School Charity Project
12:30pm - Lunch
1:30pm - Adult Session 2
3pm - Holy Confession

Fr. Dr. K.M. George Visits LA - March 10th

Fr. Dr. K.M. George, Principal, Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam, will be visiting Los Angeles and celebrating the Holy Qurbana on Sunday, March 10th. Please plan to attend with your family.

Please visit his website, www.fatherkmgeorge.info to see more information.

Sunday School General Assembly - Sun., March 10th

A Sunday School General Assembly will be held on Sunday, March 10th after the Holy Qurbana.  This will be an opportunity for our children to share what they learn in their classes as well as discuss the upcoming Sunday School Activities.  All students, teachers and parents are requested to attend.  All students, teachers and parents are requested to attend.

Our children are the greatest gift that God has given us!

Great Lent Prayer Meeting - Sat., March 9th @ 6pm

A prayer meeting has been scheduled at church this Saturday. Evening Prayer will begin at 6pm and a devotional talk after. The prayer meeting is hosted by Mr. Benoy Eapen and Mr. Kurien Thampy families.  Please make every effort to attend with your family.

If you wish to host a prayer meeting at your home or at the church, please contact Dr. Nebu John at (714) 826-8300.

Mid-Lent Service

Great Lent Prayer Meeting - Sat., March 2nd @ 6pm

A prayer meeting has been scheduled at church this Saturday. Evening Prayer will begin at 6pm and a devotional talk after. The prayer meeting is hosted by Mr. Abraham Mathew and family, Fullerton.  Please make every effort to attend with your family.

If you wish to host a prayer meeting at your home or at the church, please contact Dr. Nebu John at (714) 826-8300.

Great Lent Kalpana from Diocesan Metropolitan

Blessings to our Cor-Episcopoi, Priests, Deacons, Parish Managing Committee members and all the faithful of our Diocese.

Dearly beloved,

As we enter into the very important liturgical period of the Great Lent, which culminates with the Feast of the Resurrection of our Lord, let us use the weeks in front of us as an opportunity for self-evaluation and to return to God. Jesus Christ, before his public ministry, observed 40 days fast in the Judean wilderness and succeeded in the examinations of Satan. When we look back at the fall of humanity in Genesis 3, we see that humanity, when tempted by Satan, was attracted to the external beauty of the world and thus fell into sin. He found the fruit good for food, a delight to the eyes and that it would make one wise. Jesus Christ, after 40 days fasting, when Satan came to Him tempting Him with food, to attain the things which delighted His eyes, and to use the wisdom He had, He triumphed over Satan and said that humans do not live by the pleasures of the world, that we have to conquer all these temptations and delight in the Word of God and in the power of the Almighty.

Bible Study Teleconference - Feb. 1st @ 6pm

MMVS has organized a series of one hour Bible Study Teleconferences for all to participate.  Rev. Fr. P. C George, kindly agreed to teach Hebrews through teleconference classes every Friday at 6pm, starting on Feb 1st.

Also Rev. Fr. Santhosh (Fr. Varghese Thomas) agreed to teach the Book of Judges on every Thursday at 6pm, starting on Feb 7th.

The number to call the teleconference is 218-632-0187 and the access code is 3703# .  Please note that this is the same number we used last year.

Mr. Peter Palal's Sister Passes Away - Prayer Jan 29th at 6:30pm

We are very saddened to inform you that Mr. Peter Palal's (Cypress) sister, Mrs. Ammani Jacob, has passed away in India.  A special prayer meeting has been scheduled for tomorrow at 6:30pm at his home in Cypress.  All members in the nearby areas should make every effort to attend.  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.

Address: (click here for directions)
11409 Providencia St.
Cypress, CA 90630
(714) 897-6390

Nineveh Fast Retreat - Mon., January 21st

MGOCSM will hold a Nineveh Fast Retreat on Monday, January 21st from 10am to 5pm at our church.  The Retreat is open to all members that wishes to participate.  Dn. Saju Varghese will lead the Retreat. 

Schedule:
10am - Matins (Morning Prayer)
11am - 3rd Hour
1pm - 6th Hour
3pm - 9th Hour
4pm - Vespers (Evening Prayer)

We encourage all youths and adults to attend and participate in this Retreat.

40th Day Memorial Service for Barnabas Thirumeni - Sun., January 20th

The 40th day Memorial Service for H.G. Mathews Mar Barnabas will be held on Sunday, January 20th.  Special prayers and a business meeting will be held on this day.

Ordained as Bishop on May 15, 1978, Thirumeni served 4 dioceses during the 34 years he was Bishop. Angamali diocese from 1978-1980, Kottayam from 1980-1985, Idukki from 1985- 1992 and America from 1992-2011.

Let the life and teachings of Thirumeni inspire us to live a sanctified life as Thirumeni led.

May his memory be eternal.

Lilly Kochamma's One Year Memorial

Last year on January 15th the Lord took our Lilly Kochamma to Heaven. She is now watching over us with the Angels. Though she is gone from us, we will cherish all the memories that she left us.  We give all the love and prayers for Achen and family as we approach the one year memorial. 

We miss you Kochamma!

Members of St. Thomas Orthodox Church, Los Angeles

Sunday School Resumes - January 6th

Sunday School will resume on Sunday, January 6th at 9am.  Please make sure to bring your children on time. 

Sunday School Mid-Terms will be held on Sunday, February 3rd.  Please mark your calendars and prepare your children for the exam.