Evening Prayer and New Year's Message - December 31st at 7pm

There will be NO Holy Qurbana for New Year's Eve.  We will be having Evening Prayer and New Year's Message starting at 7pm via Church Zoom platform.  If you need the link to Zoom link, please email stthomasla@gmail.com

Let us continue to pray to God for all those who are afflicted by or caring for those with COVID19.

We wish all our families a safe and healthy 2021!

Live Stream Details for Holy Qurbana (Feast of the Infant Martyrs - Sunday after Nativity), December 27th at 8am

Please watch the live stream of the Holy Qurbana (Sunday after the Feast of Nativity) - December 27, 2020 beginning at 8am.

YouTube Channel 

Live Stream Details for Holy Qurbana - Feast of the Nativity of our Lord, December 24th @ 4pm

Please watch the live stream of the Holy Qurbana (Feast of the Nativity of our Lord) - December 24, 2020 beginning at 4pm.

YouTube Channel 

2020 Christmas Service - Wed., December 24th at 4pm

The Christmas Service will begin at 4pm on Wednesday, December 24th. 

Please register for Christmas Outdoor Holy Qurbono (December 24) by 1PM this Wednesday.

Registration link: http://reopen.stthomasla.com

      1. Evening Prayer will begin at 4PM
      2. Facial Coverings are REQUIRED 
      3. Social Distancing guidelines will be followed 
      4. It will be colder in the evening, so please bring appropriate jackets/sweaters as needed







You may NOT attend Holy Qurbono if ANY of the following apply to you:

  • -New or worsening cough
  • -Sore throat
  • -Shortness of breath
  • -Fever of more than 100° F or any medicine to reduce fever in the last 24 hours
  • -Loss of smell or taste
  • -You or anyone in your household who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 in last 14 days

Please note: Those with immune-compromising illnesses, diabetes, heart conditions, respiratory conditions must limit interactions and take necessary precautions per CDC guidelines.

Additionally, we will also be live-streaming Christmas Holy Qurbono for those that cannot attend in person.

Live Stream Details on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/xqquPEkyWoo

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If there are names to be remembered during Holy Qurbono, please use the following link:

Names for Prayer Link: https://forms.gle/HRoTG2oPsy5gRxLY6

God still guides seeking hearts to the One True Light.
As the world around us grows darker, the Light of Jesus Christ shines even brighter. He is the Light of truth, of hope, of purity, and of beauty. His Light shines through the faces of those who know Him, through the eyes of those who see Him, through the character of those who walk with Him, and through the hearts of those who love and serve Him.

Wishing you and your family a joyous Christmas!  A King is born!

Live Stream Details for Holy Qurbana - December 20, 2020 at 8am

Please watch the live stream of the Holy Qurbana (Sunday before the Feast of Nativity) - December 20, 2020 beginning at 8am.

YouTube Channel 

Live Stream Details for Holy Qurbana (Revelation to St. Joseph) - December 13, 2020

Live Streaming Details for Holy Qurbana (Revelation to St. Joseph) - December 13, 2020 at 8am

YouTube Channel 

Live Stream Details for Holy Qurbana (Nativity of St. John the Baptist) - December 6, 2020

Live Streaming Details for Holy Qurbana (Nativity of St. John the Baptist) - December 6, 2020 at 8am

YouTube Channel 

Live Stream Details for Holy Qurbana (Hoodos Etho) - November 8, 2020 at 8am

Live Streaming Details for Holy Qurbana (Hoodos Etho) - November 8, 2020 at 8am

YouTube Channel 

Outdoor Holy Qurbana

 Dear Church Family, 

On August 30, 2020, the Managing Committee decided to move Holy Qurbana outdoors, weather permitting, from September 12 to October 11. Thankfully, this trial period was both spiritually beneficial for our community and compliant with the LA County Health Orders and CDC guidelines. Therefore, the Managing Committee has decided to continue Outdoor Holy Qurbana, weather permitting, until further notice and in full accordance with all safety guidelines. 

We would like to appreciate all those who have helped the preparations for Outdoor Holy Qurbana each and every week. Their immense contribution is what has allowed us to participate in Holy Qurbana every week safely and according to CDC guidelines. 

Again, thank you to everyone for your patience and understanding during this evolving situation. We pray and hope everyone is in good health.

Thank you,

St. Thomas, LA - Managing Committee

Live Stream Details for Feast of the Holy Cross - September 14, 2020 @ 5:30pm

Live Streaming Details for Holy Qurbana (Feast of the Holy Cross) - September 14, 2020 at 530pm

YouTube Channel 

Live Stream Details for Holy Qurbana - September 13, 2020

Live Streaming Details for Holy Qurbana (5th Sunday after Dormition of Theotokos) - September 13, 2020 at 9am

YouTube Channel 

Holy Qurbana - Feast of Nativity of the Theotokos, September 7, 2020

Live Streaming Details for Holy Qurbana (Feast of Nativity of the Theotokos) - September 7, 2020 at 6pm

YouTube Channel

Live Streaming Details for Holy Qurbana - September 6, 2020

 Live Streaming Details for Holy Qurbana (4th Sunday after Dormition of Theotokos) - September 6, 2020 at 9am

YouTube Channel

Live Streaming Details for Holy Qurbana - August 30, 2020

Live Streaming Details for Holy Qurbana (3rd Sunday after Dormition of Theotokos) - August 30, 2020 at 9am

YouTube Channel

Live Streaming Details - Holy Qurbana, August 23, 2020

Live Streaming Details for Holy Qurbana (2nd Sunday after Dormition of Theotokos) - August 23, 2020 at 9am

YouTube Channel

Live Streaming Details for Holy Qurbana - 1st Sunday after Dormition, August 16, 2020

 

Live Streaming Details for Holy Qurbana (1st Sunday after Feast of Dormition) - August 16, 2020 at 9am

YouTube Channel

Live Streaming Details for Holy Qurbana (Feast of Dormition - Shunoyo Lent), August 15, 2020 @ 9am

Live Streaming Details for Holy Qurbana (Shunoyo Lent) - Saturday, August 15, 2020 at 9am

YouTube Channel

Holy Qurbana to end Shunoyo Fast - Sat., August 15th @ 9am

 A Holy Qurbana is scheduled for Saturday, August 15th at 9am to end the Shunoyo Fast (Assumption of St. Mary).  Please plan to attend with your family.

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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. 

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Live Stream Details for Holy Qurbono - August 9, 2020

 Please view the live stream of the Holy Qurbono (1st Sunday after Transfiguration) at the below location.


YouTube (Please subscribe to our channel for easier access)   

Live Streaming Details for Holy Qurbono - Feast of Transfiguration, August 5, 2020 6pm

Please view the live stream of the Holy Qurbono (Feast of Transiguration) at the below location.

YouTube (Please subscribe to our channel for easier access)   

Live Stream Details for Holy Qurbono - August 2, 2020

Please view the live stream of the Holy Qurbono (9th Sunday after Pentecost) at the below location.

YouTube (Please subscribe to our channel for easier access)  

Live Stream Details for Holy Qurbono - July 26, 2020

Please view the live stream of the Holy Qurbono (7th Sunday after Pentecost) at the below location.

YouTube (Please subscribe to our channel for easier access) 

Live Stream Details for Holy Qurbono - July 19, 2020

Please view the live stream of the Holy Qurbono (7th Sunday after Pentecost) at the below location.

YouTube (Please subscribe to our channel for easier access)

COVID-19 UPDATE - July 13, 2020

Dear church Family,

*COVID -19 UPDATE - PLEASE READ*

*Following local government orders and guidance by Fr. Yohannan Panicker and Fr. Samuel Varghese, we are suspending in-person attendance to Holy Qurbono until further notice.

* Holy Qurbonos will be live-streamed only on Sundays. Those assisting with live-streaming will be allowed to attend. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding through this changing situation. Please continue to pray for this current climate.

Live Streaming Details for Holy Qurbono - July 12, 2020

Please view the live stream of the Holy Qurbono (6th Sunday after Pentecost) at the below location.

YouTube (Please subscribe to our channel for easier access)

Live Streaming Details for Feast of St. Thomas - July 5, 2020

Please view the live stream of the Holy Qurbono (Feast of St. Thomas) at the below location.

YouTube

Live Streaming Details - 4th Sunday after Pentecost, June 28, 2020

Please view the live stream of the Holy Qurbono at the below locations.

YouTube

Live Stream Details for Holy Qurbono - June 21, 2020

Please view the live stream of the Holy Qurbono at the below locations.

Facebook
https://facebook.com/stthomasla

YouTube

Church Reintegration Plan - Updated 6/15/20

Dear Church Family, 

This is an update to our Church Reintegration Plan

On June 14th, the managing committee met to discuss our initial experience from re-opening church this past weekend. We are adjusting our plans, while keeping everyone's health and safety as the main priority, with the following changes:

1. Registration - The link is open to everyone in the church. For now, we will NOT limit attendance by prayer groups.
   b.  It will be ‘first come, first served’ 
   c.  Please register for either Saturday OR Sunday

2. Maximum Capacity- We will be limited to 40 registrants per Holy Qurbana. 

3. Shoes - You may remove your shoes outside of the church, instead of bringing them into church with you. Shoes will NOT be allowed in the church lobby/narthex since we are trying to eliminate crowding.

4. Arrival - Everyone participating in Qurbana MUST arrive by 9:45AM. (instead of 9:30AM)

We welcome your thoughts and feedback as we 
continue to re-evaluate this plan, while keeping focused on the health and safety of our entire Church Family. We also appreciate your patience through this. 

Let us continue to pray for all those afflicted by and caring for those with COVID-19

Prayerfully,
Managing Committee 2020

Live Stream Details for Holy Qurbono - June 14, 2020

Please view the live stream of the Holy Qurbono at the below locations.

Facebook
https://facebook.com/stthomasla

YouTube

Church Reopen Plan - Starts Sunday, June 14, 2020


Dear Church Family,

On June 1, 2020, the Managing Committee made the decision to reintegrate the congregation into worship services on the church premises starting Sunday, June 14. This will be done in a phased manner (one prayer group at a time) in accordance with the LA County Department of Public Health Order of the Health Officer and the CDC Guidelines.

The following is a summary of the important highlights which we will be following. It is very important that we follow these steps so that we can keep ourselves and others healthy.

  1. This is our plan for reintegration
a.     During this phase, we will have Holy Qurbana every Saturday and Sunday.
b.     The Managing Committee will assign a specific Saturday or Sunday Holy Qurbana to each prayer group. This will continue until we are allowed to have everyone gather for church together.
c.      Everyone who is participating in Holy Qurbana from a prayer group MUST register via our Breeze system by the THURSDAY before their assigned Qurbana. This is the link: http://reopen.stthomasla.com
d.     If a prayer group does not fill the maximum allowed spots for their Saturday or Sunday Qurbana by Thursday (refer to point c), the remaining spots will be made available to the rest of the parish.
e.     Each prayer group leader should help their prayer group members register so that they can participate in Holy Qurbana

  1. The St. Gregorios Prayer Group (Bellflower, Norwalk, Lakewood, etc) is assigned to attend Holy Qurbana this Sunday, June 14. We will inform everyone of future assignments soon.

  1. You must not attend church if ANY of the following apply to you.
a.     Those above the age of 65
b.     Those with immune-compromising illnesses, diabetes, heart conditions, respiratory conditions
c.      New or worsening cough
d.     Sore throat
e.     Shortness of breath
f.       Fever of more than 100 degrees F OR any medicine to reduce fever in the last 24 hours
g.     Loss of smell or taste
h.     You or anyone in your household who has been diagnosed with COVID 19 in the last 14 day
i.       Understandably, you will not be allowed into church if any of these apply to you

  1. Church Protocols
a.     PARKING – EVERY OTHER space, leave 1 parking spot between you and the nearest car
b.     ARRIVAL TIME - Everyone must arrive during Morning Prayer on or before 9:30am. No one will be allowed to enter the church after the Holy Qurbana has begun
c.      FACE COVERINGS -  MUST be worn by everyone in the congregation. No admission will be allowed if a mask is not used and worn throughout the Qurbana
d.     SHOES -  Remove footwear outside the church and place them in a bag and bring them into church with you
e.     TEMPERATURE - will be taken for everyone upon entering the church lobby by a committee member who is wearing a face mask and gloves
f.       HAND SANITIZER - The committee member will also provide everyone entering/exiting the church hand sanitizer
g.     SEATING - Families will be seated together at a 6 ft distance from any other family; children must stand with their parents
h.     ENTERING & EXITING  - The lobby entrance will be a one-way entrance only and the center aisle will be a one-way path; The side exit doors of the church will be the one-way exit from the church
i.       RECEIVING QURBANA & DISMISSAL - Holy Qurbana will be given to the faithful after the final curtain is drawn and those who receive Qurbana will then dismiss from the church via the proper exit door
j.       FELLOWSHIP - There will be no fellowship in the church or in the parking lot following the Holy Qurbana. Moreover, there will be no admission downstairs, except for bathroom usage, in order to prevent coming up and down the same stairwell
We recognize that the extra steps may be slightly tedious, however we ask that everyone follow these steps so that we can continue to keep the potential spread of COVID19 minimized. Furthermore, it is important that we comply with these as they are per the guidance from the LA County Department of Health and CDC. In addition to the reintegration, we will continue to livestream Sunday services.
Let us continue to pray to God for all those who are afflicted by or caring for those with COVID19.
Prayerfully, Managing Committee 2020

Church Reintegration Details

Please see the details of the announcements of Church Reintegration starting Sunday, June 14, 2020.  Please watch the video below and also additional details will be sent out to all members soon.


Pentecost Sunday Live Stream Details - May 31, 2020 @ 8:30am

Please view the live stream of the Feast of Pentecost Holy Qurbono at the below locations.

Facebook
https://facebook.com/stthomasla

YouTube

Funeral Details for Libu Jacob, St. Mary's Orthodox San Fernando Valley

Please see below the funeral details for Libu Jacob, St. Mary's Orthodox Church, San Fernando Valley. 

On behalf of the parish, we offer our deepest condolences and prayers to Lillykutty and Babu Jacob and the family. Please continue to pray that God Almighty grant eternal rest to the departed soul and provide comfort to the family in this painful and most difficult time..

May his memory be eternal!


Holy Qurbono - May 24, 2020 Live Streaming Details

Please view the live stream of the Feast of Ascension Holy Qurbono at the below locations.

Facebook
https://facebook.com/stthomasla

YouTube

Feast of Ascension Holy Qurbono - Wed., May 20th at 6pm

Please view the live stream of the Feast of Ascension Holy Qurbono at the below locations.

Facebook
https://facebook.com/stthomasla

YouTube

May 17 Holy Qurbono Live Stream Details

Please view the live stream of the Holy Qurbono at the below locations.

Facebook
https://facebook.com/stthomasla

YouTube

May 10th Holy Qurbono Live Stream Details

Please view the live stream of the Holy Qurbono at the below locations.

Facebook
https://facebook.com/stthomasla

YouTube

3rd Sunday after Resurrection Live Stream Details

Please view the live stream of the Holy Qurbono at the below locations.

Facebook
https://facebook.com/stthomasla

YouTube

2nd Sunday after Resurrection Live Stream

2nd Sunday after Resurrection Holy Qurbana will be live streamed at the below locations.

Facebook
https://facebook.com/stthomasla

YouTube

Special Prayer Requests

Please click on the link below to submit special prayers requests for the Sunday Holy Qurbono.  Please make sure to submit before 9am on Sunday.

Click here for Special Prayer Requests

New Sunday Holy Qurbana Live Stream - April 19, 2020

New Sunday Holy Qurbana will be live streamed at below locations.

If you have names to be remembered during Holy Qurbono, please use the link below. Please enter names BEFORE morning prayer (9AM PST). 

Prayer Requests

 Facebook
https://facebook.com/stthomasla

YouTube

Feast of Resurrection Service Live Stream

Feast of Resurrection Service

Please view the live streams at the below links.

 Facebook
https://facebook.com/stthomasla

 YouTube

Holy Saturday Service Stream

Holy Qurbono will begin at 9AM on Zoom. There will be no Facebook or YouTube Streaming.

http://zoom.stthomasla.com Password: 348380

Great Friday Service Live Stream

Great Friday Service

Live stream options for Great Friday Service:

Facebook:
https://facebook.com/stthomasla

YouTube:
https://youtu.be/6xwSEkfu8wU

Passover (Pesaho) Service - Wed., April 8th @ 6pm

Please view our live stream of the Passover Service on YouTube with below link starting at 6pm.


2020 Holy Week Schedule



Sunday of Hosannas - April 5, 2020

Live Stream of Hosanna Sunday Service beginning at 8:30am


COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS UPDATE - April 2

Dear Congregation,

Managing Committee met on March 31st and further discussed the evolving COVID-19 Pandemic and its impact to our church family.

We will continue to restrict all services to a priest and a very limited number of acolytes throughout all of April. We request the rest of our faithful continue to refrain from coming to church until further notice. (This includes all activities during Holy Week) When possible, we will continue to arrange for live-streaming as we have in the past two weeks.

Please note Panicker Achen has also agreed to stay away from church through this time. We request that all the congregation follow his leadership and his example by staying home during this time.

For those in need that wish to receive Holy Qurbana, please contact Samuel Achen and he will explore arrangements for that.

On Palm Sunday, all palms will be blessed and left in church for those to pick up once things have resumed back to normal.

If you would like add names to the special prayers list (departed/blessings/birthdays/wedding anniversaries) please use the following link:  CLICK HERE

A schedule for Holy Week will be sent via eNews, Facebook and WhatsApp, so that you can join ONLINE.

We will be monitoring the situation carefully and will update everyone on or before May 1. Please continue to adhere to your local health department guidance, as well as the CDC.

Let us continue to pray for all those affected by the virus and those who are assisting to combat this pandemic. 


Prayerfully,
St. Thomas, LA - Managing Committee 2020

SCHEDULE FOR WEEK 6 OF GREAT LENT


Meetings and Events for 3-23 to 3-29


Holy Qurbana Live Stream - Sun., March 22nd @ 9am

We request all faithful to join our live stream of the Holy Qurbana on Sunday, March 22nd beginning with Morning Prayers at 9am.

YouTube Live Stream Link:

https://youtu.be/WWEhP0cWFtQ





Below is a link to view the Holy Qurbana slides to follow along when you watch the live stream today.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1N1L92UTR9elV1Sgp1H4hZ61vEYciBvJDY3Bys9VFRAc/edit?usp=sharing

ONLINE EVENING PRAYER - Sat., March 21 @ 6pm

Please join the evening prayer starting at 6pm by going to the below link.  You can also join by using your smartphones or tablets with the Zoom App. 

Please join with your family and participate!

http://zoom.stthomasla.com

COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS UPDATE - March 17th

Dear Congregation,

Managing Committee met on March 17th and discussed the COVID-19 situation and its impact to our church family.

We have made a decision to celebrate Holy Qurbana with only a priest and needed acolytes until April 1. In order to adhere to the current guidance of the CDC to keep any gathering to less than 10 people, we request the rest of our faithful to refrain from coming to church until further notice. (This includes all activities i.e. evening prayers and Sunday Service) When possible, we will arrange for live-streaming as was done on March 15th.

For those in need that wish to receive Holy Qurbana, please contact Samuel Achen and he will explore arrangements to come to you.

We will be monitoring the situation carefully and will update everyone on or before April 1. Please continue to adhere to your local health department guidance, as well as the CDC.

Let us continue to pray for all those affected by the virus and those who are assisting to combat this pandemic.

Prayerfully,
St. Thomas LA - Managing Committee 2020

COVID-19 CoronaVirus Update

We request all who are sick, elderly, pregnant or with any health conditions to stay home and refrain from attending any events or gatherings.  We also request anyone who is uncomfortable with these situations to refrain from attending any events or Holy Qurbana. If you wish to receive the Holy Qurbana at your home, please make a request to either of the Achens.


Protection measures for everyone

Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. Many countries around the world have seen cases of COVID-19 and several have seen outbreaks. Authorities in China and some other countries have succeeded in slowing or stopping their outbreaks. However, the situation is unpredictable so check regularly for the latest news.

You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some simple precautions:
  
      Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
    
Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.

Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

      Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.

      Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.

      Keep up to date on the latest COVID-19 hotspots (cities or local areas where COVID-19 is spreading widely). If possible, avoid traveling to places  – especially if you are an older person or have diabetes, heart or lung disease.
Why? You have a higher chance of catching COVID-19 in one of these areas.

Great Lent Week 3 Schedule


Great Lent Week 1 Schedule


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Service of Reconciliation - Mon., February 24 at 6:30pm


Feast of Vattasseril Thirumeni & Makarios Thirumeni

Feast Day: February 23rd


St. Geevarghese Mar Dionysius Vattasseril

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.

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.

H.G. Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios

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.

Three Day Fast of Nineveh - February 3-5

In the first qolo of Thursday evening prayer, we sing:
The Ninevites trembled at the voice of Jonah, the son of Mattai, and took refuge in penitence by watching, fasting and prayer; and by tears and groans the sentence of judgment pronounced by Jonah concerning the destruction of Nineveh was annulled. Blessed be the Compassionate one who turned them from evil to good. 
The three-day fast commemorates the three days Jonah spent in the belly of the fish and also the repentance of the city of Nineveh. Jonah runs away from God and from the mission that was entrusted to him. Jonah was cast into the sea and in the belly of the whale Jonah cries out to God. Jonah proclaims his message: “in 40 days Nineveh will be overthrown.” The people fast and pray. The king also prays and commands the whole city to call on God in the hopes that God would relent and withdraw his anger. God withholds his judgment due to their repentance and prayers. The Three Day Fast is in a way our preparation for the Great Lent. St. Jerome writes: “Fasting is not merely a perfect virtue: it is the foundation of all the other virtues; it is sanctification, purity, and prudence, – virtues without which no one can see God.” 
The origins of the Nineveh Fast in the Syrian Orthodox Church can be traced back to the fourth century AD. This can be inferred from the memres and hymns of St. Ephrem, the Syrian. Initially the fast was for six days, but now it is only for three days starting on the third Monday before the Great Lent. The 3 days Fast had been neglected through the ages. Mar Dionysius Bar Salibi states that Mar Marutha of Tikrit was the one who enjoined it on the Church of the East first in the region of Nineveh. Armenians embraced this practice of the Syrians calling it (Sorep Sarkis). The Copts did the same during the time of Patriarch Anba Eprem, the Syrian. 
Historically, this fast is one of the most rigorously observed fasts in the Church. The faithful traditionally refrain from food and drink for three consecutive days, from Monday till Wednesday. Some observe the fast by refraining from food and drink from morning till sunset during the three days. The church exhorts her faithful to at least refrain from meat, fish and dairy products during the period of fasting. The faithful are urged to go to church after this fast and receive the Holy Qurbono.
In the Old Testament, preparation for a special holy occasion included fasting and prayer. The New Testament often mentions fasting. Fasting is clearly not optional inasmuch as Jesus Christ said, regarding fasting “When you fast” (Matt. 6:16), rather than “If you fast.” Fasting is the change of every part of our life, because the sacrifice of the fast is not the abstinence but the distancing from sins. Fasting is an essential aspect of practicing the Orthodox life. You cannot be Orthodox and not fast. Unfortunately, many in the Church today do not participate in this grace-bestowing practice. 
St. John Chrysostom says: “Fasting purifies the mind, calms the senses, subjects the flesh to the spirit, renders the heart humble and contrite, disperses the clouds of concupiscence, extinguishes the heat of passion, and lights up the fire of chastity.” 
Fasting in the Orthodox Church has two aspects: physical and spiritual. The first one implies abstinence from food, such as dairy products, eggs, fish and all kinds of meat. Spiritual fasting consists in abstinence from evil thoughts, desires, and deeds. The main purpose of fasting is to gain mastery over oneself and to conquer the passions of the flesh. It is to liberate oneself from dependence on the things of this world in order to concentrate on the things of the Kingdom of God. It is to give power to the soul so that it would not yield to temptation and sin. 
Basil the great reminds us, “As much as you subtract from the body, so much will you add to the strength of the soul. True fasting lies is rejecting evil, holding one's tongue, suppressing one's hatred, and banishing one's lust, evil words, lying, and betrayal of vows.” 
Written by Tenny Thomas

Monday of Three days Lent

Evening
St. Matthew 12: 31-41
Morning
Numbers 5: 5-10
Jonah 1: 1- 17
Isaiah 19: 17-22
Acts 13:6 - 12
Colossians 1: 3-13
St. Matthew 7: 1-12

Tuesday of Three days Lent

Evening
St. Luke 4: 24-32
Morning
Exodus 22:28 - 30
Micah 1: 1-16
Jonah 2: 1-10
Nahum 1: 1-14
Isaiah 57: 13-19
Acts 8: 9-25
Romans 1: 18- 32
St. Matthew 24: 36-46

Wednesday of Three days Lent

Evening
St. Luke 11: 5-13, 29-32
Morning
Exodus 22:28 - 30
Exodus 23: 1 -9
Zephaniah 1: 11-2: 4
Jonah 3: 1 - 10
Isaiah 41: 17-26
St. James 1: 13-27
Romans 15: 24-43
St. Luke 11:27-36
St. Matthew 24: 36-46
Holy Qurbana
II Peter 2: 1-18
I Thessalonians 5: 12-24
St. Matthew 12: 38-50

Thursday/The end of Three days Lent

Before Holy Qurbana
Genesis 18: 23-33
Joshua 7: 6- 20
Jonah 4: 1 - 11
Holy Qurbana
St. James 4: 7-17
Ephesians 5: 3-21
St. Luke 12: 54-13: 9
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Sunday School Mid-Terms - Sun., February 2nd

Sunday School Mid-Terms will be held on Sunday, February 2nd from 9am to 9:50am.  Please prepare your children and bring them to church on time.

If you have any questions, please contact your child's teacher or George Mathew, Principal.
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Evening Prayer - Saturday, January 18th @ 6:30pm

Evening Prayer will be held at church on Saturday, January 18th at 6:30pm.  If any family would like to host the prayer, please contact the Roy George, Secretary.

Please contact Mrs. Saramma John, Prayer Meeting Coordinator, to schedule prayer meeting at your home or at church.

MMVS Meeting - Sun., January 19th

The next MMVS meeting will be held on Sunday, January 19th after the Holy Qurbana.  We request all women to attend and participate.

Please contact Mrs. Susan Varughese or Mrs. Rachel Sam, for more information.
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Sunday School Re-Starts January 5th

Sunday School will resume on Sunday, January 5th at 8:45am.  Please make sure to bring your children on time and arrive by 8:45am for the worship and song session. 

Sunday School Mid-Terms will be held on Sunday, February 2nd.  Please mark your calendars and prepare your children for the exam.
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Baptism of our Lord (Danaha Perunal) - Sun., Jan. 5th @ 8:30am

Danaha Perunal (Epiphany - The Baptism of our Lord) is on January 6th, however we will have the service on Sunday, January 5th along with the Holy Qurbana. Morning prayer will begin at 8:30am and the Holy Qurbana will start at 9:30am.

Please make every effort to attend with your family. 
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