CONSECRATION OF THE CHURCH IN THE EASTERN TRADITION ( Fr. BabyVarghese)

 Reminder as we consecrate our Church Building  of Father Baby Varghese's blog . 

Fr Dr Baby Varghese : CONSECRATION OF THE CHURCH IN THE EASTERN TRADITION

CONSECRATION OF THE CHURCH IN THE EASTERN TRADITION                  (Revd.Dr.B.Varghese, Kottayam)

In the early Church, no special building was thought to be necessary for the liturgical gatherings. Thus, Minucius Felix, a third century Christian convert in Rome said: “ We have no temples; we have no altars”. However by the fourth century, ‘temples and altars’ became essential for the celebration of the liturgy. Church fathers regularly referred to the places of worship in Jerusalem as the type of Christian churches. The dedication of the places for worship in ancient Israel provided a reason for the ‘blessing’ of the churches. In fact the Old Testament refers to the dedication of the tabernacle (Ex.40:1-11); Solomon’s Temple (1 Kings 8) and the Second temple under Zerubbabel (Ezra 6:6-17). The Temple and the altar were rebuilt and re-dedicated under the Maccabees (! Mac.4; 2 Mac. 10), which eventually led to the origin of the Jewish festival of Hanukah. This festival was probably behind the origin f the Sundays of the ‘Consecration of the Church (Kudosh ‘etho) and the Dedication of the Church (Hudosh ‘etho) in the Syriac tradition.

Consecration of the Church in the fourth century

  It is not easy to determine exactly what were the rites of the consecration of the church in the early Christian tradition. Apparently, the celebration of the Eucharist was the only essential ceremony. The first available record of the dedication of a church is that of the church in Tyre (now in South Lebanon) in 314 AD, by Paulinnus, bishop of that city. His sermon on the occasion has been quoted at length by Eusebius of Caesarea (Ecclesiastical History X,4). However, Eusebius does not give the details of the rite.

Eusebius speaks of the churches built during the reign of the Emperor Constantine. The rites included the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, a sermon, special prayers and thanksgiving. Constantine built a magnificent church over the Holy Sepulchre at Jerusalem, called Martyrium. Eusebius describes the beauty and the various parts of the building (Life of Constantine III, 25-40).  The consecration took place on September 14th, the anniversary of the discovery of the Holy Cross. In 335, Constantine called a synod of  all the bishops of the East, first in Tyre and then they were asked to proceed to Jerusalem for the dedication of the church. Another church, called the Anastasis or the Sanctuary of the Resurrection, built by Constantine, also was consecrated on the same day.

Eusebius tells us that there were various discourses delivered by the bishops. There was the celebration of the Eucharist and prayers were offered for the peace of the world as well as for the Emperor and his children. Eusebius writes:

“ Meantime the festival derived additional luster both from the prayers and discourses of the ministers of God, some of whom extolled the pious Emperor’s willing devotion to the Saviour of mankind, and dilated on the magnificence of the edifice which he had raised to his memory. Others afforded as it were, an intellectual feast to the ears of all present, by public disquisitions on the sacred doctrines of our religion. Others interpreted passages of the holy scripture and unfolded their hidden meaning; while such as were unequal to these efforts presented a bloodless sacrifice ad mystical service to God in the prayers which were offered for general peace, for the Church of God, for the Emperor himself as the instrumental cause of so many blessings and for his pious sons. I myself too, unworthy as I was of such privilege pronounced various public orations in honour of this solemnity, wherein I partly explained by a written description the details of the imperial edifice, and partly endeavoured to gather from the prophetic visions apt illustrations of the symbols displayed. Thus joyfully was the festival of dedication celebrated in the 13th year of our Emperor’s reign”. (Life of Constantine Bk IV, 43).

The presence of a large number of bishops was usual feature of the dedication ceremonies in the reign of Constantine. Often vigil was kept in the night preceding the dedication. Socrates, another Church Historian observes that the Council of Antioch in 341 was convened in order to dedicate the famous church there called ‘The Golden Church” (Dominicum Aureum). This church was begun by Constantine and finished by his son Constantius. 97 bishops attended the dedication ceremony on the invitation of Eusebius of Nicomedia (Ecclesiastical History II,8; Sozomen, Eccl Hist. III,5).

 St Athanasius of Alexandria speaks of a church in which he celebrated the Holy Eucharist (in 355) before it was consecrated. The church in question was called “Great Church” built in the royal quarters (‘Caesareum’) at Alexandria. The old church there was burnt under Julian the Apostate and rebuilt by Athanasius with the permission and at the expense of the Emperor Constantius. Arians charged it as a serious offence that he ‘celebrated’ the Eucharist in the Great church before it was consecrated’. Athanasius humbly sent an apology to the Emperor, pointing out that ‘he did not celebrate the dedication of the church, which he could not do with out the permission of the Emperor’. He confessed that ‘he did celebrate the Eucharist before its dedication’ and he excuses himself on account of ‘the great concourse of people that came to Alexandria on Easter day’. (Athanasius, Apology to the Emperor Constantius ch. xiv-xviii).

Anniversary of the Dedication

We have evidences that in the early Church, the anniversary of the dedication of a church was celebrated with festivity. In one of his sermons, Gregory of Naziansus (376 AD) refers to this custom:

“ That it was an old law, and very excellently constituted, to do honour to Churches by the feasts of their dedication, and that not for once only, but upon the annual return of the same day of their consecration; but otherwise such remarkable transactions might be forgotten in a long period of time, and be at last quite buried in the grave of oblivion”( Orations 43).

The earliest record of such anniversary is that of the two churches in Jerusalem, Martirium and Anastasis, consecrated in 373 AD. According to the Church Historian Sozomen, the festivities lasted for eight days:

“ The temple called the ‘great Martyrium’ which was built in the place of the skull at Jerusalem, was completed about the 30th year of the reign of Constantine….. Since that period, the anniversary of the consecration has been celebrated with great pomp by the Church of Jerusalem. The festival continues eight days, initiation by baptism is administered, and people from every region under the sun resort to Jerusalem during this festival, and visit the sacred places” ( Ecclesiastical History II, 26).

Etheria, a Spanish lady who visited Jerusalem as a pilgrim (end  of the fourth century) was present at the feast of the Dedication in Jerusalem. The anniversary of the dedication of some of the important churches found their permanent place in the liturgical calendar of the East and the West. September 14th became a feast in all Churches, because the Holy Cross was discovered on that date, and also because it was the anniversary of the dedication of the two churches in Jerusalem. Likewise, the feast of St Peter and St Paul is celebrated on 29th June, because it was the anniversary of the dedication of the St Peters Basilica in Rome. In the Syriac tradition, the feast of St Thomas was fixed on July 3rdm, because the Cathedral of t Thomas in Edessa was dedicated and its anniversary was regularly celebrated on that date.

Deposition of the Relics

In the 5th and 6th century dedication ceremony among the Latins and the Byzantines was preceded by the solemn transfer of the relics of a martyr or a saint to the altar. They appealed to Rev.6:9 (‘ John saw the under the altar the souls of the martyrs’) for this practice. However, this seems to be founded on the ancient custom of building  altars and churches over the tombs of the martyrs. The relics were brought in a triumphal procession and deposed on the altar. Among the Byzantines, the second Council of Nicea (787 AD) made it obligatory to place relics on the altar (Canon 7):

“We decree therefore that relics shall be placed with the accustomed service in as many of the sacred temples as have been consecrated without the relics of the martyrs.. And if any bishop from this time forward is found consecrating a temple without holy relics, he shall be deposed as a transgressor of the ecclesiastical tradition” (Nicene Post Nicene fathers of the Church Vol.14, p.560).

In the Syrian Orthodox tradition, relics are never placed on or under the altar. Thus a canon attributed to John of Tella says: “ The bones of the saints, though they are holy, shall not be placed on the altar” (Hudaya canon 1:6). The Syriac fathers generally saw the altar as the symbol of Christ’s tomb and this seems to be reason for the prohibition of placing the relics on it.

Anointing of the altar

The custom of anointing the altar is of Eastern origin. The oil for the baptismal anointing, whether perfumed or not, was used for this purpose. From the east, the custom reached the Latin West. An ancient Syriac canon gives the impression that anointing was the essential rite of the Syrian Orthodox liturgy of the consecration of the altars.

“Concerning altars in the churches and monasteries that were devastated by the barbarians, but about which one does not know whether they have been anointed or not. If they are of wood, material that is found in every country, hey shall be placed in the sacristy with honour in order to deposit (the sacred) garments there or to place chalices, cups and other vessels of the cult there – but one shall never offer on them. If they are of marble which cannot be found in all countries, they should be anointed. The bishop who anoints says: ’We anoint this altar, if it has not been anointed, in the name of the father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit” (A.Vööbus, The Synodicon in the West Syrian Tradition, CSCO 368, SS.162, Louvain, 1972, p.159).

This canon provides interesting information. The altar was generally made of wood like a table, which can be moved and could be used as a chest where liturgical vestments or vessels could be kept when they are not in use. Marble altars were rare and were probably expensive. The present fixed altar seems to be of later origin.

Washing of the altar

In the Latin tradition, altars were sometimes washed and then anointed and altar clothes were spread. This is apparently inspired by the baptismal liturgy in which immersion, anointing and putting on white robes are the important elements. As in baptism, the bishop first signed the altar without oil. Usually crosses were marked with the thumb. In the Latin tradition, X or A –Ω (Alpha – Omega), symbol of Christ are often marked.

Syriac Tradition

The originally consecration seems to have been limited to the altar and then Tablaito (Antimension). This is implied in the text from the Synodicon quoted above. Bar Hebraeus quotes a canon attributed to Severus of Antioch, which also suggests the same practice (Hudayacanon 1,6). However, the custom of consecrating the church building also can claim to be ancient. Thus in a canon attributed to Philoxenus (of Mabbugh?) we find: “ Because of the honour of peace and the benefit of the believers also, the altars and temples which had been anointed and consecrated by Eudoxius the Arian were accepted by the Orthodox bishops without being anointed and consecrated anew” (Synodicon II, p.184: CSCO 376, SS 164, Louvain, 1976).

 In the Malankara Orthodox Church, which follows the Syrian Orthodox liturgy, there is a solemn “laying on of the stone” ceremony at the beginning of the construction of the church. In a small chest 12 small pebbles are placed after being anointed with the Holy Myron. Each of them is placed in the main altar, side-altars (if any), four corners of the sanctuary as well as in the side walls. If there was no such ceremony at the beginning of the construction, the consecration of the new church shall begin with it and is celebrated o the eve. The liturgy of the consecration consists of three parts or ‘services’ and the first part is celebrated on the eve at the conclusion of the Vespers. Hudaya canon directs that the ordo of the Hudosh ‘etho (-Dedication of the Church, the second Sunday in the liturgical year) shall be used for Vespers and an all night vigil shall be kept. The service includes a series of psalms, hymns, Promiun-Sedro and readings from the Bible.

 In the second part dedication of the altar takes place. After the introductory prayers, altar and tablaita are signed thrice without oil. Then they are signed thrice with the Holy Myron. Then takes place the ‘dressing’ of the altar. Altar clothes are blessed and the cross and the candle sticks also are signed with Myron. These rites evoke the baptismal liturgy.

 In the third part, sanctuary and the nave are consecrated. The eastern, northern and the southern walls, as well as the entrance of the sanctuary are signed with Myron. Then in the nave, all the doors and windows are signed with the Myron. The dedication service is concluded with the Scripture readings (which includes John 10:22-38), litany, thanksgiving prayer and the exaltation of the cross towards four sides.

Consecration of the Church as a Sacrament

 Bar Hebraeus (d.1285), in his theological treatises Mnares kudshe (‘Light of the Sanctuary’) and Zalge (‘Rays’) gives the list of sacraments (roze). In both of them Consecration of the Church is listed among the sacraments. In the East Syrian tradition, the Patriarch Timothy II (d.1328) also included the ‘consecration of the altars’ in his list of the sacraments. Various canons found in the Hudaya canon ascribe special sanctity or sacramentality to the consecrated altars and tablaito. Tablaito always bears the name of the bishop who has consecrated it. This is precisely to handle them with care, as they have received special sanctity by consecration. All the Eastern Churches use tablaito (or antimension) on which the Paten and the Chalice are placed. It was probably introduced during the persecutions, when it was not possible to celebrate the Eucharist on a regular altar or inside a church. Hudaya canon directs that tablaito shall be consecrated by an orthodox bishop and a priest shall not celebrate without a tablaito. The use of broken tablaito or one blessed by heretics are also prohibited. Thus tablaito is regarded as the symbol of unity with the bishop.

St John Chrysostom Quotes

I exhort you, and I will not cease to exhort you to pay heed not only to what is said here, but when you are home also you should occupy yourselves attentively with the reading of Holy Scripture. Let no one say to me such cold words-worthy of judgment---as these: ‘I am occupied with a trial, I have obligations in the city, I have a wife, I have to feed my children, and it is not  my duty to read the Scripture but the duty of those who have renounced everything.’ What are you saying?! It is not your duty to read Scripture because  you are distracted by innumerable cares? On the contrary, it is your duty more than those others, more than the monks; they do not have such need of help as do you who live in the midst of such cares. You need treatment all the more, because you are constantly under such blows and are wounded so often. The reading of Scripture is a great defense against sin. Ignorance of the Scripture is a great misfortune, a great abyss. Not to know anything from the word of God is a disaster. This is what has given rise to heresies, to immorality; it has turned everything  upside down.

St. John Chrysostom on Scripture 

"There is nothing colder than a Christian who does not seek to save others." St. John Chrysostom. "What forgiveness, therefore, will there be for us, if (while we undergo such fury of the wicked one against ourselves) we do not bring to bear even the smallest part of this zeal for the salvation of our brethren, even while in these matters we have God for our helper! For when thou seest thy brother wicked and morose and giving no heed to thee, say thus within thyself: "Shall I not some time or other bo able to persuade him." Thus also St Paul commanded us to do: "The servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle unto all men, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves, if God per-adventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth," (2 Tim. ii. 24, 25.)" St. John Chrysostom, Discourse I, Chiefly on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (10 of --). "The whole year will be fortunate for you, not if you are drunk on the new-moon [New Year’ Day], but if both on the new-moon [January 1st], and each day, you do those things approved by God. For days come wicked and good, not from their own nature; for a day differs nothing from another day, but from our zeal and sluggishness. If you perform righteousness, then the day becomes good to you; if you perform sin, then it will be evil and full of retribution. If you contemplate these things, and are so disposed, you will consider the whole year favorable, performing prayers and charity every day; but if you are careless of virtue for yourself, and you entrust the contentment of your soul to beginnings of months and numbers of days, you will be desolate of everything good unto yourself."St. John Chrysostom, A Homily for the New Year. For the Christian ought to hold feasts not for months, nor new moons, nor Lord’s days, but continually through life to conduct a feast befitting him. What is the feast that befits him? Let us listen to Paul speaking, “Therefore let us celebrate the feast, not in the old leaven, nor by leaven of evil and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” [1 Corinthians 5,8]."St. John Chrysostom, A Homily for the New Year.

"Fasting is a medicine. But medicine, as beneficial as it is, becomes useless because of the inexperience of the user. He has to know the appropriate time that the medicine should be taken and the right amount of medicine and the condition of the body which is to take it, the weather conditions and the season of the year and the appropriate diet of the sick and many other things. If any of these things are overlooked, the medicine will do more harm than good. So, if one who is going to heal the body needs so much accuracy, when we care for the soul and are concerned about healing it from bad thoughts, it is necessary to examine and observe everything with every possible detail." St. John Chrysostom, On Fasting.

"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. Therefore, whoever limits the fast to the deprivation of food, he is the one who, in reality, abhors and ridicules the fast. Are you fasting? Show me your fast with your works. Which works? If you see someone who is poor, show him mercy. If you see an enemy, reconcile with him. If you see a friend who is becoming successful, do not be jealous of him! If you see a beautiful woman on the street, pass her by."

St. John Chrysostom, On Fasting.

Mary was made Mother of God to obtain salvation for many who, on account of their wicked lives, could not be saved according to the rigor of Divine justice, but might be saved with the help of her sweet mercy and powerful intercession." St. John Chrysostom, On the Theotokos.

"Come, then, let us observe the Feast. Truly wondrous is the whole chronicle of the Nativity. For this day the ancient slavery is ended, the devil confounded, the demons take to flight, the power of death is broken, paradise is unlocked, the curse is taken away, sin is removed from us, error driven out, truth has been brought back, the speech of kindliness diffused, and spreads on every side, a heavenly way of life has been ‘in planted on the earth, angels communicate with men without fear, and men now hold speech with angels." St. John Chrysostom, On the Nativity of Christ.

"This is the Lord of glory Who is ascended into the heavens with a shout, and is seated on the right hand of the Father. Under His authority are angels, and dominions and powers, and it is He Who receives our pained prayers, and makes us victors over the pirates of this world. Under His dominion is every rank of the unclean spirits, as He says to us: 'Behold, I have given you authority to trample upon snakes and scorpions.'" St. John Chrysostom, On the Ascension.

Have you sinned? Come to Church. Tell God, ‘I have sinned.’ I do not demand anything else of you than this. Holy Scripture states, ‘Be the first one to tell of your transgressions, so you may be justified.’ Admit the sin to annul it. This requires neither labor nor a circuit of words, nor monetary expenditure, nor anything else whatsoever such as these. Say one word, think carefully about the sin and say, ‘I have sinned.'” St John Chrysostom  On Sin & Repentance

Scripture Readings - Bright week ( Heworo) Days

Christ is Risen !, Indeed He is Risen !! 

Heworo Days - Bright Week (Heworo) is a unique time in our liturgical calendar where the joy of the Resurrection is so abundant that it overflows into every day of the week. To emphasize this "new life," the Church assigns a specific Liturgical Tone to each day, moving sequentially through the tones, as well as Scripture Readings for each day . The structure reminds us that the Resurrection is not just a one-day event, but a reality that reorders our entire sense of time. Ideally,  Holy Qurbana is celebrated on every one of these days.   Pray we use and apply these

Heworo Monday

Evening: St. Luke 24:13-35 , Morning St. Matthew 28:11-20

Holy Qurbana

Old Testament Readings:

Genesis 41: 41-46 , Numbers 7:84-89 

I Kings 18:36-40 , Judges 8:13-21 

Jeremiah 1:4-12, Isaiah 40:9-15

New Testament Readings

1 Peter 2:19-25 , Romans 6:12-23

St. Luke 24:13-35  

Heworo Tuesday 

Evening : St Mark 15:37-16:8, Morning St. Mark 16:9-18 

Holy Qurbana

Old Testament Readings

Exodus 14:26-31 , Joshua 6:9-16

Wisdom of Solomon 1:1-8. Isaiah 63:8-14

New Testament Readings 

Acts 13:26-39 , Ephesians 6:10-24 

St. Matthew 28:11-20 

Heworo Wednesday 

Evening: St. Luke 23:46-24:12 ,Morning St. Luke 24:12-24 

Holy Qurbana

Old Testament Readings

Exodus 40:1-16 , Joshua 2:1-6 

Hosea 8:1-8, Isaiah 65:1-7 

New Testament Readings

Acts 4:8-21 , Hebrews 3:1-13 

St. Luke 24:1-12 

Heworo Thursday

Evening: St. John 19:30-20:2 , Morning St. John 20:3-18 

Holy Qurbana

Old Testament Readings 

Exodus 34:4-12 , I Kings 20:28-30 

Micah 4:1-7 , Zachariah 8:4-9 

Isiah 37:8-17 

New Testament Readings 

1 John 4:19-5:15 , Hebrews 11:3-6 

St. John 20:11-18 

Heworo Friday

Evening: St. John 20:18-23 , Morning : St. Matthew 27:50-61 

Holy Qurbana

Old Testament Readings 

Deuteronomy 16:1-8 , Joshua 8:30-33

Proverbs 9:1-11 , Joel 3:16-21 

Isaiah 26:1-8 

New Testament Readings

1 Peter 3:17-22 , Hebrews 11:32-40,

St. Matthew 28:1-10 

Heworo Saturday 

Evening: St. Luke 24:25-34 , Morning St. Mathew 27:62-28:20 

Old Testament Readings 

Joshua 1: 5-9 , I Kings 17:17-22

II Kings 23:21-25 , Isaiah 44: 23-28

New Testament Readings

Acts 26: 19-25 , Philippians 2:1-11

St. Matthew 28:11-20

This was from Me by St Seraphim of Viritsa

 This was from Me by St Seraphim of Viritsa . “This was from me” is a famous letter written by saint Seraphim of Viritsa that he sent to his spiritual child, a bishop who was in a Soviet prison at that time; this homily “This was from me” is written as a consolation and counsel to the bishop to let him know that God the Creator addresses to the soul of man.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Things that concern you concern the apple of my eye. You are precious in my eyes and I love you; for this reason, it is a special joy for Me to train you. When temptations and the opponent come upon you like a river, I want you to know that,This was from Me.

I want you to know that your weakness has need of My strength, and your safety lies in allowing Me to protect you. I want you to know that when you are in difficult conditions, among people who do not understand you, and cast you away,This was from Me.

I am your God, the circumstances of your life are in My hands; you did not end up in your position by chance; it is precisely the position I have appointed for you. Weren’t you asking Me to teach you humility? And there – I placed you precisely in the atmosphere, the school where they teach this lesson. Your atmosphere, and those who live around you, are merely performing My will. Do you have financial difficulties and just barely make it? Know that, This was from Me.

I want you to know that I dispose of your money, so take refuge in Me and know that you are dependant upon Me. I want you to know that My storehouses are inexhaustible, and I am faithful in My promises. Let it never happen that they tell you in your need, “Do not believe in your Lord and God.” Have you ever spent the night in affliction? Are you separated from your relatives, the people you love? I allowed it to affect you so you turn to Me, and in Me to find consolation and comfort. Did your friend or someone to whom you opened your heart, deceive you? This was from Me.

I allowed this frustration to touch you so that you may learn that your best friend is the Lord. I want you to bring everything to Me and tell Me everything. Did someone slander you? Leave it to Me; be attached to Me, in Me your refuge so that you can hide from the contradiction of the nations. I will make your righteousness shine like light and your life like midday noon. Your plans were destroyed? Your soul yielded and you are exhausted? This was from Me.

You made plans and have your own aims; you brought them to Me to bless them. But I want you to leave it to Me, to direct and guide the circumstances of your life by the hand, because you are the orphan, not the protagonist. Unexpected failures found you and despair overcame your heart, know That this was from Me.

Because with this tiredness and anxiety I am testing how strong your faith is in My promises and your boldness in prayer for your relatives. Why, is it not you who entrusted their cares to my providential love? Is it not you who now leave them to the protection of my All Pure Mother? Serious illness found you, which may be healed or may be incurable, and nailed you to your bed. This was from Me. 

Because I want you to know Me more deeply, through physical illness, and to not murmur against this trial I have sent you. And do not try to understand My plans for the salvation of people’s souls in various ways, but unmurmuringly and humbly bow your head  before My goodness. You were dreaming to do something distinct and special for Me and, instead of doing it, you fell into a bed of pain. This was from Me.

Because then you were sunk in your own works and plans and I wouldn’t have been able to draw your thoughts to Me. But I want to teach you the most deep thoughts and My lessons, so that you may serve Me. I want to teach you to sense that you are nothing without Me. Some of my best sons are they, who are cut off from active life, to learn to use the weapon of ceaseless prayer. You were called unexpectedly to undertake a difficult and responsible position, supported in Me.

I entrust these difficulties to you, and for this reason the Lord your God will bless all your works, in all of your paths. In everything your Lord will be your guide and teacher. On this day in your hands, My child, I gave this vessel with the divine myrrh, for you to use freely. Remember always that every difficulty that you will come across, every offensive word, every slander and criticism, every obstacle to your works, which could cause frustration and disappointment, every revelation of your weakness and incabability, will be anointed with this oil, This was from Me.

Know and remember always, no matter where you are, That whatsoever stings, will be dulled as soon as you learn in all things, to look at Me.

Everything was sent to you by Me, for the perfection of your soul.All these things were from Me.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From Life-Miracles-Prophecies of Saint Sraphim of Viritsa pp143-147, Translated by Fr. Nicholas Palis, Orthodox Kypseli Publications, 2005, Thessaloniki, Greece Shared from ICONANDLIGHT web page

March 24, 2026

Historical Roots St. Mary's Orthodox Church Calgary

Historical Roots of St. Mary's Orthodox Church, Calgary

It is the deep yearning of every immigrant who moves to a new country to preserve and practice their faith and traditions in their new homeland. Malankara Orthodox Christians began immigrating to Canada as early as the 1960s and 1970s, settling across various provinces. A significant number found a home in Alberta, particularly in Edmonton and Calgary. By the 1980s, the community in Edmonton successfully established a church named after the first canonized saint of the Malankara Orthodox Church: St. Gregorios of Parumala.

Early Days: A Commute of Faith

At the time, Calgary was home to only a handful of Malankara Orthodox families. Because there was no local parish, the norm was to drive roughly 300 kilometers to Edmonton over the weekend for Holy Qurbana, punctuated by occasional fellowship meetings at the homes of local families.

It was into this community that my family and I moved to Calgary in September 2000. With a young family, we quickly realized that these occasional arrangements were not enough to sustain us spiritually. We deeply desired a local Orthodox Christian Church where we could worship regularly. During our search, we were blessed initially to find a spiritual home and commune with an Eastern Orthodox parish, St. Peter the Aleut, under the Orthodox Church in America (OCA).

During this period, I discovered an Internet forum called the Indian Orthodox Internet Forum (IOIF). It became a vital digital space where Kerala immigrants shared thoughts and encouraged one another. Through IOIF, we learned firsthand about the monumental work of H.G. Mathews Mar Makarios, who was instrumental in establishing parishes under the Catholicate across North America. We also learned of his missionary expectations through the St. Gregorios Mission parishes in Spokane under Father Michael Hatcher and Father John Brian, as well as the 2001 arrival of Father Lazarus (brother to H.G. Mar Makarios) to serve as the vicar of St. Gregorios Parish in Edmonton.

The Impact of Father Lazarus

Through the forum, curiosity led me to discover the unique personality of Father Lazarus. He had been a driving force in establishing parishes in North India, served as one of the founding secretaries of the Mar Gregorios Orthodox Christian Student Movement (OCSM) from 1964 to 1966, and was a revered educator at Bethany School, Kunnakulam. The real turning point for me was hearing from fellow IOIF moderator Oommen Kappil (from Philadelphia), who fondly recalled how students would skip classes just to hear Lazarus Achen’s zealous and passionate speeches.

I connected with Father Lazarus over the phone, and we would speak for hours—a tradition of deep conversation that continued until his repose on March 4, 2024.

Almost a year after I first connected with him, providence stepped in. I was contacted by Titus Samuel, who had just moved to Calgary from Fort McMurray. He took the initiative to coordinate with Father Lazarus to celebrate Holy Qurbana right here in Calgary. A new routine was born: we would receive Achen at the Greyhound bus station once every few months. He would spend the afternoon resting at our downtown apartment, after which more established families would pick him up for evening fellowship, followed by Holy Qurbana the next day.

Recognizing the growth and dedication of this small community—primarily led by Titus Samuel, Paul Ramanat, and a few others—Diocesan Bishop H.G. Mar Makarios officially directed Fr. Lazarus to serve as the vicar of a dedicated St. Mary’s Orthodox congregation in Calgary.

Elevation to a Full-Fledged Parish

On St. Thomas Day, December 21, 2002, the Calgary congregation was elevated to a full-fledged parish in the name of St. Mary by Diocesan Metropolitan H.G. Mar Makarios. The historic occasion was graced by the presence of clergy and laity from Edmonton, Toronto ,as well as representatives from local Ethiopian Orthodox and OCA parishes.

The parish continued to hold monthly Holy Qurbana led by Fr. Lazarus, who was later assisted by Fr. Philipose Philipose from Edmonton. In 2009, during the structural reorganization of the Malankara Orthodox Dioceses, the parish officially came under the Southwest Diocese of North America.

Growth, Transformation, and a New Horizon

What began as a small gathering of about 10 families has flourished into a vibrant parish of more than 100 families, driven by a steady influx of immigrants moving to Calgary over the last decade.

To nurture this rapid growth, the need for a resident priest became vital to the life of the parish. On August 15, 2010, Diocesan Bishop H.G. Alexios Mar Eusebius appointed Fr. Binny M. Kuruvilla as the first full-time resident priest, which allowed for regular, frequent Holy Qurbana and pastoral services. Later, in October 2019, Southwest Diocesan Bishop H.G. Zacharias Mar Aprem appointed our current vicar, Fr. George Varughese (Shabu Achen), to guide the parish forward.

Today, under the leadership of the newly formed Canadian Diocese, the parish is moving toward its greatest milestone yet. God willing, on May 30, 2026, St. Mary's Orthodox Church will move into its very own permanent place of worship.

As we cross this threshold, it is only fitting to look back, remember our roots, and honor those who laid the foundation. May we continue to hold each other in prayer. May Christ’s mercy guide us as individuals, as a parish, and as a Church under the Catholicate—firmly rooted in Calgary as an Orthodox Christian community that is welcoming and accessible to all languages and all cultures, for whom Christ became Incarnate

 In Christ, 

George Varghese

Calgary, Canada

May 20, 2026 Updated

Two Prayers from Pauline Epistle to Ephesians

Ephesians 1:15-21 Prayer of Revelation 

For this reason after hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and the love which [you have] for all the saints, I do not cease giving thanks on your behalf, making mention [of you] in my prayers. So that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in His true knowledge. Having enlightened the eyes of your hearts that you would know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints. And what is the surpassing greatness of His power to us who believe according to the working of His power and might. Which He worked in Christ raising Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenlies. High above every ruler and authority and power and worldly ruler and being named over every name, not only in this age, but also in the age to come.

Ephesians 3: 14-21 Prayer for Deification 

On which account I bow my knees before the Father. From Whom every family in heaven and on the earth is named. That He may give to you according to the riches of His glory to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, to settle Christ through faith in your hearts, being firmly rooted and established in love, so that you may be strong enough to grasp with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, to know also the-surpassing-knowledge-love of Christ, so that you may be filled to all the fullness of God.  And to the one who is able beyond all things to do quite beyond all measure of that which we ask or think according to the power which is active in us. To Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever, Amen!

A Model for Men's Fellowship and Brotherhood

 I recently came across  this posting from St. Mary Orthodox Church in Palos Heights on  Brotherhood of St. Paisios | St. Mary Orthodox Church for men. 

Mission Statement: "The Brotherhood of St. Paisios  is committed to building godly men to serve Christ in their home, church, career, and community. We understand the important leadership role God has given men in their families, and through a variety of initiatives, workshops and programs, we hope to enable men to fulfill this responsibility."

We want to ensure that the men of our community – the God-appointed leaders of their families – use their Orthodox Christian Faith with its rich Traditions, as the source and driving force behind every decision they make.

The Brotherhood Pledge

Maintain a daily rule of prayer

Daily reading of scripture and the lives of the saints

Daily reading of a spiritual book (books by modern saints recommended)

Regularly attend Saturday Vespers, Sunday Liturgy, and at least one weekly service

Regular Confession and attendance of services/reception of Communion

Participate in all the fasts of the Church

Reduce and limit screen time

What does God expect of men?

“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.”  1 Cor 16: 13-14

“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity.”  Titus 2:7

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

“But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Tim 5:8

“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” 1 Tim 4:12

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” Micah 6:8

“Feeding the hungry is a greater work than raising the dead.”   St. John Chrysostom

“Do what you can, and then pray that God will give you the power to do what you cannot.” St. Augustine

“A wise son is the glory of his father.” St. Patrick of Ireland

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

God crowned Man with Free Will as His greatest Gift. God granted Man Authority over Everything. God offered Man complete Freedom so as to Accept God as his Beloved, to ignore Him, or even to resist Him.