Historical Roots St. Mary's Orthodox Church Calgary (March 3, 2026)

It is the yearning of every immigrant, who moves  to a new country to continue their faith and traditions in their new homeland.  Malankara Orthodox Christians began immigration to Canada as early as the 1960s and 70s and settled down in different provinces. A good number of them settled in Edmonton, Calgary and other parts of Alberta. In the 80s, the Malankara Orthodox Christians in Edmonton, the capital city of Alberta, were able to establish a church in the name of the first canonized saint of Malankara Orthodox Church, St. Gregorios of Parumala.

The Calgary community, inspired by the establishment of the parish in Edmonton, organized more frequent prayer meetings at their homes in our tradition as time permitted. These spiritual gatherings progressed to occasional Holy Qurbana led by Clergy from Edmonton and other parishes in North America.  

This arrangement continued till 2000 when the Diocesan Bishop H.G Makarios, at the request of the community, directed the Edmonton Parish priest Rev. Fr. Lazarus to begin work towards establishing a dedicated congregation in Calgary.

On St. Thomas Day, December 21st 2002 the Calgary congregation was blessed to be elevated to a full-fledged parish in the name of St. Mary by the Diocesan Metropolitan.  The occasion was graced by the presence of Clergy and laity from Edmonton and other local congregation including Ethiopian and Orthodox Church in America (OCA) The Parish continued to have monthly Holy Qurbana led by Fr. Lazarus and followed by Fr. Philipose Philipose from Edmonton.  It officially came under the Southwest Diocese of North America in 2009 during the reorganization of Malankara Orthodox Dioceses. The parish which started off with about 10 families has now more than 100 families attending the Church, with more and more immigrants having moved to Calgary in the past few years.

The continual growth over the last decade warranted the need for a dedicated priest to nourish the life of the Parish. The Diocesan Bishop H.G Alexios Mar Eusebius appointed Fr. Binny M. Kuruvilla as  full-time resident priest from August 15, 2010 to fulfill this role. The presence of a resident Vicar helped to have frequent regular Holy Qurbana and services ,n time , October 2019 South West Diocesan Bishop H.G  Zacharias Mar Aprem appointed Fr. George Varughese (Shabu Achen) as vicar of the Parish. 

The Church is moving towards yet another milestone this year as a Parish under the newly formed Canadian Diocese and God willing on May 30, 2026, to a permanent place of worship.  On this day of recollecting the second memory of Lazarus Rambachan our founding priest, It seem fitting to ponder a bit on the past and  post for any who may not be familiar with the historical roots of the parish . Let us continue to hold  prayers for each of us and Christ mercy guide as as individuals, as Parish and Church under the Catholicate firmly rooted in Calgary as an Orthodox Christian community accessible to all , all languages , all cultures for whom Christ became Incarnate. 

In Christ, 
George Varghese
March 3, 2026

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

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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. 

 Homily: on Christ’s dwelling in the hearts of the faithfulby Saint Nikolai Velimirovič

  … that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye [may be] rooted and grounded in love (Ephesians 3:17).

With faith, Christ comes into the heart, and with Christ comes love. Thus man is rooted and grounded in love. First then, there is faith; then with faith comes Christ’s presence in the heart; then with Christ’s presence, the presence of love; and with love, all ineffable goodness. In a few words, the Apostle delineates the whole ladder of perfection.

The beginning is faith and the end is love; and faith and love are joined in a living, undivided unity by the Living Lord Jesus Christ’s presence in the heart. By strengthening faith, we further abolish the distance between ourselves and the Lord Jesus Christ. The stronger one’s faith, the closer one is to Christ.

Ultimately, one’s heart is filled with Christ and cannot be separated from Christ, just as one’s lung cannot be separated from the air. Then a man may, with tears of joy, communicate with Christ by the prayer of the heart-“Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me a sinner”-and the heart is imperceptibly filled with light and ardent love. In this way, love is united with faith and hope; and when they are united, the boundaries between them are lost, so that man cannot even think of determining of how far faith goes, and where hope and love begin. When the living Christ dwells in a man, then he no longer perceives faith, hope or love in himself, nor does he name them. Instead, he sees only Christ and names only Him. This is just like a fruit-grower in autumn who considers the ripe fruit on the tree, and speaks no more of blossoms and leaves but of fruit, ripe fruit.

O Lord Jesus Christ, supreme height of all our endeavors and the destination of all our travels, draw near to us and save us.

To Thee be glory and praise forever. Amen.

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič

- Prologue

Nativity Patristic Quotes - Shared by Fr. Timothy Thomas through E-MGOCSM platform

There has always been this blessed Tradition in the Church to use Patristic quotes , encouraging letters , sharing of what was heard , seen and encountered experiences  to bring to Him, to hold and sustain us in Him Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Sharing some thoughts/quotes by Fr. Timothy (Tenny) Thomas and this ministry of the Church through E-MGOCSM . Pray it encourage each one of us students.   

Day 1 Preparing Our Hearts for Christ – A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” Prophet  Isaiah

Day 2- – “He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty.” St. Mary

Day 3 - Prayer is our lifeline. It is through withdrawal into God’s presence that we find strength for our spiritual journey. This Advent, let us remember that true joy comes from abiding in God’s love. On our knees in prayer, we are strengthened to stand boldly in a world that pulls us away from Him. Father Antony Coniaris

Day 4 - But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” - St. Paul 

Day 5 “Glory to that One who became lowly, though the heavens are full of His glory! He took on poverty so that He might make all rich with His riches.” -Saint Ephrem the Syrian 

Day 6  “The presence of the true light dispels all darkness and gives life to the soul. Without the light of Christ, the soul cannot see its Creator nor find its way to Him.” Saint Athanasius 

Day 7  “The Infinite became finite, the Invisible became visible, and the Creator of all entered into the limits of human nature, so that He might lead us beyond our limits into the infinite love of God.” Saint Gregory of Nyssa

Day 8 - “John was the herald of Christ, teaching us that preparation of the soul through repentance is the way to meet the Lord, for He enters hearts made ready for His presence.” - St. Cyril of Alexandria

Day 9 - "God visits His people not with fleecing gifts ,but with Eternal gift of redemption . His promises are never forgotten and His salvation is not delayed ,but revealed in the fullness of time' - St. Gregory the Great 

Day 10 - "In Christ ,the light of God's mercy rises dispelling the shadow of sin and leading humanity into the eternal peace of His kingdom. Let us walk in this light that we may become children of the day' -St. Cyril of Alexandria. 

Day 11- 'When you generously give to the poor, you lend to God Himself , for the hands of the needy are the treasury of Christ' - St. John Chrysostom

Day 12 - “The angels sang a hymn of peace, for in Christ, the world would be reconciled. Their hallelujah echoes in the hearts of those who embrace His light and live in His love.” Saint Ephrem the Syrian 

Day 13 “The star that led the Magi is the light of divine wisdom, which guides the faithful to Christ. Those who seek Him with pure hearts and steadfast faith will never be left wandering in darkness.” Saint Basil the Great 

Day 14" “The Son of God became what we are in order to make us what He is Himself.” Saint Irenaeus

Day 15 -“Joseph’s obedience was not merely an act of duty but of love. His silence teaches us that true faith seeks not words but deeds, trusting fully in the providence of God." Saint John Chrysostom

Day 16 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call His name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).”  -Saint Matthew 1:23 

Day 17 "The Magi saw the Child and marveled; they beheld heaven and earth united in Him. In humble adoration, they bowed, for in Him was the fullness of divinity revealed in the frailty of humanity.” Saint Ephrem the Syrian 

Day 18  “Heaven came down to earth, not to be diminished, but to lift the earth to heaven. The Nativity is the condescension of God’s love and the exaltation of humanity into His divine life” Saint Gregory of Nyssa 

Day 19 “Let us celebrate the Nativity by adorning our souls with virtues, and by offering to Christ the treasures of a pure and humble heart.” -Saint John Chrysostom  

Day 20 “What greater gift can we offer Christ than a heart free of greed and filled with love for our neighbor? Let us share what we have with those in need, for in them, we find Christ Himself.”  Saint John Chrysostom

Day 21  “Love silence above all things, for it brings you near to the fruit of the Spirit. Silence will illuminate you in God’s presence and deliver you from the noise of vain thoughts.” Saint Isaac the Syrian

Day 22  “In the genealogy, we see both the human and the divine: God working through the frailty of man to bring forth His eternal plan. Let us marvel at His wisdom and mercy, for even in brokenness, He brings forth salvation.” Saint John Chrysostom 

Day 23  “The person who loves God cannot help but love every human being as well. Such a person cannot hold on to money, but shares it generously, imitating God, who gives everything to all and desires that all should be saved.” Saint Maximus the Confessor 

Day 24-  “The Word became man, that we might become divine. He took on what is ours, so that He might give us what is His. In Him, we see the fullness of God’s love, spoken not in words alone, but in life itself.” Saint Athanasius 

Day 25 - “The shepherds saw the glory of God and were not consumed by fear, for in Christ, the transcendent became immanent. His glory does not destroy but illumines, calling us to share in His peace and joy.” Saint Gregory of Nyssa 

 Saint Arsenie Boca of Prislop, Romania, the Prophet of the End Times 

“God knows what He makes from each of us. He is the potter and we are His clay. He will mold us, He will do and He will expose us to the needed pressures to be perfect to do his good, pleasant and holy will. If life seems hard and you are hurt, beaten, and pushed mercilessly; when your world seems spinning uncontrollably; when you feel that you are in a terrible suffering, when life seems dire, do yourself a tea and drink it in the prettiest cup, sit down and think about what you read here and then discusses a little with The Potter “.

• Prior to the sailors throwing Jonah into the sea, the Lord had beautifully prepared a great big fish to protect him from drowning.
• Prior to Joseph being thrown into the pit by his brothers, the Lord had beautifully prepared a caravan of Ishmaelites to escort him to Pharaohs palace.
• Prior to Jochabed (Moses mum) placing Moses into the river, the Lord had beautifully prepared Pharaoh’s daughter to rescue him at the river bed.
• Prior to God testing Abraham by requesting Isaac as a sacrifice, the Lord had beautifully prepared in a thicket a ram.
• Enter your tribulation with faith my friend as the Lord has beautifully prepared an exit and a solution prior to you entering the tribulation

From 

ICONANDLIGHT

July 9 , 2023 Sixth Sunday after Pentecost Scripture from Lectionary thoughts

 July-9: Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Evening :St. Luke 17: 1-10
Morning :St. Mark 6: 30- 52
Before Holy Qurbana
Exodus 30: 34-38 , Psalms 20
Isaiah 14: 22-27
Holy Qurbana
Acts 1: 15- 20 , I Corinthians 8: 1-6
St. Matthew 15: 32-39

or 

Evening :St. Luke 17: 1-10
Morning :St. Mark 6: 30- 46
Before Holy Qurbana
Exodus 30: 34-38 , Joshua 10:33-37 , 2 Samuel 3:17- 21 
Isaiah 14: 22-27
Holy Qurbana
Acts 1: 15- 20 , I Corinthians 8: 1-8
St. Luke 13:22-35  

I often marvel at how the Church arrange the Scripture Readings connecting the Old Testament , Epistle and Gospel Readings to a theme.  This week, I could notice a theme of need to discerning what is pleasing to God ,be humble in knowing our limitations and yet be ready to act upon it for His glory.  

OT reading from Exodus  30:34- 38 appear pointing towards the Church to be the fragrant perfume, consecrated and sanctified where God will meet His people.  

The second Epistle reading (I Corinthians 8: 1-8) seem to be very significant for the Church then and now to hold on to the faith on who is our God  " ..For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords),  yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live. "  The portion on food offered to idols appears to be a direct call to each of us within the Church to be non judgemental, kind towards one another and not be the cause for another's faith to falter. 

The Gospel reading (St. Matthew 15: 32-39) shows hour Lord and Saviour had compassion on those who followed him earnestly , understanding their condition and ask his disciples to feed them. It also seem a direct revelation to the Church on how to trust God with what we have and be strong in the assurance that the Lord can bless and multiply them for His work way beyond our imagination and what we can comprehend with our limited knowledge

July 8, 2023