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.

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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.
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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  near and far like Father Philipose Philip Diocesan Secretary of Canada & UK Diocese from Toronto, Father Michael Hatcher from Spokane , lay members from our Edmonton parish as well as representatives from local Sister Orthodox Churches like Ethiopian parish as well as  Eastern Orthodox OCA and Antiochene parishes in Calgary.

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

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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