The Parish mourns the loss of young Julia Samuel, the six-year old daughter of Sunil Samuel and Sibi of St Gregorios Orthodox Church, Silver Spring, MD. She had been battling leukemia for a long time. Achen and all the members of St. Mary's Indian Orthodox Church of NoVA express their deepest condolences and prayers to the grieving family during this difficult time. May Almighty God shower them with strength.

The Great Lent begins for 50 days until Easter Day. All are requested to strictly observe the Great Lent by abstaining from meat, fish, and dairy products to the best of your ability. The theme for this year's Lent is "For all that Christ has done for me, what can I offer Him?" Readings for each day of Great Lent will be emailed.

The Parish conducted Shub'kono Service (Service of Reconciliation) as a premise to Great Lent.

The parish participated in the Nineveh 3-day Lent.

The Parish celebrated Epiphany (Danaha) on January 8.

The Parish rang in the New Year with Holy Qurbana on Sunday, January 1. The new 2012 Managing Committee took charge that day as well. Blessings for a healthy, safe, and prosperous New Year to all!

The Parish celebrated Christmas on December 25. Following the Night Prayers (Rathri/Lilio), the fire service occurred, burning the palm leaves and everyone went around the fire to place a piece of incense in the fire. Then followed the Sleeba Akhosham. Morning Prayer began shortly therafter, followed by Holy Qurbana. After Holy Qurbana, the caroling group sang for the members we were not able to visit and the Sunday School presented a short program. Secret Santa Christmas gifts were distributed to all children. A sumptuous Kerala lunch was served to end the day. May the blessings of Christmas and the Christ-child be with all of you throughout 2012.

The Parish Assembly of St. Mary's met on Sunday, December 4 following Holy Qurbana. With the current revision of the Malankara Constitution to permit women participation in the Assembly and Managing Committee, the Assembly nominated three women and three men to the 2012 Managing Committee, pending approval by the Diocesan Metropolitan. We pray that the Holy Spirit will be with the new committee as they lead the activities of the parish in 2012.

The Sunday School presented a skit "Away With the Manger" at the annual ECKC Christmas program. We thank all the participants and parents who took time to help with the practices and transportation.

Christmas caroling began at Achen's house in Baltimore on November 26 and worked its way around Maryland and Tyson's Corner. We raised $1500 the first day! Caroling throughout Northern Virginia and Fredericksburg will continue each weekend throughout December. If anyone would like to be visited, please contact Shiju Chacko or Jame George.

The annual parish Thanksgiving Dinner and Family Night occurred on Friday, November 25 from 5-9pm at the Chantilly Government Center. After Evening Prayer, there was a talent show by children of the parish. Afterward, there was a game of Bible Jeopardy, with one male adult, one female adult, and one youth competing for the audience. After 30 questions, the youth prevailed. There was a scrumptuous potluck meal after the program and there was plenty of fun, food, and fellowship. We are truly blessed and thank God for all His blessings in our personal and parish life.

The parish celebrated the feast of St. Gregorios on Sunday, November 6. After Holy Qurbana and Intercessory Prayers to St. Gregorios, the Sunday School conducted a short program, including a Powerpoint presentation on the life of St. Gregorios, followed by a song.