Home

Jesus is Risen…He is risen, indeed.

"He died our death that we might receive His life; He became poor that we through His poverty might be rich; He took upon Himself the form of a servant that we might receive the dignity of a son; He suffered our punishment that we might receive His reward; He became obedient unto death that we might be sharers in His resurrection."

                                                                                   St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD)

Dearly beloved in Christ,

We are in a liturgical season of resurrection of our Lord. It promises renewal of our life in Christ. In Christ, we are renewed, and the creation has become new. Let’s capture the power of resurrection in our life. As Athanasius of Alexandria says, “Christ's resurrection is the pledge of ours; He is the first fruits of them that slept." We are strengthened by His resurrection.  After the resurrection, Jesus Christ appeared to Mary Magdalene. He also appeared to the disciples returning to Emmaus; then he appeared to Peter. We also read about his appearances to the disciples in the closed room, to Thomas the apostle, and to the larger group of the disciples till his ascension. The disciples could not believe Him, even though they saw the resurrected Lord. But when they were anointed by the Spirit, then everything became clear to them. It is not sight that we live but by faith. Faith matters, and therefore our faith formation too. The church and its activities must be focused on the faith formation of all, and it must be equipping everyone to grow in their faith in Christ. Faith will give us immense power to witness and transform our everyday life.

We praise God for giving us an opportunity to serve the Lord in the Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Houston for three years. We also thank the Metropolitans and the disocesan Episcopas who gave us the opportunity to serve the Lord here in the parish. It was a miracle journey from Delhi to San Fransisco and from there to Houston. There was the fear of COVID 19 everywhere. The church was struggling to come out of the slumber of the lockdown. We prayed together, worked together, and accomplished many things together for the glory of the Lord. Your prayer, love and care marveled us. We, as a family, are grateful to all of you.

Rev. Abraham Varghese and Rev. Saji Albi, the former vicar and the associate vicar were very kind to me. Whenever I needed help, they wholeheartedly offered it to me. Rev. Santhosh Thomas achen, Teena Kochamma and their daughters were like a family for us. The ministry together with Santhosh achen and family was a blessed experience. I thank the alter boys and girls and the lay leaders. Without their wonderful service my ministry wouldn’t have been effective. I thank the office bearers, Executive Committee members and the organization leaders of the last three years for their love and support for me and my family.

Thank you all wholeheartedly for all the wonderful experiences of ministry. I pray and with the parish may grow in all the spiritual means and flourish abundantly in witnessing our Lord Jesus Christ. A big love for all of you…

Vicar

Rev. Dr. Eappen Varghese