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.

About 50 adults and kids travelled by bus to Lancaster, PA to see the biblical play "Joseph". Everyone really enjoyed the show and bus ride!

Our new Sunday School year commences this Sunday. If you have not yet registered, please contact Merin or Sheela as soon as possible. We pray for a year of spiritual knowledge and growth for all our children over the coming year.

We celebrated our annual Perunal on Sunday, September 11. H.G. Alexios Mar Eusebius, Metropolitan of South-West America Diocese, was the Chief Guest and gave a wonderful, inspiring message about St. Mary during Holy Qurbana and during the Evening Convention. After Holy Qurbana, there was Intercessory Prayers to St. Mary, Perunal festivities, and Onam Lunch. It was a blessed day!

We had our Sunday School Anniversary on Sunday, September 4. There were variety programs from the students and awards for each class. Ms. Ceena Varghese, MTh was the guest speaker and really encouraged the kids.

As a result of the movement of Hurricane Irene through the Mid-Atlantic and projected flooding, downed trees, and power loss, the Prayer Meeting at Mathew and Shiney's house and Holy Qurbana on Sunday have been cancelled. Plase be safe during this dangerous storm!

We will be hosting Vacation Bible School in Virginia on August 18-19 at our current worship location in Clifton. Please contact Merin or Sheela to register.

The members of St. Mary's recognized all Fathers and the 2011 graduates (Mariam Thomas, Jacob George, Mammen Mathew, and Thomas Chennikara). Special prayers and speeches were delivered on the occassion by Achen and various members. We congratulate all the gradutes and pray for God's blessings and direction in their future. We also pray for all Fathers that God would continue to guide and direct each one.

The newly-enthroned Diocesan Metropolitan for Northeast America, HG Zachariah Mar Nicholovos, visited St. Thomas Damascus Church over the weekend of June 11-12. To welcome him appropriately, St. Thasom Damascus sponsored a public meeting after Evening Prayer. A number of visiting archpriests, priests, and community members spoke on the occasion. Representing St. Mary's was our Vicar, Fr. George Mathew, and our Secretary, Anil John, and Trustee, Roy Punnoose. Manoj Varghese, as Area MGOCSM leader, also spoke on the occassion.