Dearly Beloved in Christ,

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

As we enter Passion Week, we are invited to reset our spiritual lives and return to the heart of our faith. This sacred season calls us to meditate on the passion, suffering, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, bowing before Him in humility and surrender. Bowing down teaches us to lay aside ego, pride, jealousy, and selfishness, opening our hearts to God’s transforming grace. Through fasting and prayer, we realign our lives with God’s will, remembering how the breaking of the fast by Adam and Eve led to separation, while Christ began His ministry with fasting, restoring humanity. This is also a time to renew our relationships with our families, within our church community, and in our daily interactions grounded in the self-giving love Christ demonstrated, especially when He washed the feet of His disciples.

As Henri Nouwen reflects, Holy Week invites us to walk with Christ in His final journey, to carry the cross with Him, to face our own struggles with faith, and to trust in God even in silence. It is also a time to confront the darkness within us and in our world systems of injustice, violence, and suffering that burden the vulnerable. “The resurrection proclaims that suffering, sin, and death do not have the final word.” This truth leads us from the sorrow of the Cross to the radiant joy of Easter.

With a grateful heart, I thank all the members of the STMTC family for your love, care, support, and prayers over the past five years. It has been a blessed privilege to serve this parish and witness its spiritual growth. I express my sincere appreciation to Very Rev. Dr. Cherian Thomas, the Executive Committee (2021–2026), and all organizations, youth, and children for your dedication and commitment. As we look forward to building a new sanctuary, may God guide us to fulfill His mission in this land, and I humbly request your continued prayers for this important project. My transfer will take effect on May 1st, as we move to Trinity Mar Thoma Church, Houston. Rev. Geevarghese Kochummen and family will be taking charge of this parish, and I pray that Achen’s ministry will be a great blessing to this community. Thank you once again for your love, support, and prayers.

Wishing you all a blessed Easter.

In Christ’s Love,

Rev. Sonu Varughese

Vicar