Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church

January 5, 2012

Dearly Beloved,

We first take this opportunity to extend our love and prayers for a blessed New Year!

The 2012 Clergy Conference, Diocesan Assembly, and the meeting of all the elected Malankara Association Members of our Diocese will be held from February 9-11, 2012 (Thursday – Saturday) at St. Gregorios Orthodox Church, Dallas under our presidentship. The following is the schedule of events for the weekend:

Thursday, February 9, 2012 (6 PM to 9PM)Thursday, Diocesan Clergy Conference Friday, February 10, 2012 (9:30 AM to 12:30 pm)

Friday, February 10, 2012 (2 PM to 7 PM) Diocesan Assembly

Saturday, February 11, 2012 (9 AM to 12:30 PM) 1. Joint Meeting of Diocesan Assembly Members& Malankara Association members 2. Elections

We urge all clergy, assembly members and association members to make your travel arrangements in advance and make sure that you participate in these very important meetings of our Diocese early in the year.

The agenda and the details of the meetings will be sent to you in due course. Regarding the election to be held on Saturday, the members of the Diocesan Assembly will elect a new Diocesan Secretary (Priest), Diocesan Council (2 Priests and 4 Laymen), and a Diocesan Auditor. The term of the council will be till the year 2017. Since our Diocese is widely spread, it would be good for all regions to be represented in the Diocesan Council.

The Malankara Association members need to be only present for Saturday morning, February 11th and will elect one priest and two laymen from our Diocese to nominate for the Sabha Managing committee. The term of office will be till 2017.Nominations for any of the above mentioned positions should be received by the Diocesan Office before January 30th, 2012. Nominations can be withdrawn before February 5th, 2012.

It is our request that you do the necessary to ensure that those who are selfless, committed to the vision of our Diocese, and maintain a spiritual life in accordance with the life of the Holy Church are selected to the above mentioned posts. They should be progressive and be willing to share innovative ideas for the growth of our Diocese and the mission of our Church in this country. Diocesan Council Members should be able to spare enough time for exercising their responsibilities by being in constant touch with the Diocesan Center and willing to attend the necessary meetings.

Nomination forms are available with the Vicars and in our Diocesan website (www.ds-wa.org). The official list of all Diocesan Assembly members and Malankara Association Members will be published in the website.

We seek your continuous prayers for the success of these Diocesan level meetings of 2012 .

May the blessings of God Almighty be showered upon us all.

Your Shepherd in Christ,

Alexios Mar Eusebius

Metropolitan