NEWSLETTER - St. Thomas Philadelphia

www.stthomasphiladelphia.org Volume XVII Issue 1
ST THOMAS INDIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH
1009 UNRUH AVE, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19111
stthomasunruh@gmail.com I Phone: 215.342.1500 I Fax: 215.342.2700
What’s Inside?
Vicar’s Message - Page 2
Remembering Mar Barnabas—Page 3
Parish News—Page 4
Birthdays and Anniversaries—Page 5
What Would Jesus Do? - Page 6
Spiritual Organizations—Page 7
Sunday School News—Page 8
Secretaries Message—Page 8
NEWSLETTER
JANUARY 2013
JANUARY 2013 1

Vicar’s Message
New Year, New Resolve and Firm in Christ
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing
move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the
Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in
vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
Years come, years go! Would that mean anything
to us? For most people it is just another year. But there
are many people who take seriously the beginning of a
year, a month or even a day. The believer finds his/her
faith active in everyday life. He/she will begin the day or
an event trusting in the power of the Lord. I have seen
such people making the difference in the community.
Their faith and action commingled with divine power.
A New Year is a new opportunity, and a new avenue
wherein we need some new plans for the Lord. In the
commercial world, we see directors set a plan for every
year for their business. Our business is with the Lord and
therefore we need to make some plans for the Lord. In
that respect we must look at what St. Paul says to the Corinthians
in the above verse. Stand firm, don’t move and
always give yourselves to the work of the Lord”.
These are the three stages of success in life.
“Stand firm” is an essential quality for anyone in
any profession. That shows one’s commitment and conviction.
When people with no conviction come to the helm of
affairs, they will not be able to do justice to the job. This is
the reason often many of the spiritual or religious organizations
lose its power and image. People uncommitted will
not be able to stand for the cause for which they work.
Mahatma Gandhi stood for non-violence and truth and he
was willing to lose his profession, property or even life for
that. At the point of being killed by a religious fanatic
Gandhi called out his God praying, “Raam, Raam, Raam”.
Even today the entire world admires and respect Mahatma
for his life witness. If it is a modern man he will use
the curse words when shot at. His convictions were rooted
in God. Often convictions are not beyond selfishness and
political interest. Whether in Church politics or party politics,
basic interest we see is in one’s own selfish gain
which is conditioned by financial or other material causes.
Once selfish interest props up, the entire atmosphere
changes. I have seen many political parties, parishes and
families disintegrate when people with selfish interest try
to come to leadership.
“Don’t move” is the byproduct of ‘stand firm’. It
may appear to be of the same meaning. The Malayalam
translation looks very interesting, it says, “do not be
shaken”. Being shaken by events and people around us is a
common thing to happen. It is like a storm or hurricane
that hits a house that is not built on firm foundation. Our
Lord makes it clear in his
sermon on the mount how
such houses built on sand
are destroyed. Adversity is
a common thing to happen
to all humans. But people
who are well rooted in the
Lord will not be shaken. Dr. Robert Schuler used to say in
his speeches, “tough situation will not last but tough people
will”. People who are afraid of adversity will budge
against divine principles. Such people can be threatened or
shaken easily. Where as, if one is sturdy to be unshaken,
he/she can control the situation and achieving a lot.
“Give yourselves to God” is rather a tough situation.
In one of the prayers of ‘preparation for holy
Qurbana’ (thooyobo), there is a prayer that the priest recites,
“Lord may I be able to offer myself as a sacrifice”.
While the bread and wine are set to offer as a sacrifice to
the Lord, the priest becomes aware of the fact that he himself
is being offered as a sacrifice. It is a huge decision that
a priest has to make before the Lord prior to the Holy
Qurbana. Only then the Lord will accept that priest’s offering
in a true manner. Giving certain things to the Lord
is an easy thing to do but when one has to offer himself/
herself it is a serious matter. St. Paul in 2Timothy 4:6 says
about his readiness to be ‘poured out as a sacrifice’ for the
Lord. This is called the total commitment. We can hardly
see anyone who is totally committed to the Lord.
Finally the Apostle Paul assures us that our work
in the Lord will never be in vain. Throughout the Bible we
get this assurance from God. Those who work with and
for God always will make the most profitable job. One day
a friend of mine in a private conversation mentioned to me
how much money he made in one year and at the end of
the year nothing was left. He could not even give some
money to the charity in the parish. I could not believe that
a person who made so much money in a year feels that all
his work was in vain. His life style was so bad and never
had any place for the Lord. No wonder at the end of the
year he sighs, “all I did was in vain”. This will happen to
anyone who works without the Lord.
It was my desire to obey the words of the Lord
that came through Malachi 3:10 about giving Tithe to
God’s temple. I gave more than the Tithe to the needy on
different occasions. But I did not obey the Word of the
Lord to bring the Tithe to the house of the Lord. The assurance
of God to reward us by ‘opening the floodgates of
heaven’ is for those who bring the Tithe to the house of
the Lord. Many people in our parish asked me if it is
enough that we give the Tithe to the poor. I had agreed to
that. In fact I was misguiding them and I was misguided
by them as well. Lately I understood one thing that the
Word of God should not be read to my convenience. The
Continued on Page 6
JANUARY 2013 2 NEWSLETTER

Mar Barnabas in Our Bold Memories
Rev. Fr. M. K. Kuriakose
His Grace Mathews Mar Barnabas was unique in many respects. The
well known simplicity, humility, sincerity, innocence, deep spirituality and
purity at heart, His Grace was always jutting out in memory. His Grace’s life
was that of complete surrender to the Lord and to the Malankara Orthodox
Church. His Grace’s hospitality was also well-known. No one leaves the aramana
without earing something. Even when His Grace comes to our churches
or homes, His Grace makes sure all eat with His Grace at the same time.
Towards the end of His Grace’s life, there was a brightness of divine presence on His Grace’s face. Life in America for
His Grace was a blessed time. So many changes took place and all for the positive growth of the Church and the people’s life.
The various books His Grace written are all proofs of His Grace’s divine nature.
At this time it is difficult to come to terms with the loss. One thing gives me consolation is that His Grace will be a great
intercessor for all. His Grace’s prayers from heaven will be a solace to many.
The Northeast American Diocese owes much to His Grace for its spiritual well-being. It was not an easy time when His
Grace arrived in 1992 but somehow His Grace overcame all hurdles by His Grace’s prayer life. And I am sure His Grace’s spiritual
presence will continue to nurture us. Now that His Grace has joined the Lord, let us hope that His Grace’s intercession will
continue for us all. The different great qualities that we can emulate will enrich us.
Mar Barnabas—A Tribute
Rev. Fr. Dr. Joy Pyngolil
It was on July 3rd, 2012 the last time I had a chance to
meet with our beloved Thirumeni at his residence in Pampady
Dayara. He was very excited and energetic and eager to learn
about the progress of his former diocese which he divided and
gave to two of his successors.
Mar Barnabas was a simple and humble bishop as
someone opined a ‘golden bishop with a wooden stick”. I emphasis
on the word, “golden” because he was of 24carart, which
is flexible, no copper added to strengthen it. This original nature
had its limits. He was excited to learn about the Educational
Scholarship established in his name in the South West
America diocese. Immediately he dictated a kalpana to the diocese
complimenting them. It was a fulfilling moment for me.
It was his humble nature and commitment to ministry
that made me to choose Idukki diocese for my parish ministry
upon my ordination prior to migrating to the United States. ( I
was trained and ordained for the outside Kerala diocese by the
one and only Outside Kerala diocesan metropolitan, HG
Mathews Mar Athanasius). I loved him and cared for him just
like any responsible children who had no eyes on paternal inheritance.
It was true that, we had disagreements. They are all
part of healthy paternal reactions or parent child conflicts. Outsider
may try to take advantage of it, it is universal truth and it
happened here too.
It was on March 22, 1992 His Grace arrived in the US
to take responsibility of the American diocese. It was not an
easy ride in the early years. When his living arrangement was
in a quandary, it was Mr. K. M. Jacob and family who came
forward and took care of him just like a father. Mr. Jacob was
not in any way involved in the diocesan administration.
It was during his term that our diocese took membership
in the National Council of Churches in the USA, which a
dream for me since 1983. The diocese went through the storms
in 1995-96, but he kept his calm. The church created another
diocese- Canada and Europe. I was there with him all these
difficult years and during fire test of September 6, 1996. He
came out humbled and victorious.
Mar Barnabas was a great, I say it again, simple person.
He considers himself as a father to all and expected full
obedience from all. It was his honest and short tempered. A
short living short temper, easily ignited easily extinguished. I
was fascinated by his generosity, always gave his share for any
new church buildings in his diocese. I do recall his donation of
$5000.00 to Orlando church when I was serving there for a
short period of time. He never bothered about his survival or
was never overly concerned about money. God gave him lavishly
and he distributed it lavishly. It was
his transparency in money matters that
helped the small diocese to secure a
great place for itself. His financial dealings
are great model for all our hierarchy.
It was said that he authored 25
books, but his whole life was a book if
we could read it right. May God grant
him eternal life.
JANUARY 2013 3 NEWSLETTER

Guest Clergy:
H. G. Zachariah Mar Nicholovos Metropolitan (12/23)
Rev. Fr. Sujit Thomas (12/30)
Obituary:
Parish News
Mr. John Chacko, cousin of Gracy Vakayil
Our condolences to the bereaved families.
Divyabodhanam
Next class date will be announced at church. Please
contact course coordinator Mrs. Elsa Koshy for further
details.
Announcements
Please send news, articles and information for February
2013 Newsletter by Sunday, Jan 20 to the parish secretary
or newsletter editor. stthomasiocsecretary@gmail.com.
Please contact the parish office for
any updates in contact information, addition in the family
etc. to be added to the database. Please update your
telephone numbers for Message Broadcast.
Prayer Meetings: Please contact Prayer Meeting Coordinator,
Mr. Joseph Vakayil, to schedule a prayer
meeting at your residence.
Contact Information: Please inform the office about
changes in contact information.
Wednesday Prayer Line
Prayer-Line dial-in # 213-342-3000. Access Code:
4044200. Please email Mathew Samuel, msamue2000@yahoo.com,
to add your email address for Prayer
Line updates.
Parish Calendar
Date Event/Time Location
Jan 5 Mar Barnabas Memorial Church
Jan 19 New Member Orientation Church
OCYM Officials 2013
Secretary
Paul John
(pjohn_19446@yahoo.com)
Treasurer
Mathew Thomas
mathew24r@msn.com
Vice President
Binu Mathew
(binum2002@aol.com)
Assistant Secretary
Anish Thomas (anish8166@gmail.com)
Assistant Treasurer
Christin Varghese
(christin3939@gmail.com)
Core Committee
Alex Pothen & Shibu Baby
MGOCSM Officials 2013
Secretary
Alvin Panicker
(rmsalvin@gmail.com)
Treasurer
Predeep Chacko
(predeep.chacko@gmail.com)
Vice President
Varughese Jacob
(varughese.jacob@gmail.com)
Assistant Secretary
Kripaya Varghese
(kripaya95@gmail.com)
Assistant Treasurer
Shelby Thomas
(thomas.shelby33@yahoo.com)
JANUARY 2013 4 NEWSLETTER

January Birthdays
Chrislin H Thomas 05-Jan
Elizabeth Mathew 05-Jan
Taina I Daniel 05-Jan
Ron Philip
05-Jan
Renju Ann Joy 05-Jan
Lydiya Elsa Jaison 06-Jan
Diya Sara Thomas 06-Jan
Jijo Jacob
06-Jan
Deepthi Cherian 06-Jan
Wilson Panicker 07-Jan
Anila Thomas 08-Jan
Joyel Manoj 08-Jan
Fiji C Philip 08-Jan
Mathew Varghese 08-Jan
Mini Ninan
09-Jan
Marshel Varghese 09-Jan
Andrew Cherian 09-Jan
Sandeep K Thomson 10-Jan
Andrew J Mathew 12-Jan
Divya Mary Thomas 12-Jan
Carolyn Thomas 13-Jan
Joshua M George 13-Jan
Shawn George Philip 13-Jan
Yasmin George 14-Jan
Shelby K Renji 14-Jan
Ian Thomas
15-Jan
Ramany George 15-Jan
Libi Korathu 15-Jan
Allen Abraham 16-Jan
Sajan Varughese 16-Jan
Binsy E Mathew 17-Jan
Maliyil M Philip 18-Jan
Sanju John
19-Jan
Deepthy Panicker 19-Jan
Wincy B Joseph 20-Jan
Anu Lajy
21-Jan
Anu Mathew 23-Jan
Shannon Ann George 23-Jan
Alwin T Raju 23-Jan
Sunil Thomas 23-Jan
Linju Jacob John 25-Jan
Saramma Thomas 27-Jan
Susan Mathew 28-Jan
Mathew Thankachan 28-Jan
Mathew Philip 30-Jan
John Polayil Abraham 30-Jan
Christin Thomas 31-Jan
We wish you all a Happy Birthday!
2013 Parish Officials
Secretary: Mr. Philip Varghese
Treasurer: Mr. Elias Issac
Office Manager: Mr. Anooj Thomas
Managing Committee
Mr. Jacob Zachariah
Mr. John Panicker
Mr. Jose K. John
Mr. Mohan Samuel
Mr. Nebu Daniel
Mr. Rajan Padiyara
Mr. Roy P. Chacko (Ex-officio)
Mr. Sam Kurisinmoottil (Ex-officio)
Mr. Sathees Easo
Mr. Thomas George
Mr. Varghese P Abraham
Mrs. Raji John
Board of Trustees
Mr. Alex Daniel (2011-13)
Mr. Oommen Kappil (2012-14)
Mr. Reji Mathai (2013-2015)
Congratulations and
wishing a blessed year ahead.
January Wedding Anniversaries
Mr & Mrs Rajan T Samuel 01-Jan Mr & Mrs Oommen George 11-Jan
Mr & Mrs Shibu Varghese 01-Jan Mr & Mrs Elias K Issac 12-Jan
Mr & Mrs Finney M Philip 02-Jan Mr & Mrs Thomas Koshy 12-Jan
Mr & Mrs Eapen V Kalathil 03-Jan Mr & Mrs Eldoe A Korathu 12-Jan
Mr & Mrs Sam Jacob Kurisinmoottil04-Jan Mr & Mrs Mathew Varghese 13-Jan
Mr & Mrs Binu Mathai 05-Jan Mr & Mrs George G Mampallil 14-Jan
Mr & Mrs Jaison Daniel 05-Jan Mr & Mrs Thomas George 14-Jan
Mr & Mrs Varghese Jacob 05-Jan Mr & Mrs Varghese K Issac 16-Jan
Mr & Mrs Mathew Samuel 05-Jan Mr & Mrs Philip Varghese 18-Jan
Mr & Mrs Mathew Thankachan 06-Jan Mr & Mrs Abraham Thomas 19-Jan
Mr & Mrs Mathew V Thomas 06-Jan Mr & Mrs Babu Varghese 29-Jan
Mr & Mrs Anu Mathew 09-Jan Mr & Mrs James Jacob 31-Jan
Mr & Mrs Ninan Mathai 09-Jan Mr & Mrs Jarin Thomas 31-Jan
Mr & Mrs Geevarghese K John 09-Jan
We wish you all a Happy Anniversary!
Mr & Mrs Prasad George 10-Jan
Mr & Mrs Rinu John 11-Jan
HAPPY NEW YEAR
JANUARY 2013 5 NEWSLETTER

What Would Jesus Do?
The famous phrase ‘What
Would Jesus Do?’ (WWJD), even though
was familiar, did not strike my thoughts
till I started reading the book In His
Steps by Charles Sheldon. The story
starts with an experience that transformed
Rev. Henry Maxwell, a pastor at
the First Church in Raymond. After his
transformation, he challenges himself
and the congregation to evaluate every
part of their lives with the question,
‘What would Jesus do?’. Some parishioners
accepted the challenge, and began
to ask this simple, yet profound question,
in every aspect, every decision,
every habit and every practice of their
lives. Moreover, they changed their actions,
habits and notions accordingly to
fit in the criteria. Many of those changes
involved risk, but those who accepted
the challenge were determined to continue
it, despite the tough and tiring upstream
swimming.
Stepping out of our comfort
zones is very tough. We knowingly or
unknowingly try to incorporate our own
vested interests in everything we do,
even when we claim to serve God. In the
life of Mother Teresa, a moment came
when she had to leave to the streets
from her convent to serve the poor. Her
initial vow to serve Jesus could have
been easily accomplished by staying at
the convent, but she was able to recognize
her true calling, and to step out of
the boundaries to serve Jesus. She left
her convenience and comfort to inconvenience
and discomfort. This inconvenience
and discomfort brought convenience
and comfort to many poor in Calcutta.
Moreover, the initial inconvenience
and discomfort then became the
convenience and comfort for her. Was
the steps of Jesus during His ministry
ever convenient and comfortable?
Is it possible to ask this question
before every small and big thing we do
in life? First response to an aggressive
driver on a highway is usually aggressiveness,
either by sounding the horn or by
aggressive driving. Will that be the response
if Jesus was driving the car? How
will our action contradict with Jesus’
action in a call for help or charity? What
about Church and worship? Would Jesus
spent time drinking and being merry?
Would Jesus argue at parish general
body’s or take churches to courts?
Would Jesus go to the street to fight?
Would Jesus watch TV shows that teach
sin? Would Jesus live luxuriously?
Asking this question, ‘What
would Jesus do?’, is making me realize
more about my incompatibility with
Christ. Our calling is to walk and follow
His steps. Would Jesus walk through the
steps that I am making in my life? Is it
His will or mine? “For to this you have
been called, because Christ also suffered
for you, leaving you an example, so that
you might follow in his steps.” (1 Pet.
2:21).
(Jerin Juby)
Vicar’s Message
Continued from Page 2
house of God must have the resources to feed the needy for which all must bring their Tithe to the house of God. Giving
to the poor and needy is the individual responsibility within the resources given to each. But Tithe should not be
mixed with helping the needy in their private circle. Tithe is God’s share and that must come to the house of God. It
helped me make a new resolution in 2013 that my tithe will be brought to the house of God and the house of God
should use it for its service of the needy. That does not mean that all tithe money is given as charity distribution by the
house of God. Many areas of running the Church including various missions and services for the needy in our community
can be met from there. Food, shelter, clothing, education, recreation, etc. needs will all be met by the house of
God. The American Government allows tax exemption up to $5,000.00 for which no proof is necessary. And all of us
use that concession. But how many truly gives that money to the house of God? Hardly anyone! This is why we cannot
prosper.
I have seen some of the Congregationalist Christian group members giving their tithe truthfully and diligently
to the house of God. I have not seen anyone of those people going bankrupt or poverty-stricken. It is God’s promise to
reward them in many kinds to those who obey Him. All that we need is the courage to obey the Lord. I remember
those days of church building project I had given all my Tithe to the parish without any hesitation and I am still enjoying
the blessings that came from God on that account. Many people are afraid that looking at the Tithe people
know the income of a person or family. What a fear it is! Genuinely we are all living in our own closed circuit where
we are the only managers of our wealth and resources. No one should know what we have, what we are and what we
do! Time has come for us to be open and truthful to our call as followers of Christ. This will be a huge challenge in the
year 2013 for us all. Once we begin the habit it will continue.
How many can make a new decision in the New Year to stand firm in the Lord, unshaken and giving
fully oneself to God? If the New Year can start with a new decision, we as a parish will see the difference. Can you take
this challenge?
Wish you all a Blessed New Year!
Fr. M. K. Kuriakose
JANUARY 2013 6 NEWSLETTER

News from Spiritual Organizations
Martha Mariam Samajam (MMS)
MMS meets alternate Sundays at the church auditorium after Holy Communion for prayer, Bible Study, learning songs
and more. For more details of their activities please contact Secretary Mrs. Omana Varghese
(omanavarghese52@gmail.com).
Women’s Fellowship
Women’s Fellowship meets on a regular basis for prayer and meditation. Contact Mrs. Bessie Mathew
(bessie334@yahoo.com) for more details.
MGOCSM
MGOCSM for the past two months has been progressing. Our young men and women who are in high school
and college have been engaged in Apostolic Bible Teaching, thought-provoking discussions and relevant group projects.
The goal of this ministry is to expound on scriptural truths through the relevant real-life experiences of our
American youth. The office bears of the MGOCSM have done an incredible job this year. Our parents much gratitude
for their support and prayers. For more information, contact Secretary Mr. Alvin Panicker (rmsalvin@gmail.com) for
more details.
Discipleship Ministry
Over the past month and a half a select group of young men have been fully engaged in learning the essential
of becoming a disciple for Christ. We have so far examined Christ as God, as Savior, as King. These cardinal doctrines
of the Church, as seen in the Scriptures and the writings of the Holy Fathers, must be learned if one is to be a disciple
of Christ and the Orthodox Church. I am proud of the young men who have dedicated their time for this ministry.
Young Adults and Couples Fellowship
This fairly new ministry in our parish has been explained in detail in the previous edition of this newsletter, that is, it's
formation and structure. More of our men must contribute their time for this ministry. Please contact Mrs. Sneha
Reynold (snehareynold@gmail.com) for the weekly schedule.
OCYM
During the past month OCYM has been examining the Malankara Orthodox church and its apostolic roots. This has
led this ministry to research the historical evidence of St Thomas' arrival and evangelical work in India and particularly
on the Malabar Coast. Please contact Secretary Mr. Paul John (pjohn_19446@yahoo.com) for more information.
Men’s Forum
Men’s Forum fellowship is going very strongly in our Church. The format of this session includes prayer, songs, bible
reading, teaching followed by discussions. For more information please contact Mr. N. V. Thomas.
FOCUS
FOCUS, Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in the United States is an organization intended for young adults, married
and single, post-graduate students and professionals, from the ages of 23 and up. Contact Mr. Steve Kurian
(stevekurian@yahoo.com) for more details.
JANUARY 2013 7 NEWSLETTER

Sunday School News
Submitted by Oommen Kappil, Principal (Tel.: 267.902.8500, email: kappil1@yahoo.com)
Welcome New Year 2013 With Renewed Commitment To Make A Difference!
As we welcome the New Year, let the warm spirit of Christmas help us look forward to better days in 2013 and beyond.
Just like the wise men sought God, let us all seek God and help lead our children towards God. As members
of our Church, each one of us has a calling from God. The adults, especially the parents and teachers can make a
positive difference in the lives of the children around us. Let us renew this commitment with strong faith in God.
May God grant us the knowledge and wisdom to guide the children in the right path.
Upcoming Events
Mid-Term Exam: Mid-term exam is scheduled for Sunday, February 3rd for all Grades. Students, teachers and parents
may please make a note. As in the past, Centralized Exam is being conducted by the Diocese in June, for
Grades 5, 8, 10 and 12. Sample questions from previous years are available at the Sunday School web site. Please
visit the following URL:
http://indianorthodoxsundayschool.org/user/downloadpdf.aspx
How can we improve?
We are always looking for new ideas to make Sunday school more meaningful and effective. Please contact the
Principal (Oommen Kappil) or the Asst. Principals (Susan Mathew and Jacob Kuruvilla) with your valuable suggestions
and comments.
Secretary’s Message
My dear fellow-parishioners and friends in Christ,
First I want to thank Almighty God for our parish, our Church leaders, our beloved Achens, our youngsters, our
kids and each and every one of my fellow-parishioners for putting the confidence in me and electing me to serve
as the parish secretary for one more time. The support, guidance and encouragement of our Valliachen, and
Kochachen, gave me the confidence to accept this important responsibility. Thank you for electing an efficient
Treasurer and hard working group of Managing Committee members. I am looking forward to working with them
to serve my parish and I expect your prayers. 2013 MC wishes you all a very prosperous happy and blessed New
Year 2013!
Philip Varghese
Parish Secretary 2013
HAPPY NEW YEAR
JANUARY 2013 8 NEWSLETTER