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www.stthomasphiladelphia.org Volume XVII Issue 1<br />

ST THOMAS INDIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH<br />

1009 UNRUH AVE, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19111<br />

stthomasunruh@gmail.com I Phone: 215.342.1500 I Fax: 215.342.2700<br />

What’s Inside?<br />

Vicar’s Message - Page 2<br />

Remembering Mar Barnabas—Page 3<br />

Parish News—Page 4<br />

Birthdays and Anniversaries—Page 5<br />

What Would Jesus Do? - Page 6<br />

Spiritual Organizations—Page 7<br />

Sunday School News—Page 8<br />

Secretaries Message—Page 8<br />

<strong>NEWSLETTER</strong><br />

JANUARY 2013<br />

JANUARY 2013 1


Vicar’s Message<br />

New Year, New Resolve and Firm in Christ<br />

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing<br />

move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the<br />

Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in<br />

vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58<br />

Years come, years go! Would that mean anything<br />

to us? For most people it is just another year. But there<br />

are many people who take seriously the beginning of a<br />

year, a month or even a day. The believer finds his/her<br />

faith active in everyday life. He/she will begin the day or<br />

an event trusting in the power of the Lord. I have seen<br />

such people making the difference in the community.<br />

Their faith and action commingled with divine power.<br />

A New Year is a new opportunity, and a new avenue<br />

wherein we need some new plans for the Lord. In the<br />

commercial world, we see directors set a plan for every<br />

year for their business. Our business is with the Lord and<br />

therefore we need to make some plans for the Lord. In<br />

that respect we must look at what <strong>St</strong>. Paul says to the Corinthians<br />

in the above verse. <strong>St</strong>and firm, don’t move and<br />

always give yourselves to the work of the Lord”.<br />

These are the three stages of success in life.<br />

“<strong>St</strong>and firm” is an essential quality for anyone in<br />

any profession. That shows one’s commitment and conviction.<br />

When people with no conviction come to the helm of<br />

affairs, they will not be able to do justice to the job. This is<br />

the reason often many of the spiritual or religious organizations<br />

lose its power and image. People uncommitted will<br />

not be able to stand for the cause for which they work.<br />

Mahatma Gandhi stood for non-violence and truth and he<br />

was willing to lose his profession, property or even life for<br />

that. At the point of being killed by a religious fanatic<br />

Gandhi called out his God praying, “Raam, Raam, Raam”.<br />

Even today the entire world admires and respect Mahatma<br />

for his life witness. If it is a modern man he will use<br />

the curse words when shot at. His convictions were rooted<br />

in God. Often convictions are not beyond selfishness and<br />

political interest. Whether in Church politics or party politics,<br />

basic interest we see is in one’s own selfish gain<br />

which is conditioned by financial or other material causes.<br />

Once selfish interest props up, the entire atmosphere<br />

changes. I have seen many political parties, parishes and<br />

families disintegrate when people with selfish interest try<br />

to come to leadership.<br />

“Don’t move” is the byproduct of ‘stand firm’. It<br />

may appear to be of the same meaning. The Malayalam<br />

translation looks very interesting, it says, “do not be<br />

shaken”. Being shaken by events and people around us is a<br />

common thing to happen. It is like a storm or hurricane<br />

that hits a house that is not built on firm foundation. Our<br />

Lord makes it clear in his<br />

sermon on the mount how<br />

such houses built on sand<br />

are destroyed. Adversity is<br />

a common thing to happen<br />

to all humans. But people<br />

who are well rooted in the<br />

Lord will not be shaken. Dr. Robert Schuler used to say in<br />

his speeches, “tough situation will not last but tough people<br />

will”. People who are afraid of adversity will budge<br />

against divine principles. Such people can be threatened or<br />

shaken easily. Where as, if one is sturdy to be unshaken,<br />

he/she can control the situation and achieving a lot.<br />

“Give yourselves to God” is rather a tough situation.<br />

In one of the prayers of ‘preparation for holy<br />

Qurbana’ (thooyobo), there is a prayer that the priest recites,<br />

“Lord may I be able to offer myself as a sacrifice”.<br />

While the bread and wine are set to offer as a sacrifice to<br />

the Lord, the priest becomes aware of the fact that he himself<br />

is being offered as a sacrifice. It is a huge decision that<br />

a priest has to make before the Lord prior to the Holy<br />

Qurbana. Only then the Lord will accept that priest’s offering<br />

in a true manner. Giving certain things to the Lord<br />

is an easy thing to do but when one has to offer himself/<br />

herself it is a serious matter. <strong>St</strong>. Paul in 2Timothy 4:6 says<br />

about his readiness to be ‘poured out as a sacrifice’ for the<br />

Lord. This is called the total commitment. We can hardly<br />

see anyone who is totally committed to the Lord.<br />

Finally the Apostle Paul assures us that our work<br />

in the Lord will never be in vain. Throughout the Bible we<br />

get this assurance from God. Those who work with and<br />

for God always will make the most profitable job. One day<br />

a friend of mine in a private conversation mentioned to me<br />

how much money he made in one year and at the end of<br />

the year nothing was left. He could not even give some<br />

money to the charity in the parish. I could not believe that<br />

a person who made so much money in a year feels that all<br />

his work was in vain. His life style was so bad and never<br />

had any place for the Lord. No wonder at the end of the<br />

year he sighs, “all I did was in vain”. This will happen to<br />

anyone who works without the Lord.<br />

It was my desire to obey the words of the Lord<br />

that came through Malachi 3:10 about giving Tithe to<br />

God’s temple. I gave more than the Tithe to the needy on<br />

different occasions. But I did not obey the Word of the<br />

Lord to bring the Tithe to the house of the Lord. The assurance<br />

of God to reward us by ‘opening the floodgates of<br />

heaven’ is for those who bring the Tithe to the house of<br />

the Lord. Many people in our parish asked me if it is<br />

enough that we give the Tithe to the poor. I had agreed to<br />

that. In fact I was misguiding them and I was misguided<br />

by them as well. Lately I understood one thing that the<br />

Word of God should not be read to my convenience. The<br />

Continued on Page 6<br />

JANUARY 2013 2 <strong>NEWSLETTER</strong>


Mar Barnabas in Our Bold Memories<br />

Rev. Fr. M. K. Kuriakose<br />

His Grace Mathews Mar Barnabas was unique in many respects. The<br />

well known simplicity, humility, sincerity, innocence, deep spirituality and<br />

purity at heart, His Grace was always jutting out in memory. His Grace’s life<br />

was that of complete surrender to the Lord and to the Malankara Orthodox<br />

Church. His Grace’s hospitality was also well-known. No one leaves the aramana<br />

without earing something. Even when His Grace comes to our churches<br />

or homes, His Grace makes sure all eat with His Grace at the same time.<br />

Towards the end of His Grace’s life, there was a brightness of divine presence on His Grace’s face. Life in America for<br />

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.<br />

The various books His Grace written are all proofs of His Grace’s divine nature.<br />

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<br />

intercessor for all. His Grace’s prayers from heaven will be a solace to many.<br />

The Northeast American Diocese owes much to His Grace for its spiritual well-being. It was not an easy time when His<br />

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<br />

presence will continue to nurture us. Now that His Grace has joined the Lord, let us hope that His Grace’s intercession will<br />

continue for us all. The different great qualities that we can emulate will enrich us.<br />

Mar Barnabas—A Tribute<br />

Rev. Fr. Dr. Joy Pyngolil<br />

It was on July 3rd, 2012 the last time I had a chance to<br />

meet with our beloved Thirumeni at his residence in Pampady<br />

Dayara. He was very excited and energetic and eager to learn<br />

about the progress of his former diocese which he divided and<br />

gave to two of his successors.<br />

Mar Barnabas was a simple and humble bishop as<br />

someone opined a ‘golden bishop with a wooden stick”. I emphasis<br />

on the word, “golden” because he was of 24carart, which<br />

is flexible, no copper added to strengthen it. This original nature<br />

had its limits. He was excited to learn about the Educational<br />

Scholarship established in his name in the South West<br />

America diocese. Immediately he dictated a kalpana to the diocese<br />

complimenting them. It was a fulfilling moment for me.<br />

It was his humble nature and commitment to ministry<br />

that made me to choose Idukki diocese for my parish ministry<br />

upon my ordination prior to migrating to the United <strong>St</strong>ates. ( I<br />

was trained and ordained for the outside Kerala diocese by the<br />

one and only Outside Kerala diocesan metropolitan, HG<br />

Mathews Mar Athanasius). I loved him and cared for him just<br />

like any responsible children who had no eyes on paternal inheritance.<br />

It was true that, we had disagreements. They are all<br />

part of healthy paternal reactions or parent child conflicts. Outsider<br />

may try to take advantage of it, it is universal truth and it<br />

happened here too.<br />

It was on March 22, 1992 His Grace arrived in the US<br />

to take responsibility of the American diocese. It was not an<br />

easy ride in the early years. When his living arrangement was<br />

in a quandary, it was Mr. K. M. Jacob and family who came<br />

forward and took care of him just like a father. Mr. Jacob was<br />

not in any way involved in the diocesan administration.<br />

It was during his term that our diocese took membership<br />

in the National Council of Churches in the USA, which a<br />

dream for me since 1983. The diocese went through the storms<br />

in 1995-96, but he kept his calm. The church created another<br />

diocese- Canada and Europe. I was there with him all these<br />

difficult years and during fire test of September 6, 1996. He<br />

came out humbled and victorious.<br />

Mar Barnabas was a great, I say it again, simple person.<br />

He considers himself as a father to all and expected full<br />

obedience from all. It was his honest and short tempered. A<br />

short living short temper, easily ignited easily extinguished. I<br />

was fascinated by his generosity, always gave his share for any<br />

new church buildings in his diocese. I do recall his donation of<br />

$5000.00 to Orlando church when I was serving there for a<br />

short period of time. He never bothered about his survival or<br />

was never overly concerned about money. God gave him lavishly<br />

and he distributed it lavishly. It was<br />

his transparency in money matters that<br />

helped the small diocese to secure a<br />

great place for itself. His financial dealings<br />

are great model for all our hierarchy.<br />

It was said that he authored 25<br />

books, but his whole life was a book if<br />

we could read it right. May God grant<br />

him eternal life.<br />

JANUARY 2013 3 <strong>NEWSLETTER</strong>


Guest Clergy:<br />

H. G. Zachariah Mar Nicholovos Metropolitan (12/23)<br />

Rev. Fr. Sujit <strong>Thomas</strong> (12/30)<br />

Obituary:<br />

Parish News<br />

Mr. John Chacko, cousin of Gracy Vakkayil<br />

Our condolences to the bereaved families.<br />

Divyabodhanam<br />

Next class date will be announced at church. Please<br />

contact course coordinator Mrs. Elsa Koshy for further<br />

details.<br />

Announcements<br />

Please send news, articles and information for February<br />

2013 Newsletter by Sunday, Jan 20 to the parish secretary<br />

or newsletter editor. stthomasiocsecretary@gmail.com.<br />

Please contact the parish office for<br />

any updates in contact information, addition in the family<br />

etc. to be added to the database. Please update your<br />

telephone numbers for Message Broadcast.<br />

Prayer Meetings: Please contact Prayer Meeting Coordinator,<br />

Mrs. Susan Mathew, to schedule a prayer<br />

meeting at your residence.<br />

Contact Information: Please inform the office about<br />

changes in contact information.<br />

Wednesday Prayer Line<br />

Prayer-Line dial-in # 213-342-3000. Access Code:<br />

4044200. Please email Mathew Samuel, msamue2000@yahoo.com,<br />

to add your email address for Prayer<br />

Line updates.<br />

Parish Calendar<br />

Date Event/Time Location<br />

Jan 5 Mar Barnabas Memorial Church<br />

Jan 19 New Member Orientation Church<br />

OCYM Officials 2013<br />

Secretary<br />

Paul John<br />

(pjohn_19446@yahoo.com)<br />

Treasurer<br />

Mathew <strong>Thomas</strong><br />

mathew24r@msn.com<br />

Vice President<br />

Binu Mathew<br />

(binum2002@aol.com)<br />

Assistant Secretary<br />

Anish <strong>Thomas</strong> (anish8166@gmail.com)<br />

Assistant Treasurer<br />

Christin Varghese<br />

(christin3939@gmail.com)<br />

Core Committee<br />

Alex Pothen & Shibu Baby<br />

MGOCSM Officials 2013<br />

Secretary<br />

Alvin Panicker<br />

(rmsalvin@gmail.com)<br />

Treasurer<br />

Predeep Chacko<br />

(predeep.chacko@gmail.com)<br />

Vice President<br />

Varughese Jacob<br />

(varughese.jacob@gmail.com)<br />

Assistant Secretary<br />

Kripaya Varghese<br />

(kripaya95@gmail.com)<br />

Assistant Treasurer<br />

Shelby <strong>Thomas</strong><br />

(thomas.shelby33@yahoo.com)<br />

JANUARY 2013 4 <strong>NEWSLETTER</strong>


January Birthdays<br />

Chrislin H <strong>Thomas</strong><br />

Elizabeth Mathew<br />

Taina I Daniel<br />

Ron Philip<br />

Renju Ann Joy<br />

Lydiya Elsa Jaison<br />

Diya Sara <strong>Thomas</strong><br />

Jijo Jacob<br />

Deepthi Cherian<br />

Wilson Panicker<br />

Anila <strong>Thomas</strong><br />

Joyel Manoj<br />

Fiji C Philip<br />

Mathew Varghese<br />

Mini Ninan<br />

Marshel Varghese<br />

Andrew Cherian<br />

Sandeep K Thomson<br />

Andrew J Mathew<br />

Divya Mary <strong>Thomas</strong><br />

Carolyn <strong>Thomas</strong><br />

Joshua M George<br />

Shawn George Philip<br />

Yasmin George<br />

Shelby K Renji<br />

05-Jan<br />

05-Jan<br />

05-Jan<br />

05-Jan<br />

05-Jan<br />

06-Jan<br />

06-Jan<br />

06-Jan<br />

06-Jan<br />

07-Jan<br />

08-Jan<br />

08-Jan<br />

08-Jan<br />

08-Jan<br />

09-Jan<br />

09-Jan<br />

09-Jan<br />

10-Jan<br />

12-Jan<br />

12-Jan<br />

13-Jan<br />

13-Jan<br />

13-Jan<br />

14-Jan<br />

14-Jan<br />

Ian <strong>Thomas</strong><br />

15-Jan<br />

Ramany George 15-Jan<br />

Libi Korathu 15-Jan<br />

Allen Abraham 16-Jan<br />

Sajan Varughese 16-Jan<br />

Binsy E Mathew 17-Jan<br />

Maliyil M Philip 18-Jan<br />

Sanju John<br />

19-Jan<br />

Deepthy Panicker 19-Jan<br />

Wincy B Joseph 20-Jan<br />

Anu Lajy<br />

21-Jan<br />

Anu Mathew 23-Jan<br />

Shannon Ann George 23-Jan<br />

Alwin T Raju 23-Jan<br />

Sunil <strong>Thomas</strong> 23-Jan<br />

Linju Jacob John 25-Jan<br />

Saramma <strong>Thomas</strong> 27-Jan<br />

Susan Mathew 28-Jan<br />

Mathew Thankachan 28-Jan<br />

Mathew Philip 30-Jan<br />

John Polayil Abraham 30-Jan<br />

Christin <strong>Thomas</strong> 31-Jan<br />

We wish you all a Happy Birthday!<br />

January Wedding Anniversaries<br />

Mr & Mrs Rajan T Samuel 01-Jan<br />

Mr & Mrs Shibu Varghese 01-Jan<br />

Mr & Mrs Finney M Philip 02-Jan<br />

Mr & Mrs Eapen V Kalathil 03-Jan<br />

Mr & Mrs Sam Jacob Kurisinmoottil04-Jan<br />

Mr & Mrs Binu Mathai 05-Jan<br />

Mr & Mrs Jaison Daniel 05-Jan<br />

Mr & Mrs Varghese Jacob 05-Jan<br />

Mr & Mrs Mathew Samuel 05-Jan<br />

Mr & Mrs Mathew Thankachan 06-Jan<br />

Mr & Mrs Mathew V <strong>Thomas</strong> 06-Jan<br />

Mr & Mrs Anu Mathew 09-Jan<br />

Mr & Mrs Ninan Mathai 09-Jan<br />

Mr & Mrs Geevarghese K John 09-Jan<br />

Mr & Mrs Prasad George 10-Jan<br />

Mr & Mrs Rinu John 11-Jan<br />

Mr & Mrs Oommen George 11-Jan<br />

Mr & Mrs Elias K Issac 12-Jan<br />

Mr & Mrs <strong>Thomas</strong> Koshy 12-Jan<br />

Mr & Mrs Eldoe A Korathu 12-Jan<br />

Mr & Mrs Mathew Varghese 13-Jan<br />

Mr & Mrs George G Mampallil 14-Jan<br />

Mr & Mrs <strong>Thomas</strong> George 14-Jan<br />

Mr & Mrs Varghese K Issac 16-Jan<br />

Mr & Mrs Philip Varghese 18-Jan<br />

Mr & Mrs Abraham <strong>Thomas</strong> 19-Jan<br />

Mr & Mrs Babu Varghese 29-Jan<br />

Mr & Mrs James Jacob 31-Jan<br />

Mr & Mrs Jarin <strong>Thomas</strong> 31-Jan<br />

We wish you all a Happy Anniversary!<br />

2013 Parish Officials<br />

Secretary: Mr. Philip Varghese<br />

Treasurer: Mr. Elias Issac<br />

Office Manager: Mr. Anooj <strong>Thomas</strong><br />

Managing Committee<br />

Mr. Jacob Zachariah<br />

Mr. John Panicker<br />

Mr. Jose K. John<br />

Mr. Mohan Samuel<br />

Mr. Nebu Daniel<br />

Mr. Rajan Padiyara<br />

Mr. Roy P. Chacko (Ex-officio)<br />

Mr. Sam Kurisinmoottil (Ex-officio)<br />

Mr. Sathees Easo<br />

Mr. <strong>Thomas</strong> George<br />

Mr. Varghese P Abraham<br />

Mrs. Raji John<br />

Congratulations and<br />

wishing a blessed year ahead.<br />

HAPPY NEW YEAR<br />

JANUARY 2013 5 <strong>NEWSLETTER</strong>


What Would Jesus Do?<br />

The famous phrase ‘What<br />

Would Jesus Do?’ (WWJD), even though<br />

was familiar, did not strike my thoughts<br />

till I started reading the book In His<br />

<strong>St</strong>eps by Charles Sheldon. The story<br />

starts with an experience that transformed<br />

Rev. Henry Maxwell, a pastor at<br />

the First Church in Raymond. After his<br />

transformation, he challenges himself<br />

and the congregation to evaluate every<br />

part of their lives with the question,<br />

‘What would Jesus do?’. Some parishioners<br />

accepted the challenge, and began<br />

to ask this simple, yet profound question,<br />

in every aspect, every decision,<br />

every habit and every practice of their<br />

lives. Moreover, they changed their actions,<br />

habits and notions accordingly to<br />

fit in the criteria. Many of those changes<br />

involved risk, but those who accepted<br />

the challenge were determined to continue<br />

it, despite the tough and tiring upstream<br />

swimming.<br />

<strong>St</strong>epping out of our comfort<br />

zones is very tough. We knowingly or<br />

unknowingly try to incorporate our own<br />

vested interests in everything we do,<br />

even when we claim to serve God. In the<br />

life of Mother Teresa, a moment came<br />

when she had to leave to the streets<br />

from her convent to serve the poor. Her<br />

initial vow to serve Jesus could have<br />

been easily accomplished by staying at<br />

the convent, but she was able to recognize<br />

her true calling, and to step out of<br />

the boundaries to serve Jesus. She left<br />

her convenience and comfort to inconvenience<br />

and discomfort. This inconvenience<br />

and discomfort brought convenience<br />

and comfort to many poor in Calcutta.<br />

Moreover, the initial inconvenience<br />

and discomfort then became the<br />

convenience and comfort for her. Was<br />

the steps of Jesus during His ministry<br />

ever convenient and comfortable?<br />

Is it possible to ask this question<br />

before every small and big thing we do<br />

in life? First response to an aggressive<br />

driver on a highway is usually aggressiveness,<br />

either by sounding the horn or by<br />

aggressive driving. Will that be the response<br />

if Jesus was driving the car? How<br />

will our action contradict with Jesus’<br />

action in a call for help or charity? What<br />

about Church and worship? Would Jesus<br />

spent time drinking and being merry?<br />

Would Jesus argue at parish general<br />

body’s or take churches to courts?<br />

Would Jesus go to the street to fight?<br />

Would Jesus watch TV shows that teach<br />

sin? Would Jesus live luxuriously?<br />

Asking this question, ‘What<br />

would Jesus do?’, is making me realize<br />

more about my incompatibility with<br />

Christ. Our calling is to walk and follow<br />

His steps. Would Jesus walk through the<br />

steps that I am making in my life? Is it<br />

His will or mine? “For to this you have<br />

been called, because Christ also suffered<br />

for you, leaving you an example, so that<br />

you might follow in his steps.” (1 Pet.<br />

2:21).<br />

(Jerin Juby)<br />

Vicar’s Message<br />

Continued from Page 2<br />

house of God must have the resources to feed the needy for which all must bring their Tithe to the house of God. Giving<br />

to the poor and needy is the individual responsibility within the resources given to each. But Tithe should not be<br />

mixed with helping the needy in their private circle. Tithe is God’s share and that must come to the house of God. It<br />

helped me make a new resolution in 2013 that my tithe will be brought to the house of God and the house of God<br />

should use it for its service of the needy. That does not mean that all tithe money is given as charity distribution by the<br />

house of God. Many areas of running the Church including various missions and services for the needy in our community<br />

can be met from there. Food, shelter, clothing, education, recreation, etc. needs will all be met by the house of<br />

God. The American Government allows tax exemption up to $5,000.00 for which no proof is necessary. And all of us<br />

use that concession. But how many truly gives that money to the house of God? Hardly anyone! This is why we cannot<br />

prosper.<br />

I have seen some of the Congregationalist Christian group members giving their tithe truthfully and diligently<br />

to the house of God. I have not seen anyone of those people going bankrupt or poverty-stricken. It is God’s promise to<br />

reward them in many kinds to those who obey Him. All that we need is the courage to obey the Lord. I remember<br />

those days of church building project I had given all my Tithe to the parish without any hesitation and I am still enjoying<br />

the blessings that came from God on that account. Many people are afraid that looking at the Tithe people<br />

know the income of a person or family. What a fear it is! Genuinely we are all living in our own closed circuit where<br />

we are the only managers of our wealth and resources. No one should know what we have, what we are and what we<br />

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<br />

year 2013 for us all. Once we begin the habit it will continue.<br />

How many can make a new decision in the New Year to stand firm in the Lord, unshaken and giving<br />

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<br />

this challenge?<br />

Wish you all a Blessed New Year!<br />

Fr. M. K. Kuriakose<br />

JANUARY 2013 6 <strong>NEWSLETTER</strong>


News from Spiritual Organizations<br />

Martha Mariam Samajam (MMS)<br />

MMS meets alternate Sundays at the church auditorium after Holy Communion for prayer, Bible <strong>St</strong>udy, learning songs<br />

and more. For more details of their activities please contact Secretary Mrs. Omana Varghese<br />

(omanavarghese52@gmail.com).<br />

Women’s Fellowship<br />

Women’s Fellowship meets on a regular basis for prayer and meditation. Contact Mrs. Bessie Mathew<br />

(bessie334@yahoo.com) for more details.<br />

MGOCSM<br />

MGOCSM for the past two months has been progressing. Our young men and women who are in high school<br />

and college have been engaged in Apostolic Bible Teaching, thought-provoking discussions and relevant group projects.<br />

The goal of this ministry is to expound on scriptural truths through the relevant real-life experiences of our<br />

American youth. The office bears of the MGOCSM have done an incredible job this year. Our parents much gratitude<br />

for their support and prayers. For more information, contact Secretary Mr. Alvin Panicker (rmsalvin@gmail.com) for<br />

more details.<br />

Discipleship Ministry<br />

Over the past month and a half a select group of young men have been fully engaged in learning the essential<br />

of becoming a disciple for Christ. We have so far examined Christ as God, as Savior, as King. These cardinal doctrines<br />

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<br />

of Christ and the Orthodox Church. I am proud of the young men who have dedicated their time for this ministry.<br />

Young Adults and Couples Fellowship<br />

This fairly new ministry in our parish has been explained in detail in the previous edition of this newsletter, that is, it's<br />

formation and structure. More of our men must contribute their time for this ministry. Please contact Mrs. Sneha<br />

Reynold (snehareynold@gmail.com) for the weekly schedule.<br />

OCYM<br />

During the past month OCYM has been examining the Malankara Orthodox church and its apostolic roots. This has<br />

led this ministry to research the historical evidence of <strong>St</strong> <strong>Thomas</strong>' arrival and evangelical work in India and particularly<br />

on the Malabar Coast. Please contact Secretary Mr. Paul John (pjohn_19446@yahoo.com) for more information.<br />

Men’s Forum<br />

Men’s Forum fellowship is going very strongly in our Church. The format of this session includes prayer, songs, bible<br />

reading, teaching followed by discussions. For more information please contact Mr. N. V. <strong>Thomas</strong>.<br />

FOCUS<br />

FOCUS, Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in the United <strong>St</strong>ates is an organization intended for young adults, married<br />

and single, post-graduate students and professionals, from the ages of 23 and up. Contact Mr. <strong>St</strong>eve Kurian<br />

(stevekurian@yahoo.com) for more details.<br />

JANUARY 2013 7 <strong>NEWSLETTER</strong>


Sunday School News<br />

Submitted by Oommen Kappil, Principal (Tel.: 267.902.8500, email: kappil1@yahoo.com)<br />

Welcome New Year 2013 With Renewed Commitment To Make A Difference!<br />

As we welcome the New Year, let the warm spirit of Christmas help us look forward to better days in 2013 and beyond.<br />

Just like the wise men sought God, let us all seek God and help lead our children towards God. As members<br />

of our Church, each one of us has a calling from God. The adults, especially the parents and teachers can make a<br />

positive difference in the lives of the children around us. Let us renew this commitment with strong faith in God.<br />

May God grant us the knowledge and wisdom to guide the children in the right path.<br />

Upcoming Events<br />

Mid-Term Exam: Mid-term exam is scheduled for Sunday, February 3rd for all Grades. <strong>St</strong>udents, teachers and parents<br />

may please make a note. As in the past, Centralized Exam is being conducted by the Diocese in June, for<br />

Grades 5, 8, 10 and 12. Sample questions from previous years are available at the Sunday School web site. Please<br />

visit the following URL:<br />

http://indianorthodoxsundayschool.org/user/downloadpdf.aspx<br />

How can we improve?<br />

We are always looking for new ideas to make Sunday school more meaningful and effective. Please contact the<br />

Principal (Oommen Kappil) or the Asst. Principals (Susan Mathew and Jacob Kuruvilla) with your valuable suggestions<br />

and comments.<br />

Secretary’s Message<br />

My dear fellow-parishioners and friends in Christ,<br />

First I want to thank Almighty God for our parish, our Church leaders, our beloved Achens, our youngsters, our<br />

kids and each and every one of my fellow-parishioners for putting the confidence in me and electing me to serve<br />

as the parish secretary for one more time. The support, guidance and encouragement of our Valliachen, and<br />

Kochachen, gave me the confidence to accept this important responsibility. Thank you for electing an efficient<br />

Treasurer and hard working group of Managing Committee members. I am looking forward to working with them<br />

to serve my parish and I expect your prayers. 2013 MC wishes you all a very prosperous happy and blessed New<br />

Year 2013!<br />

Philip Varghese<br />

Parish Secretary 2013<br />

HAPPY NEW YEAR<br />

JANUARY 2013 8 <strong>NEWSLETTER</strong>

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