May 2013 - St. Thomas Philadelphia

www.stthomasphiladelphia.org Volume XVII Issue 4ST THOMAS INDIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH1009 UNRUH AVE, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19111stthomasunruh@gmail.com I Phone: 215.342.1500 I Fax: 215.342.2700NEWSLETTERMAY 2013MAY 2013 1 NEWSLETTER

Assistant Vicar’sLooking Forward to Holy PentecostA few weeks have passed since we celebrated the Resurrection of our LordJesus Christ. So often we consider the post-resurrection days to be days of relaxationand unwinding after such a long period of fasting and praying. Seldom do we considerthe days after the Resurrection--the days leading up to Pentecost--as important orneeding our spiritual consideration. Basically, our experience is reduced to a gruelingthree-hour Pentecost service and nothing more. On the contrary, after the Resurrectionour eyes should be fixed on receiving the amazing power of the Holy Spirit. Inother words, Easter is not the end; it’s just the beginning.In the lives of the disciples of Jesus Christ, not one, with the exception ofmaybe John the beloved disciple, (John 19:25) was transformed at Cross, at the Tomb, or even at the appearance of theresurrected Christ. For example, in the accounts of the post resurrection appearances, the Gospels clearly demonstratethat the disciples couldn’t recognize Jesus. (John 21: 1-14; Luke 24: 13-35)Further, they were afraid and did not knowwhat to do next. It was only on the Feast of the Pentecost that the disciples received power and were able to fulfill allthat they had experienced with Christ. (Act 2) If this is true for the disciples, then how come it is not true for us?If we feel that Holy Week and the Resurrection is somehow the end or the completion of a great race, then weare far from the truth. This unfortunately is how most Orthodox Christians think which explains why we lack “HolySpirit power.” The Resurrection should lead us to receiving the fullness of the Holy Spirit. If we stop at the Resurrectionthen we have failed; and in fact, we never really resurrected with Christ in the first place. But let this not be ourpredicament, for we are called to be truly Orthodox. Let us stand with confidence looking toward Holy Pentecost withgreat expectation, knowing that will be filled the Holy Spirit. Amen.Praise the Lord!Fr. Gheevarghese JohnAsst. VicarParish NewsFrom Treasurer's DeskMembers donated more than $6500 towards Holy week and Iwant to thank each and everyone for their generous contribution.Please bring remaining Catholicate day contributionYouth LeagueHosted CPR training on April 28th.Couples ForumHosted special session on current rules and regulations of OCICard and Passport details by GM PanickerSpecial AnnouncementHG Dr Gheevarghese Mar Ivanios , Metropolitan of KottayamDiocese went to his heavenly abode. Church as a parish requesthis intercessory prayers .Wednesday & Thursday Prayer LinePrayer-Line dial-in # 213-342-3000. Access Code:4044200. Please email Mathew Samuel,msamue2000@yahoo.com, to add your email addressfor Prayer Line updates.Wednesday 9AM-10AM; Thursday 8PM-9PMAnnouncementsPlease send news, articles and information for June 2013Newsletter by Sunday, May 19 to the parish secretary ornewsletter editor: stthomasiocsecretary@gmail.com,stioc.newsletter@gmail.com. Please contact the parish office for any updates in contactinformation, addition in the family etc. to be addedto the database. Please update your telephone numbers for MessageBroadcast. Please visit our Web Site for information on upcomingevents. http://stthomasphiladelphia.org/ Please collect your payment receipt after Holy Qurbanafrom the office. Please pay your subscription monthly or quarterly forthe smooth running of the Church.Prayer Meetings: Please contact Prayer Meeting Coordinator,Mr. Joseph Vakayil, to schedule a prayer meeting. Prayermeetings may be hosted in your home or in Church.MAY 2013 2 NEWSLETTER

Mini RenjiAnu S ThomasKarina VattasserilMathukutty M GeorgeArun Mathew JacobSharath M NinanAneeta Sara SamAngel A NinanAnnamma JacobMony BabuOmana VargheseGeo VaidianMathew V ThomasAnila JoseAnoop T GeorgeLiz PothenAshley E PhilipAview VargheseJasmin Ann PhilipJessy R PadiyaraMini JoseJaison ThomasJino JacobSibi VargheseRajan KoshyGigi ThomasRenji VargheseAncy JinsJoel ChackoDivya PanickerLibin J JacobNirmala ThomasAnnamma MathewChandini P GeorgeMini GeorgeJose V AbrahamAnil PanickerShane Varughese ThomasDavid PhilipUsha JacobDhanya A PanickerSaji GeorgeChristy JoyMary JosephPrenin P GeorgeGeorge MathewRekha M PhilipLincy Ann PhilipJibu VergisAleyamma DanielTinju S joseThomas SkariahRajan C PadiyaraMay BirthdaysTinu John BijuReni PhilipAbraham KoodathinalilSunil GeorgeLiziamma GeevargheseJohn P MathaiRajan ThundiyethReena MathaiSosamma BennyAnnamma MathewMolly MathaiSatheesh EasowJayce J PhilipPrince John PuliprathJoyce V RajuSuja ThomasJoy G VaidyanShawn JacobSosamma BennyAnnamma MathewMolly MathaiSathees EasowJayce J PhilipPrince John PuliprathJoyce v RajuSuja ThomasJoy G. VaidianShawn JacobAnish ThomasLinda VargheseNinan ChackoMary RajanSusamma MathewBindhu JijuShibu VargheseSomi Peediyakkal JacobManju ShibuDaniel VarghesePhilip VargheseJoji ThomasBaby VargheseAnnamma ThomsonSusamma ThomasAnto G PanickerDavid ThomasRinu JohnSanthosh M BabySobha P. BijuJobin JacobLizy Sam KurisinmoottilJiju GeorgeJeena Elsa AbrahamRobin PhilipMicah V PanickerAbhilash JohnAnna VargheseAnoop JohnMariamma P GeevargheseJoshua Ajo RajuSara DanielChacko P ChackoSmitha RobinVarghese PhilipBoby GeorgeSanju Varghese JohnGeorge ThadathilRini P JosephBiji JosephBiju VargheseAiden GeorgeAchamma VaidianNathan PhilipAnnamma VaidianAlan T NinanJessy SajiThomas VakkayilMathew JacobElizabeth AbrahamKunjumole ThankachanAjan Achamma ThomasRachel VarghesePonnamma BabyGeorge G MampallilSheena VaidianBeena SabuIsac P. GeorgeMariamma SkariaAleyamma ThomasPonnachen GeevarghesePhilip JohnSuja MathewSusan JohnSijo P MathaiBini ThankachanLiza OommenSuja KoshyShibu M BabyReny VarugheseWe wish you alla Happy Birthday!May WeddingAnniversariesMr and Mrs Rev Fr M K KuriakoseMr and Mrs Rev Dn Daniel YohannanMr and Mrs George VarugheseMr and Mrs George T ChariaMr and Mrs Johnkutty V KMr and Mrs Don DavyMr and Mrs Kunjappy KoshyMr and Mrs Raju MarkoseMr and Mrs Oommen MathiaMr and Mrs Mathew JacobMr and Mrs Jerin G JubyMr and Mrs Jeff GeorgeMr and Mrs Varghese VargheseMr and Mrs Renu Susan RajuMr and Mrs Kuncheriah P VMr and Mrs Aju JacobMr and Mrs Joy G VaidianMr and Mrs Geo VaidianMr and Mrs Wilson PanickerMr and Mrs Saji AbrahamMr and Mrs Varghese PhilipMr and Mrs Joseph M CMr and Mrs Saji V MathewMr and Mrs Thomas SkariahWe wish you all a Happy Anniversary!MAY 2013 3 NEWSLETTER

Sunday SchoolNewsPreparation for Final ExamSubmitted by Oommen Kappil, Principal(Tel.: 267.902.8500, email: kappil1@yahoo.com)As we get closer to the end of the school year, the teachers are busy preparing the students for the final examination. A few teachershave covered the prescribed syllabus already, and now doing the review. For the Grades that have centralized examination (Grades5, 8, 10 and 12), question papers from previous years are available for reference. Some teachers have started going over these questionsto prepare the students better. Some teachers are planning to conduct review on Saturday afternoons. Parents are encouragedto check with the class teachers of their children to find out how they can help the students to prepare.Assigned competitionsParish-level Assigned Competitions (Essay and Drawing) are being held on May 5th. (Those students who are unable to compete onMay 5th due to personal reasons or unavailability are requested to contact Liz Pothen, the Coordinator, for possible alternate arrangement.)The best two entries in each category will be selected, and the winners from this competition will represent our churchat the Area Level competition on May 19th. For further details, please contact Liz Pothen, Assigned Competition Coordinator (Tel.:215.509.2539, email: lizpothen@hotmail.com)Talent CompetitionsChildren can compete either in Malayalam or English (not both) in song, story and Elocution.Time limit: Song and Storytelling: 3 minutes; Elocution: 5 minutes.All students are eligible to compete in team events (Quiz and Group Song)For further details, please contact Suja Abraham, Talent Competitions Coordinator (Tel. : 215.313.2742, e-mail:sujaabe2000@gmail.com)Group & Grades (All Grades as of 1/1/13)Eligible Competition EventsGroup 1: Grades Pre-K & KG Solo Song Story TellingGroup 2: Grades 1 & 2 Solo Song Story TellingGroup 3: Grades 3 & 4 Solo Song Story TellingGroup 4: Grades 5 & 6 Solo Song ElocutionGroup 5: Grades 7 & 8 Solo Song ElocutionGroup 6: Grades 9 & 10 Solo Song ElocutionGroup 7: Grades 11 & 12 Solo Song ElocutionGroup & GradesGroup 4:Grades 5 & 6Group 5:Grades 7 & 8Group 6:Grades 9 & 10Group 7:Grades 11 & 12Elocution TopicsElocution Topics – 20131. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God?You are not your own. (1 Corinthians 6:19)2. Describe the importance of prayer in the life of an Orthodox Christian.1. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.(1 Corinthians 13:1)2. Describe the importance of Scripture in the life of an Orthodox Christian.1. Let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, (James 1:19)2. How does the Tradition of the Church preserve the Orthodox Faith?1. Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return; the LORD gave, and the LORD hastaken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. (Job 1:21)2. What is the importance of the Holy Trinity within Christian Orthodoxy?Bible QuizReference for Bible Quiz: (RSV Bible Version)1. Ezra 2. Job 3. Gospel of St. JohnMAY 2013 4 NEWSLETTER

News from Spiritual OrganizationsMartha Mariam Samajam (MMS): MMS meets alternate Sundays at the church auditorium after Holy Communion forprayer, Bible Study, learning songs and more. For more details of their activities please contact Secretary Saji Philip(bobsaj95@gmail.com) for more details.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: Our young men and women who are in high school and college have been engaged in Apostolic Bible Study,thought-provoking discussions and relevant group projects. For more information, contact Secretary Mr. Alvin Panicker(rmsalvin@gmail.com) for more details.Middle School Fellowship (CAYA): CAYA (Come As You Are) is geared towards middle school students! All middleschool children (children in grades 6, 7, or 8) are welcome and encouraged to attend this Middle School Fellowship, orCAYA. This ministry is unique, because it allows the children to provide feedback and ideas, which encourages them to takean active role in the church. Please contact our Vicar, Asst. Vicar or coordinator Ms. Meenu Mathews(meenuamathews@yahoo.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 theessential of becoming a disciple for Christ. We are proud of the young men who have dedicated their time for this ministry.Please contact our Assistant Vicar for more details.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 Mr.Jacob Chacko(Reji) and Mrs.Susan John Varghese for more details.OCYM: During the past month OCYM has been examining the Malankara Orthodox church and its apostolic roots. Pleasecontact 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. Thomaskutty Varghese(thomaskuttyv62@yahoo.com) for more details.FOCUS: FOCUS, Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in the United States is an organization intended for young adults, marriedand single, post-graduate students and professionals, from the ages of 23 and up. Contact our Assistant Vicar for moredetails.Middle School Fellowship (CAYA)This month the Middle School Fellowship had its meeting on April 20. The theme was Expectations. The childrendiscussed the different types of expectations that different groups of people had for them and how they can fulfillthem through God. The next meeting is to be announced, and all children in grades 6-8 are requested to attend. If youhave any questions, email Gheevarghese Achen atgheevarghesejohn@gmail.com or Meenu Mathewsat meenuamathews@yahoo.com.MAY 2013 5 NEWSLETTER

Sunday School CalendarEvent Date Contact CommentsArea Teachers Meeting, TTC Coaching Saturday, April 6 Santhosh Baby St. Gregorios ChurchAssigned Competition Sunday, May 5* Liz Pothen Parish LevelAssigned Competition Sunday, May 12 Liz Pothen Area Level, St Mary's DevereuxBible Quiz Sunday, May 19* Suja Abraham Parish-levelArea Picnic Saturday, June 8 Renju Padiyara Area-levelCentralized Exam 12 th Grade Sunday, June 2 Jessie Jacob St. John's ChurchFelicitation of Graduates Sunday, June 15 * Santhosh Baby Parish-levelCentralized Exam- Grades 5, 8, 10 &TTC ExamSunday, June 30 Class Teachers St. Mary's CathedralOVBS Aug 1, 2, 3 Jenni Raj Location: Our ChurchField Trip Monday, Sept 2 Santhosh Baby Area-level,Northeast Adult DaycareTalent Competition Saturday, Sept. 14 Suja Abraham Parish LevelTalent Competition Saturday, Sept. 28 Suja Abraham Area Level, St. John's ChurchTalent Competition Saturday, Oct. 12 Suja Abraham Diocesan Level, NY/NJ Area*Tentative dates onlyParish CalendarDate Event/Time Location TimeJune 15 MMS Diocesan level Couples Forum Church TBAJuly 10-13 Family & Youth Conference NYOCYM CalendarMay 19, 2013 Bake SaleJune 08, 2013 One Day Trip to PoconosJune 30, 2013 Summer Bar-B-QSeptember 7, 2013 (Tentative) Fishing Trip2013 Family &Youth ConferenceDates:July 10 to July 13, 2013Location:Honor's HavenResort and Spa1195 Arrowhead RoadEllenville, NY 12428Theme:"Offer ourselves as a living sacrifice"(Romans 12:1)Speakers:Rev. Fr. Dr. Baby VargheseProfessor, Orthodox TheologicalSeminary, KottayamRev. Fr. John ParkerFor more information, please emailfamilyandyouthconference@gmail.com.MAY 2013 6 NEWSLETTER