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APRIL 2013 1 NEWSLETTER

www.stthomasphiladelphia.org Volume XVII Issue 4

ST THOMAS INDIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH 1009 UNRUH AVE, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19111

[email protected] I Phone: 215.342.1500 I Fax: 215.342.2700

What’s Inside?

Vicar’s Message - Page 2

Parish News—Page 3

Birthdays, Anniversaries

& Parish Calendar—Page 4

Spiritual Organizations-Page 5

Sunday School News-Page 6

NEWSLETTER APRIL 2013

INDEED HE IS RISEN!INDEED HE IS RISEN!INDEED HE IS RISEN!

OUR LORD IS RISEN!OUR LORD IS RISEN!OUR LORD IS RISEN!


His Grace Dr. Mathews Mar Thimotheos presided over the Holy Week

services at the St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church, Philadelphia. His Grace will

also be leading the Feet-Washing Ceremony on Thursday evening.

His Grace Mar Thimotheos is a great scholar and leader in the Malankara

Orthodox Syrian Church. Now as the Metropolitan of the Diocese of UK-Europe-

Africa, perhaps the largest geographical area covered by one bishop. The head-

quarters of the Diocese is set up at Venmony, Kerala with the name Menorah Or-

thodox Center.

He took his B. Sc degree from Bishop Moore College, Mavelikara, G.S.T.

from Orthodox Seminary, Kottayam and B.D and M. Th from Serampore College,

Calcutta. He took his Licentiate in Sacred Scripture from the Pontifical Biblical

Institute, Rome and his doctoral degree from the Pontificia Studiorum Universitas,

Rome. He also took a diploma in Biblical Archeology from the Pontifical Institute, Jerusalem.

His Grace is a multilingual scholar. Aside from English and Malayalam, he is well versed in Italian, French,

German, Aramaic, Greek and Hebrew. His Grace has served in many key positions such as the Joint Secretary of St.

Thomas Orthodox Vaidika Sangham Publisher of the Purohithan quarterly, Secretary of the Vattasseril Mar Dionysius

Charitable Fund, Dean of Post Graduate Studies-FFRRC, Member of the Board of Studies for Old Testament, Serampore

College, Member of the Bible Translation Committee-Bible Society, Kerala, Registrar of Orthodox Theological Semi-

nary, Kottayam. His Grace was the chairman of the Council of Oriental Orthodox Churches in UK.

His Grace’s priestly ministry is spread over 18 years and has served as Asst. Vicar and Vicar in 8 parishes under

the jurisdiction of three dioceses, namely Kollam, Kottayam and Mavelikara. His Grace has published several books in-

cluding OVBS text books, Teacher’s Guide etc and an exegetical study of Psalm 24 which was published in Rome.

The Malankara Syrian Christian Association met on 11 Sep 2008 at Pampakuda elected him as the bishop along

with six others. On 4 Dec 2008 His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Didymus I professed him as Ramban. On 19 Feb 2009

His Grace was ordained as bishop by H.H. Baselios Marthoma Didymus I, at St. George Orthodox Church, Puthupally.

His Grace Dr. Mathews Mar Thimotheos A Brief Profile

Visions and dreams for the Diocese

At present we have UK as a complete regional centre with

formation of a regional council and have major presence in the

United Kingdom from North to South and in the central part

of UK. We have a major say in UK and are active in all ecu-

menical boards. I was elected Chairman for the Oriental Or-

thodox Church Council in UK for three-year tenure from

1999. The community consists of the Council of Anglican

Churches and Council of Catholic Churches. The Bishop of

London, Rt Revd and Rt Hon Richard Chartres, awarded me

the Order of St Mellitus in recognition of our partnership in

the Gospel in July 2012. Next, our plan is to target Ireland and

efforts are on to create another regional council there since

about 200 Orthodox families have made their presence at pre-

sent. At a later stage, I would like to relate churches in UK to

any other diocese in Kerala so that the size of the diocese is

reduced and the diocese is easy to manage. This will help de-

velop the Diocese on a autonomous nature and could take take

place within a year or so. We will strive to develop such a

system and place some promising young priests for ministry

work. There are also smaller Orthodox congregations in

France, Holland, Belgium and Hungary which we want to tar-

get. Also Orthodox congregations both big and small exist in

Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Dreams, visions of Menorah Orthodox Centre

Menorah Indian Orthodox Centre is based at Venmony,

Chengannoor. The Centre is primarily striving to promote Or-

thodox ethos. The centre is presently set up on a one acre plot.

Presently we have a Remban and seminary students who are

engaged in serious work. The centre conducts yearly youth

orientation classes for children from UK who come to Kerala

during vacation in January each year. We want to build the

infrastructure further and conduct more seminars and confer-

ences. We also conducted blood donation camps and a Pravasi

Sangamma for families from the diocese last year.

An Interview with H. G. Dr. Mar Thimothios

(Published in ICON on Dec 31, 2012)


Vicar’s Message May the Risen Lord Bless you all!

His Grace Dr. Mar Thimothios I am extremely delighted to have His Grace Dr. Mathews Mar Thimothios in our parish to lead the Holy Week services. His Grace is the Metropolitan of the UK, Europe and Africa Diocese of our Church. We are all proud of the new batch of young and vibrant bishops to lead our Church in different parts of the world in which the greatest geographical area is covered by His Grace Mar Thimothios. His Grace’s diocese is a fast growing one. Many untouched small congregations that are in dif-ferent countries of Africa and Europe are now in the pro-cess of being revived. There is a sign of enthusiasm and excitement in many smaller congregations which are com-posed of our members who are working in those countries.

You may find the biographical details of the His Grace elsewhere in this newsletter. It is our prayer and wish that His Grace succeeds in serving the newly consti-tuted diocese. There are several ways we can help His Grace in the ministry: praying for the diocese and its var-ied activities and helping His Grace with our time and re-sources.

We owe a special thanks to His Grace for sharing the Word of God with us and leading us in worship throughout the Holy Week. It was a huge blessing for all of us. His Grace’s scholarship, humility-filled personal touch and affectionate dealing have given a special for His Grace in our hearts.

On behalf of our parish I say Thank you Thirumeni for everything!

The Lord’s Resurrection

The Resurrection of our Lord is the foundation of Christian faith. St. Paul says, “if Jesus has not resurrected, our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.”1 Corin-thians 15:14. St. Paul was not a believer in the resurrec-tion of the Lord, instead he was avowed to destroy all who follow Christ. He never wanted to believe any words of Jesus as he was a Jewish Pharisee. But he was struck heav-ily by the Lord on his encounter at the gate of Damascus. Therefore St. Paul’s experience with the risen Lord be-came the reason for his conviction. St. Paul shared that conviction with others. If we believe in the Resurrection, we need to do three things: 1) Take courage to proclaim and share that faith with others. It has become just a matter of hearsay for many of us that the Lord is risen. Someone told me and so I have to believe. We lack the experience of resurrection. In the Early Church not because everyone saw Jesus ei-

ther live or resurrected that they believed but they trust-ed the faith handed over to them. Thus as Jesus said, “blessed are those who be-lieve without seeing” John 20:29. Therefore we must blindly believe the resurrec-tion and share that with oth-ers. In the modern century, it is a matter of shame for proclaiming the resurrected Lord because at the point of our proclamation of the faith the listener will ask, “is this the way the believers in Christ live?” We have no moral courage to answer this question. So we just don’t care about telling others that the Lord is risen. We can be missionaries of Christ if we have the true faith in the risen Lord. 2) Practice the message of resurrection that is peace and love. This is crucial. The Early Church again comes as a model for us. They not only told others about the res-urrected Lord but proved to others that they are living according to the norms that the Lord taught. Seeing the peaceful and loving life of Christians in the Early Church millions joined the Church. They were not looking for worldly advantages by becoming members of the Chris-tian Church but they were looking for peace, hope, love and joy. The Church offered all these. Today it is a huge challenge for us. Where do we see peace-loving people? Where do we see loving people? If we can be living wit-nesses of the love of Christ our existence as a Church, has some meaning. 3) Live with the Hope of Resurrection that guarantees victory over death: The greatest fear of a human being is death as we all know. But Jesus made it very clear that death is not a real threat to us because Jesus Christ over-came death and we have been guaranteed victory over death. This was the only factor that produced so many martyrs not ‘suicide killers’ in the Early Church. The Jew-ish and Roman communities threatened Christians with death but they were not afraid. They did not deny the faith. This became an important factor that attracted mil-lions to the Church. Emperors and administrators lost their battle against Christians in this matter. Even the mighty Roman Empire was brought down at the feet of Christians for this Reason. Can you say that you are not afraid of death? That is the real test that you really believe in the risen Lord or not.

The Lord is Risen! Indeed He is Risen.

Lovingly, Fr. M. K. Kuriakose


Guest Clergy:

H.G. Dr. Yuhannon Mar Meletius (03/17)

H.G. Dr. Mathews Mar Timotheos (Holy Week)

First Temple Entry:

Arya Emma Mathew, Daughter of Dr. Anand Mathew and Dr

Dinu Cherian

Joseph Varughese Raju, Son of Robin Raju & Joyce Raju

New Members:

Rijon Simon and Elizabeth Rijon

Parish News Announcements

Please send news, articles and information for May 2013

Newsletter by Sunday, April 21 to the parish secretary or

newsletter editor: [email protected],

[email protected].

Please contact the parish office for any updates in con-

tact information, addition in the family etc. to be added

to the database.

Please update your telephone numbers for Message

Broadcast.

Please visit our Web Site for information on upcom-

ing events. http://stthomasphiladelphia.org/

Please collect your payment receipt after Holy Qurbana

from the office.

Please pay your subscription monthly or quarterly for

the smooth running of the Church.

Prayer Meetings: Please contact Prayer Meeting Coordina-

tor, Mr. Joseph Vakayil, to schedule a prayer meeting. Pray-

er meetings may be hosted in your home or in Church.

Wednesday & Thursday Prayer Line

Prayer-Line dial-in # 213-342-3000. Access Code:

4044200. Please email Mathew Samuel,

[email protected], to add your email address

for Prayer Line updates.

Wednesday 9AM-10AM; Thursday 8PM-9PM

Mohan Samuel 01-Apr

Ninan C.N. Jose 01-Apr

Mariamma Thomas 04-Apr

Lajy Raju 04-Apr

Lincy Kuncheriah 04-Apr

Raju C Samuel 04-Apr

Ricky Panicker 06-Apr

Nathan George Thomas06-Apr

Renju R Padiyara 07-Apr

Koshy Daniel 07-Apr

Thankachan Samuel 07-Apr

Philip T Varghese 08-Apr

Lima Arun 09-Apr

Manoj Mathew 09-Apr

Thomason C. Korah 10-Apr

Joel Koshy 10-Apr

Leelamma Vaidian 12-Apr

Raji Abhilash 12-Apr

Ashish Abraham 13-Apr

Raju T Chandy 13-Apr

Sherry Kurian 14-Apr

Babu Varghese 14-Apr

Reshma R Padiyara 14-Apr

Jacob Chacko 15-Apr

Achen Varghese 15-Apr

Ansamma Saju Paul 15-Apr

Susamma George 16-Apr

George Varghese 17-Apr

Mathew Philip Varghese17-Apr

Thomas Daniel 17-Apr

April Wedding Anniversaries

Mr & Mrs Raju C Samuel 03-Apr

Mr & Mrs Philip George 07-Apr

Mr & Mrs Thomas Abraham 10-Apr

Mr & Mrs Thomas T Varghese 11-Apr

Mr & Mrs John P Eapen 11-Apr

Mr & Mrs George Thadathil 17-Apr

Mr & Mrs Thomason Challiyil Korah23-Apr

Mr & Mrs Biju Varghese 24-Apr

Mr & Mrs Mathew George 24-Apr

Mr & Mrs Jacob George 26-Apr

Mr & Mrs Rebu Roy 26-Apr

Mr & Mrs Robin P. Montharayil28-Apr

Mr & Mrs Ronnie Cherian 28-Apr

Mr & Mrs Biju P. Varghese 29-Apr

Mr & Mrs Jose V Abraham 30-Apr

Mr & Mrs George Abraham 30-Apr

We wish you all a Happy Anniversary!

Beena Joseph 18-Apr

Jobin K. Abraham 18-Apr

Jacob M Zachariah 18-Apr

Jeremy B Mukadiyil 18-Apr

Jessy Jacob 18-Apr

Synu Varghese 18-Apr

Suni Brown 19-Apr

Bindu Sam 19-Apr

Joel Sathees 19-Apr

Joshua Koshy 20-Apr

Aleyamma Varghese 20-Apr

George Eapen 20-Apr

Reem Ann Bivin 21-Apr

Teena Biju 21-Apr

Aleyamma Kuncheriah21-Apr

Saramma Varghese 22-Apr

Leona Thomas 25-Apr

Alice Sathees 25-Apr

Jaisy A Thomas 25-Apr

Rajani T Rajan 27-Apr

Benjamin Jacob Sam 28-Apr

Ajila S Koshy 28-Apr

Thomas G Kappil 28-Apr

Benji Varghese 30-Apr

Reuben Jacob Sam 30-Apr

Sean P Thomas 30-Apr

Rev Dn. Daniel Yohannan30-Apr

Mathew Varghese 30-Apr

Ajo Raju 30-Apr

We wish you all

a Happy Birthday!

April Birthdays


News Sunday School

Submitted by Oommen Kappil, Principal

(Tel.: 267.902.8500, email: [email protected])

Happy Easter to you! Easter brings great news of hope and renewal of spirits. It’s also the time to focus on year-end

activities including final exams and competitions. In the era of global competition, the goal of Sunday school competi-

tions is to encourage the students to use their talents. Let them come together and share their talents while praising God.

The competitions are all intended to help young people by gaining knowledge, gain confidence, grow closer to God, and

to one another.

Assigned Competitions

Our parish will conduct Assigned Competitions under the guidance and supervision of the Sunday school Principal and

teachers. The best two entries in each category will be selected, and the winners from this competition will represent our

church at the Area Level. For further details, please contact Liz Pothen, Assigned Competition Coordinator (Tel.:

215.509.2539, email: [email protected])

Assigned Competition Guidelines

• The time limit for the competition is 45 minutes.

No notes or other reference materials should be permitted for the essay or drawing competitions.

Judging criteria:

*Since there is no write-up for BEGINNER – NURSERY/ KG, “Theme Presentation” and “Clarity & Neatness” get

equal weighting (i.e. 5 points each).

Group & Grades Topic

Group 1 : Beginner– Nursery/

KG (Drawing)

Draw a picture based on the following scripture verse:

Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.” (Genesis 1:3)

Group 2 : Primary – Grades

1,2,3(Drawing)

Draw a picture based on the following scripture verse:

So when she opened the ark, she saw the child crying, and the daughter of Pharaoh

had compassion on him and said, “This is one of the Hebrews’ children.” (Exodus

2:6)Write a short paragraph about your drawing.

Group 3 : Junior–

Grades 4,5,6 (Essay)

The book of Daniel, chapter 3, is about the plight of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-

nego. How will you handle similar situations in your life?

Group 4 : Intermediate –

Grades 7,8,9 (Essay)

Numerous innocent children lost their lives during the tragic school shooting in New-

town, CT. Why does the innocent suffer?

Group 5 : Senior– Grades

10,11, 12 (Essay)

Recent studies have shown there is a decline of religious affiliation among young

people in the United States. Among the Orthodox Christians in this country, do you

feel that your generation is less or more devout than your parents’ or grandparents’

generation? Explain.

Drawings Essay

Theme Presentation 5 points Introduction 2 points

Clarity & Neatness 3 points Content & Grammar 4 points

*Write Up 2 points Biblical Reference 2 points

Total 10 points Conclusion 2 points

Total 10 points

mailto:[email protected]


Middle School Fellowship (CAYA)

The Middle School Fellowship had its Middle School in Action meeting on Saturday, March 16th, from 3:30-

5:30. They learned the importance of helping the community during the Lenten season. They participated in a service

project in which they made 15 care packages for charity. These packages included food, water, and toiletries. The pro-

ject was a success, and hopefully the ministry will be able to do another service project shortly. All middle schoolers

not involved in the ministry are encouraged to join!

Talent Competitions

Children 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:

[email protected])

Elocution Topics – 2013

Bible Quiz

Reference for Bible Quiz: (RSV Bible Version)

1. Ezra 2. Job 3. Gospel of St. John

Group & Grades (All Grades as of 1/1/13) Eligible Competition Events

Group 1: Grades Pre-K & KG Solo Song Story Telling

Group 2: Grades 1 & 2 Solo Song Story Telling

Group 3: Grades 3 & 4 Solo Song Story Telling

Group 4: Grades 5 & 6 Solo Song Elocution




Group & Grades Elocution Topics

Group 4:

Grades 5 & 6

1. 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.

Group 5:

Grades 7 & 8

1. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clang-

ing cymbal. (1 Corinthians 13:1)

2. Describe the importance of Scripture in the life of an Orthodox Christian.

Group 6:

Grades 9 & 10

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?

Group 7:

Grades 11 & 12

1. Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return; the LORD gave, and the

LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. (Job 1:21)

2. What is the importance of the Holy Trinity within Christian Orthodoxy?


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 Saji Philip ([email protected])

for more details.

Women’s Fellowship: Women’s Fellowship meets on a regular basis for prayer and meditation. Contact Mrs. Bessie Mathew

([email protected]) 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

([email protected]) for more details.

Middle School Fellowship (CAYA): CAYA (Come As You Are) is geared towards middle school students! All middle school chil-

dren (children in grades 6, 7, or 8) are welcome and encouraged to attend this Middle School Fellowship, or CAYA. This ministry is

unique, because it allows the children to provide feedback and ideas, which encourages them to take an active role in the church.

Please contact our Vicar, Asst. Vicar or coordinator Ms. Meenu Mathews ([email protected]) 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 essen-

tial 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. Please contact

Secretary Mr. Paul John ([email protected]) 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

([email protected]) for more details.

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 our Assistant Vicar for more details.

From Secretary’s Desk

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Jesus Christ is risen! He is risen indeed-Easter! Easter. The resurrection of our Lord and Sav-

ior Jesus Christ is the lynchpin of our Christian faith. Without the resurrection Jesus is just one of many

great teaching rabbis. But his resurrection changed everything. The well-known Christian hymn, "Because

He Lives," says it all. "Because he lives I can face tomorrow; because he lives all fear is gone!" Because he

rose from the dead, you, I, and all who call upon his name for the forgiveness of our sin know for a fact

that Jesus has secured a place for us in heaven. We no longer need fear the great enemy of us all, death.

Jesus gives us forgiveness for our past and future, strength for today, and hope for tomorrow.

Easter is the one event that can impact everyone, everywhere. No matter what our background is

and no matter what state we find ourselves in at this very moment, the Easter message comes to us filled

with hope. And if there is one thing that everyone needs, it is hope. May God bless you all abundantly.

Along with the Managing Committee and Board of Trustees me and my family wish you all a Very Happy

Easter.

With Lots of Love and prayers,

Secretary,

Philip Varghese

mailto:[email protected]


Dates:

July 10 to July 13, 2013

Location:

Honor's Haven

Resort and Spa

1195 Arrowhead Road

Ellenville, NY 12428

Theme:

"Offer ourselves as a living sacrifice"

(Romans 12:1)

Speakers:

Rev. Fr. Dr. Baby Varghese

Professor, Orthodox Theological

Seminary, Kottayam

Rev. Fr. John Parker

For more information, please email

[email protected].

2013 Family &

Youth Conference

Event Date Contact Comments

Area Teachers Meeting, TTC Coaching Saturday, April 6 Santhosh Baby St. Gregorios Church

Assigned Competition Sunday, May 5* Liz Pothen Parish Level

Assigned Competition Sunday, May 12 Liz Pothen Area Level, St Mary's Devereux

Bible Quiz Sunday, May 19* Suja Abraham Parish-level

Area Picnic Saturday, June 8 Renju Padiyara Area-level

Centralized Exam 12th Grade Sunday, June 2 Jessie Jacob St. John's Church

Felicitation of Graduates Sunday, June 15 * Santhosh Baby Parish-level

Centralized Exam- Grades 5, 8, 10 &

TTC Exam Sunday, June 30 Class Teachers St. Mary's Cathedral

OVBS Aug 1, 2, 3 Jenni Raj Location: Our Church

Field Trip Monday, Sept 2 Santhosh Baby Area-level,Northeast Adult Daycare

Talent Competition Saturday, Sept. 14 Suja Abraham Parish Level

Talent Competition Saturday, Sept. 28 Suja Abraham Area Level, St. John's Church

Talent Competition Saturday, Oct. 12 Suja Abraham Diocesan Level, NY/NJ Area

Sunday School Calendar

Date Event/Time Location Time

June 15 MMS Diocesan level Couples Forum Church TBA

July 10-13 Family & Youth Conference NY

*Tentative dates only

Parish Calendar

April 14, 2013, 4:00 PM Bowling Event

April 21, 2013 (Tentative) CPR Class and Certification

May 19, 2013 Bake Sale

June 08, 2013 One Day Trip to Poconos

June 30, 2013 Summer Bar-B-Q

September 7, 2013 (Tentative) Fishing Trip

OCYM Calendar

Please remember to collect the Parish Souvenir from

asst. secretary Mrs. Raji John as soon as possible.

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