ST THOMAS INDIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH...

MAY 2012 1 NEWSLETTER

And when the Day of

Pentecost Came…!

Acts 2:1, “And

when the day of Pentecost

was fully come, they were

all with one accord in one

place.”

Fifty days after

Easter we have a very im-

portant event that we look

forward to: “The Day of

Pentecost”. The day of

Pentecost signifies the arri-

val of Holy Spirit the third

person in the Holy Trinity.

Holy Spirit was briefly

mentioned in the Old Tes-

tament. Several references

are available indicating the

spirit of God. At least 60

times the usage ‘Spirit of

God’ is seen in the Old

Testament but it was gen-

erally to indicate the spirit

of God rather than the third

person in the Godhead Ho-

ly Trinity. Holy Spirit as

person in the Godhead was

not revealed prior to the

incarnation of our Lord.

The authentic revelation of

God as “Three in One” was

made through Jesus Christ

one of the persons in the

Holy Trinity. In the Early

Church especially the Cap-

padocian Fathers it was a

real struggle to define the

Holy Spirit. Saint Basil’s

“On the Holy Spirit” be-

came the most popular

writing that defined the

Holy Trinity and the Holy

Spirit.

Some Facts on the

Coming of the Holy Spirit:

1. Full Revelation

of the Holy Spirit: As we

read in Hebrews 1:1, God

was revealed partially to

the world till the incarna-

tion of Jesus Christ. In the

same way, Holy Spirit was

known partially for humans

but He was fully revealed

at the Pentecost. The Old

Testament references are

indicative of this fact.

From the Book of Genesis

we could see the Spirit of

God in operation. But its

fullness was never revealed

because no one knew how

to reveal the power of the

Holy Spirit. Jesus who is

one with the Holy Spirit

and the Father knew the

fullness of the Spirit and

thus He promised, “when

the Spirit comes He will

guide to the fullness of

truth.” John 16:13. The

world was given the oppor-

tunity to know and experi-

ence the Holy Spirit

through Jesus Christ.

Therefore in the Niceno-

Constantinopolitan creed

we read, “we believe in

one living Holy Spirit who

proceeds from the Father,

who with the Father and

the Son is worshipped and

glorified and spoke through

the prophets and the apos-

tles” Thus the Apostles

became fully equipped

with the power of the Holy

Spirit. St. Paul received

this power and he taught

authentically about the

gifts of the Holy Spirit in 1

Corinthians12 and fruit of

the Spirit in Galatian 5:22,

“love, joy, peace, longsuf-

fering, gentleness, good-

ness, faith, meekness and

temperance”. For a fullness

of life what else does a hu-

man being need? Nothing!

But it is impossible to con-

vince the world of today

that these virtues are costli-

er than the values the val-

ues of the world. Believe it

or not, the fullness of di-

vine truth is found in the

life of Christ and its

knowledge will be acquired

ONLY when the Holy

Spirit enters the life of an

individual. In the Baptism,

through the anointing with

the Holy Chrism, this pow-

er is symbolically imparted

to the baptismal candidate

Vicar’s Message

ST THOMAS INDIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH

NEWSLETTER May 2012 Volume XVI Issue 5

1009 UNRUH AVE

PHILADELPHIA, PA 19111

Contact Info:

[email protected]

Phone: 215.342.1500

Fax: 215.342.2700

with the hope that he/she will

be able to live up to the Holy

Spirit to exhibit that power to

the world. Unfortunately the

present day Christians are liv-

ing in a way that is too far

away from the way of the Holy

Spirit and now the world is

confused, “is there such a thing

called Holy Spirit!”

2. The Disciples were

in One Accord and one place:

It is important to note that the

condition that was pointed out

to the coming of the Holy Spir-

it is unity. It is mentioned that

the apostles and other follow-

ers, 120 of them, were in one

accord. In other words they

were united at heart. Yes in-

deed all the people in the Up-

per Room were waiting for the

Holy Spirit with one goal, to

receive the power from Above.

Unity is a condition for the

coming of the Holy Spirit. Of-

ten we wonder why Holy Spir-

it won’t come into our worship

with the full power. We know

that we are not united at heart.

Each person comes with a dif-

ferent agenda to worship. Each

person has a different goal in

life. People live in discord,

Continued on page 4


Anu S Thomas 5/1

Mini Renji 5/1

Karina Vattasseril5/2

Aneeta Sara Sam5/3

Mathukutty M. George5/3

Arun Mathew Jacob5/3

Sharath M Ninan5/3

Angel A Ninan 5/3

Annamma Jacob5/4

Omana Varghese5/5

Anila T Chacko 5/5

Mathew V Thomas5/5

Mony Babu 5/5

Geo Vaidian 5/5

Liz Pothen 5/6

Anoop T George5/6

Aview Varghese5/7

Ashley E Philip 5/7

Jessy R Padiyara5/8

Jasmin Ann Philip5/8

Mini Jose 5/8

Sibi Varghese 5/9

Jino Jacob 5/9

Jaison Thomas 5/9

Ancy Jins 5/10

Gigi Thomas 5/10

Renji Varghese 5/10

Santosh V Mathew5/10

Rajan Koshy 5/10

Joel Chacko 5/10

Divya Panicker 5/11

Nirmala Thomas5/11

Libin J. Jacob 5/11

Jose V Abraham5/12

Mini George 5/12

Annamma Mathew5/12

Chandini P. George5/12

Anil Panicker 5/12

Anil Panicker 5/12

Usha Jacob 5/13

Bindu Mathew 5/13

Shane Varughese

Thomas5/13

Dhanya A Panicker5/14

Saji George 5/14

Christy Joy 5/15

Mary Joseph 5/15

Lincy Ann Philip5/16

George Mathew 5/16

Rekha M Philip 5/16

Prenin P. George5/16

Jibu Vergis 5/17

Aleyamma Daniel5/17

Tinju S Jose 5/18

Thomas Skariah 5/18

Tinu John Biju 5/18

Rajan C Padiyara5/18

Reni Philip 5/19

John P Mathai 5/20

Reena Mathai 5/20

Liziamma Geevarghese5/20

Sunil George 5/20

Abraham Koodathinalil

Varughese5/20

Rajan Thundiyeth5/20

Annamma Mathew5/21

Sosamma Benny 5/21

Sathees Easo 5/22

Prince John Puliprath5/22

Molly Mathai 5/22

Jayce J Philip 5/22

Joy G. Vaidian 5/23

Aishwarya Maria Mathew5/23

Anish Thomas 5/23

Shawn Jacob 5/23

Suja Thomas 5/23

Joyce v Raju 5/23

Susamma Mathew5/24

Mary Rajan 5/24

Linda Varghese 5/24

Ninan Chacko 5/24

Anto G Panicker 5/25

Santhosh M Baby5/25

Shibu Varghese 5/25

Joji Thomas 5/25

Samkutty John 5/25

Somi Peediyakkal Jacob5/25

Annamma Thomson5/25

Philip Varghese 5/25

Baby Varghese 5/25

Susamma Thomas5/25

Daniel Varghese 5/25

Anto Panicker 5/25

Bindhu Jiju 5/25

Manju Shibu 5/25

Rinu John 5/25

Sobha P. Biju 5/25

Jeena Elsa Abraham5/26

Jobin Jacob 5/26

May Birthdays

Jiju George 5/26

Lizy Sam Kurisinmoottil5/26

Abhilash John 5/27

Micah V Panicker5/27

Robin Philip 5/27

Mariamma P Geevarghese5/27

Anna Varghese 5/27

Anoop John 5/27

Sara Daniel 5/27

George Thadathil5/28

Smitha Robin 5/28

Sanju Varghese John5/28

Boby George 5/28

Rini P Joseph 5/28

Chacko P Chacko5/28

Beena John 5/30

Mariamma Skaria5/30

Rachel Varghese5/30

Aleyamma Thomas5/30

Biji Joseph 5/30

Jessy Saji 5/30

Nathan Philip 5/30

George G Mampallil5/30

Achamma Vaidian5/30

Elizabeth Abraham5/30

Mathew Jacob 5/30

Ponnamma Baby5/30

Alan T Ninan 5/30

Isac P. George 5/30

Ponnachen Geevarghese5/30

Annamma Vaidian5/30

Thomas Vakkayil5/30

Kunjumole Thankachan5/30

Ajan Achamma Thomas5/30

Sheena Vaidian 5/30

Liza Oommen 5/31

Suja Mathew 5/31

Sijo P Mathai 5/31

Suja Koshy 5/31

Bini Thankachan5/31

Philip John 5/31

Shibu M Baby 5/31

Susan John 5/31

Reny Varughese5/31

We wish you all a very

Happy Birthday!


Obituary:

Annamma Jacob, sister in law of Abraham John and

Samkutty John passed away . Our prayers are with

them always!

Guest Priest:

H. G. Zachariah Mar Nicholovos

Rev. Fr. Wilson Shankarathil

Parish News

Mr & Mrs George T Charia 5/4

Mr & Mrs George Varughese 5/4

Mr & Mrs Rev. Fr M K Kuriakose 5/5

Mr & Mrs Rev Dn. Daniel Yohannan 5/5

Mr & Mrs Johnkutty V. K. 5/5

Mr & Mrs Thomas Varghese 5/9

Mr & Mrs Kunjappy Koshy 5/14

Mr & Mrs Oommen Mathai 5/14

Mr & Mrs Raju Markose 5/14

Mr & Mrs Mathew Jacob 5/15

Mr & Mrs Varghese Varghese 5/16

Mr & Mrs Jeff George 5/16

Mr & Mrs Reny Susan Raju 5/16

Mr & Mrs Jerin Juby 5/16

Mr & Mrs Kuncheriah P V. 5/19

Mr & Mrs Aju Jacob 5/20

Mr & Mrs Joy G. Vaidian 5/21

Mr & Mrs Geo Vaidian 5/23

Mr & Mrs Wilson Panicker 5/24

Mr & Mrs Saji Abraham 5/25

Mr & Mrs Joseph M C. 5/26

Mr & Mrs Saji V Mathew 5/27

Mr & Mrs Thomas Skariah 5/28

We wish you all a very

Happy Anniversary!

April Wedding Anniversaries

Announcements

Please don’t block our parking lot . Be considerate to

others.

Please sent news, articles and information for June

2012 Newsletter by Sunday, May 27 to the parish secre-

tary 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.

Prayer Meetings: Please contact Prayer Meeting Co-

ordinator, Mrs. Susan Mathew, to schedule a prayer

meeting at your residence.

Wednesday Prayer Line

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

4044200. Please email Mr. Mathew Samuel,

[email protected], to add your email ad-

dress for Prayer Line updates.

Playback Dial-in Number: 1-213-342-3003

Access Code: 625189 (Speaker Dr. C.C. John)

English Prayer line:

Access Code: 625189 (Speaker Mr. Binny Cherian)

April 26th Recording

Access Code: 456903 (Speaker Bindu Alexander)

Divyabodhanam

Divyabodhanam course is on all first Saturdays at our

church. Please contact course coordinator Mrs. Elsa

Koshy for further details.

Transform with Christ

(Jerin Juby)

“Take heart, transformation happens as you keep company

with Jesus.” said Calhoun in the book ‘Spiritual Discipline

Handbook’. The abundant mercies and grace of our Lord

and our God Jesus Christ has brought our lives to this

point. Every now and then, I ask a question to myself – Am

I transformed like Jesus want me to? Isaiah 5: 1-7 says that

God planted a vineyard expecting good grapes but instead

“it yielded wild grapes” (v 2). Jesus said, “I am the true

vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me

that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch

that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more

fruit.” (Jn 15: 1-2). Am I a branch that is attached to Jesus

Christ? Am I yielding good grapes or wild grapes?

mailto:[email protected]


Ministry-Driven Parish

Greetings In Christ

Christ Is Risen!

As we approach the Summer of 2012, as a parish we should reflect on

how we have grown spiritually. Spiritual growth, beyond all other things, is the

most important component of a parish. Recently, you have been hearing about a

few new ministries in the parish. First, Young Adults and Couples Fellowship is

an attempt to combine Couples Forum and FOCUS on a parish level. Its aim is

to bring together FOCUS members and young couples in a common fellowship

in Jesus, focusing on the needs and issues of young adults and couples. Second,

Discipleship Ministry is a unique ministry where the purpose is to bring together parish believers who are interested in

strengthening their relationship with Jesus Christ and serving the church either through leadership, deaconate or priest-

hood. Third, College Ministry is an integral part of any parish/church ministry. Years ago there was an Indian Orthodox

presence on Temple University campus. Unfortunately, for the past four years that has disappeared. Although, nothing

concrete has been establish as of yet, we are working on acquiring a room on Temple campus. Once that is done, we

will begin having Divine Liturgy once a month, followed by Bible Fellowship. The College Ministry will function as a

service to our college students but also as mission of Indian Orthodoxy in the inner city. Finally, many of you have

heard of Philadelphia Renewal Convention, which will be held on June 2, 2012, at our own parish, from 9am to 4pm.

This is time to renew our faith in Jesus and His Church. At this Convention we will have powerful Spirit-filled speakers

who will direct participants in dedicating their lives to Jesus Christ. Two messages will be in Malayalam and one in

English. It is a Convention that is directed toward the young and mature. I hope and pray you will be there.

All of these ministries exist, not for the sake of having a ministry or simply to say we are active, but rather that

the message of the Gospel be revealed in every aspect of parish life. That is the goal. May the name of Jesus we glori-

fied. Let every knee bow…let every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord!

Indeed He Is Risen!

In Christ,

Fr. Gheevarghese John

Asstistant Vicar

misunderstanding, anger, hatred, disunity and so on. How

will the Holy Spirit come into our worship or into our

community? Jesus taught the apostles, “when two or

three people are gathered together in my name, I will be

in the midst of them (Matt. 18:20). Rarely our minds are

united when we are together. We sometimes gather to-

gether with one aim in large crowds in political party

style. Definitely Christ cannot be in the midst of them

because they are not meeting in His name. So also, our

meetings, fellowships, worships etc. are not done in one

accord. Thus we never get the experience of the Holy

Spirit.

The day of Pentecost is going to be on May 26th

this year. Let us remember that the Holy Spirit has been

revealed to us in His fullness and that is our duty to obey

Him. Also, it is conditional that the Holy Spirit will come

in full power to our situations only if we are truly united

at heart. Lovingly, Fr. M. K. Kuriakose, Vicar

Discipleship Ministry

St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church, Philadelphia, PA

Time: 3:00PM

Where: Green Room

Committed Participates are Welcome

Purpose:

The purpose of Discipleship Ministry to bring together in-

dividuals who have a desire to serve the Orthodox Church,

presently, or in the future, in either as a Servant Leader,

Deacon or Priest, and provide for them direction on how to

live a Christ-like life in the experience and life of the Or-

thodox Church.

Phase 1: Christ The Way, Truth & Life

April 15, 2012: Christ God

April 29, 2012: Christ the Savior

May 13, 2012: Christ the King

May 27, 2012: Christ the Friend

Continued from page 1


A Report on the Mission Trip to Dulac

(Our parish members, Mr. Regi Mathai and Mr. Binny Cherian, were blessed with an amazing experience on their mis-

sion trip to Dulac, Louisiana. Below is a brief report on their experience, prepared by Mr. Binny Cherian)

Greetings to all in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Recently, both Regi Mathai uncle and I were part of a small group of volunteers, numbering ten, from different

churches in Philadelphia and Delaware, under the Umbrella of Ecumenical Churches of Philadelphia, that went on a

Mission trip to Dulac, Louisiana, led by Mr. O.C.Abraham of the Mar Thoma Church in coordination with the local

United Methodist Church, to help rebuild homes, of the Native American Indians that were devastated by Hurricane

Katrina in the year 2005. Now, if you are wondering whether there is a typo in the year mentioned earlier, sad but true

that is indeed a very long time to stay out of your own home.

Dulac is home to the Native American Indian tribe – Houma that has lived there for hundreds of years. It is

situated below the sea level with Bayou around it and is considered a wetland, which makes it a nightmare for the peo-

ple during a heavy downpour, let alone the storm Katrina which was very strong. Close to 30 percent of the population

there live under the poverty line.

After Katrina damaged all the homes in the area, the United Methodist church set up the Dulac Mission Center

to help the needy. Applications are accepted, addressed based on the severity and most importantly the manpower

available, volunteers like us who go there and help in the task.

During our stay there for the two days, our God gave us the strength to work on two separate homes, time and

effort was split among the ten of us.

The first home was damaged by the storm and left it in an uninhabitable condition, hence was unoccupied for

the last six years. The owner, Annie was staying with her relatives all the past years. She always wanted to return home

but the needs of other people that made requests was more critical, hence she had to wait for her turn all this time to get

it addressed. To avoid water entering the homes again, most of the homes in the area have been lifted off the ground

and placed on ten foot tall wooden structure that support it, by other mission teams earlier. Our tasks for Annie’s home

included, clearing up all the rooms that was full of unwanted and damaged items, removing the damaged vinyl from the

living room, kitchen and the two bedrooms, laying the laminate floor, fixing the walls for minor damages, painting the

walls, adding crown molding in the living room, adding 3 new doors, 1 doorway, and re-finishing the front door and

installing a water heater.

The second home, a trailer belongs to Linda, her husband who is ill, children and grand children. Their home

was repaired a long time ago by one of OC uncle’s earlier mission teams that made it livable, however the plywood on

the floor now started to crack and chip. This home was not in our plan for the work schedule, however at the dinner

that was arranged for us and the natives, this family made their request, it was then decided that we would surely try to

help them. Though our schedule was very tight we were able to finish the task of laying the laminate in the living room,

hallway and one of the bedrooms in the home. They are waiting for us to come back and do the same in the kitchen and

the other bedroom in their home.

It is very important that we involve ourselves, hands on, rather than send money to missions like we normally

do, we shy away because a personal experience needs sacrifice of our money, time and vacation. But believe us when

we say, the end result definitely changes our perspective on life, the blessings we have in our lives, that leads to thank-

fulness to God and contentment in our lives. We went to Dulac thinking we were going there to help others, however

when we returned, we came back helped ourselves and pictures in our hearts of the smiles and happiness of the families

that we could reach, will be cherished all our lives not including a resolve now, to reach out to our brothers and sisters

in need. Closing this report with the following verses that is intended for us, the children of God taken from

St. Mathew 25,37-4137 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you,

or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and

clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, what-

ever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me

Thanking God Almighty for this opportunity

Binny Cherian


Sunday School News (Oommen Kappil, Principal)(Tel.: 267.902.8500, [email protected])

This poem is the prayer of all volunteers and myself returning from the Dulac Mission field after witnessing the devastation and

suffering in all these years,regretting being not able to do anything until now ,but thanking God for giving the opportunity to help

ease the pain of a person or a family, experiencing the love and gratitude of the Dulac people, and hoping that more will be done.

A Volunteer’s Prayer

God of Glory and Grace,

We give Thee many thanks

For bringing us to Dulac

And for our fellowship, love and fun,

But most of all for the work that’s been done.

We ask your blessings for the people we’ve met

And for the work here to be done yet.

We ask for your protection as we go on our way

And ask guidance for our foot steps everyday.

Please forgive us when we miss our mark

And lift us up when the moments seem dark.

You said when we serve others, we serve You.

Let us continue to serve as there is much more to do !

Amen

(a poem by Mr. Reji Mathai, on his experience at the Mission Trip to Dulac, Louisiana)

OVBS Picture Drawing Winners, Parish Level

Upper Pre-K Jayden Mathew

KG Lucas Philip

Grade 1 Hannah Thomas

Grade 2 Joshua Mathew

Grade 3 Nathaniel Mathew

Grade 4 Lambert Thomas

Grade 5 Leona Thomas

Grade 6 Remya Brown

Grade 7 Sheena Vaidian

Grade 8 Reshma Padiyara

Grade 9 Sarah Samuel

Grade 10 Meenu Mathews

Grade 11 Sneha Jose

Overall winner: Sheena Vaidian

(Sheena’s winning entry has been submitted to the Dio-

cese as per the Diocesan-level guidelines.)

Teachers’ Conference, OVBS Planning Meeting and

TTC Refresher Course

-Held on April 28, 2012 at St. Mary’s Cathedral.

Several teachers from our Sunday School participated in

the Teachers Conference. Rev Fr. V. M. Shibu led a work-

shop for teachers. Steve Kurian (Coordinator, OVBS) led

the planning meeting on OVBS.

Teachers’ Training Certificate (TTC) Refresher Course

was conducted for the Teachers. Instructors from our par-

ish included Jessie Jacob, Oommen Kappil and Mathew

Samuel.

Those who are interested in getting a copy of the TTC

Study materials should contact Regi Mathai.

Orthodox Vacation Bible School (OVBS) News

OVBS for 2012 will be held on August 2nd through 4th at

our parish.

Time will be 9am - 4pm each day

Theme: "We are One in Christ"- Galatians 3:28

Registration Fee: $25 per student; $10 per guest students;

$10 per teacher/Volunteer

College students have registration fee waived.

Teachers/Volunteers Needed: The Coordinators are

looking Teachers and Volunteers for OVBS. If you are

interested, please contact Steve Kurian.


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

([email protected]).

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

Meetings are held every Sunday after the Sunday School. Regular bible studies are part of their mission. For

more information, contact Secretary Ms. Christina Thomas ([email protected]) for more details.

Discipleship Ministry

The purpose of Discipleship Ministry to bring together individuals who have a desire to serve the Orthodox

Church, presently, or in the future, in either as a Servant Leader, Deacon or Priest, and provide for them di-

rection on how to live a Christ-like life in the experience and life of the Orthodox Church. More details are

on page 3.

Young Adults and Couples Fellowship

Couples’ Forum is very active in our Church. The meetings are held every other Sunday. Please contact Mr.

Sneha Reynold ([email protected]) for the weekly schedule.

OCYM

OCYM meets on alternate Sundays after Holy Communion. OCYM is conducting the Faith Study Series.

Please check the flier on page 8.Please contact Secretary Mr. Jobin Abraham ([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. 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 ([email protected]) for more details.





Sunday School Calendar

Event Date & Time Venue Comments

Assigned Competition Sunday, May 6 St. Thomas IOC Parish-level

Centralized Exam 12th Grade Sunday, June 3 St. Mary’s Cathedral Diocesan-level

Area level SS Picnic Saturday, June 9 To be announced Area-level

Bible Quiz Sunday, June 10? St. Thomas IOC Parish-level

Felicitation of Graduates Sunday, June 17 St. Thomas IOC Parish-level

Assigned Competition Sunday, June 17 To be Announced Area level

Centralized Exam- Grades 5, 8, 10

& TTC Exam Sunday, June 24 St. Gregorios Bensalem Diocesan-level

OVBS August 2-4 St. Thomas IOC Area-level

Talent Competition Saturday, Sept. 15 St. Thomas IOC Parish Level

Talent Competition Saturday, Sept. 29? St. Thomas IOC Area level

Talent Competition Saturday, Oct. 13? TBA Diocesan level

ST THOMAS INDIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH...

Documents

Transcript of ST THOMAS INDIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH...