Sept 2013 - St. Thomas Philadelphia
Sept 2013 - St. Thomas Philadelphia
Sept 2013 - St. Thomas Philadelphia
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www.stthomasphiladelphia.org Volume XVII Issue 9<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 />
SEPTEMBER <strong>2013</strong><br />
NEWSLETTER<br />
SEPTEMBER <strong>2013</strong> 1 NEWSLETTER
Vicar’s Message<br />
Feast of the Cross<br />
<strong>Sept</strong>ember 14th marks the new season called “Sleeba Season” or<br />
“Season of the Cross”. The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church accepted<br />
two seasons for Sunday worship called “Kyamtha” and “Sleeba”.<br />
The first one begins with the Resurrection of the Lord and the second<br />
one begins with the Feast of The Cross”. During the “Season of the<br />
Cross” the prayers for Wednesday are used even on Sunday. Though<br />
it is ideal to have “Kyamtha” prayers on all Sundays the sesaonal<br />
change made it possible for our faithful become familiar with the<br />
Wednesday offices of prayers.<br />
The “Season of the Cross” is equally important as it refers to the Lord<br />
and His mission in this world. Cross is the only ultimate symbol of<br />
Christian Church. Even though the cross pendent is used by people in<br />
all walks of life in the Western world, it did not mean much to them. I have seen many musicians who are<br />
not committed to Christ or Christianity wearing the cross pendent. Even some anti-social elements wear the<br />
cross pendent. This sometimes is mind-boggling. Why should a person wear a symbol if does not mean anything<br />
to them? It may be just a fashion. However, the net result is that cross becomes a meaningless symbol<br />
to the world of today.<br />
<strong>St</strong>. Paul says in I Corinthians 1:18 “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing,<br />
but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” This important statement has two messages: one is<br />
that the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing or walk in the path of Satan, and the other is that for<br />
those walk in the experience of salvation it is power of God. For Satan the sacrificial love is foolishness<br />
whereas for those who know Christ the sacrificial love is the true expression of God’s power. Often people<br />
think that submission to adversities is a weakness. Forgiveness, reconciliation, unconditional love etc. and<br />
impossible in the mind of the present world. Isn’t it true that we have this attitude every day in our personal,<br />
family and Church life?<br />
In Philippians chapter 2 <strong>St</strong>. Paul makes it clear that the power of Jesus was in humbling Himself to become a<br />
human being and to be given to death in a most heinous way. In today’s world, all atrocities are retorted<br />
with the vengeance. Revenge is the art of the present world. Cross stipulates unconditional surrender and<br />
acceptance of suffering without revenge. Cross does not ask for punishment against the persecutor but compels<br />
to love the enemy. Therefore cross is foolishness to the worldly people. At the same time <strong>St</strong>. Paul defines<br />
Cross as “power or God” to those who are being saved. The fundamental theory of the cross is redemption<br />
or salvation. Salvation is the experience of being liberated from the evils of the world. It is through that<br />
power or God that salvation is attained. For a believer Cross becomes the ultimate tool in all situations. In<br />
misery, persecution, sadness, weeping, illness, losses, and even in death, Cross offers a meaning and satisfaction<br />
to a believer. All questions are answered at the foot of the cross. Therefore, it should be a powerful tool.<br />
Somewhere, sometime, the Christian Church opted not to seek the answer to situations through the Cross.<br />
The secular world became the model for us. In the free and democratic world everybody demands the fundamental<br />
rights. It is amazing to me that Christians demand such rights with evil minds. Not only lay people<br />
but even the most spiritual people use the secular tools to achieve their rights. No wonder the Cross became<br />
irrelevant to the world.<br />
On this Feast of the Cross, let us truly follow the path of the Cross instead of the path of the world. I am sure<br />
we will do miracles for God in this world. Thus we will become aware of our mission. All else is worthless.<br />
Therefore let us rededicate ourselves to our own pride that is the Cross.<br />
Lovingly, Fr. M. K. Kuriakose<br />
SEPTEMBER <strong>2013</strong> 2 NEWSLETTER
<strong>Sept</strong>ember Birthdays<br />
Parish News<br />
Chinnamma <strong>Thomas</strong> 01-Sep<br />
Vivek K Paulose 02-Sep<br />
Susmitha <strong>Thomas</strong> 02-Sep<br />
Jacob Kuruvilla 03-Sep<br />
Panickal Y Mathaikutty 03-Sep<br />
Carolyn Miriam Cherian 03-Sep<br />
Elizabeth <strong>Thomas</strong> 04-Sep<br />
Joshua J Mathew 04-Sep<br />
Jacob Chacko 04-Sep<br />
Liya Sara Aji 05-Sep<br />
Simon Daniel Jaison 05-Sep<br />
Alex T Raju<br />
05-Sep<br />
Raji Rajan<br />
07-Sep<br />
Samkutty John 08-Sep<br />
Anoop George 08-Sep<br />
Akhil <strong>Thomas</strong> Jacob 08-Sep<br />
Varghese P Abraham 08-Sep<br />
Hanah M. mathew 09-Sep<br />
Priya M Saji<br />
11-Sep<br />
Johan Vaidyan 11-Sep<br />
Nivedh Philip 11-Sep<br />
Brown Varghese 13-Sep<br />
Shibu Varghese 14-Sep<br />
Sosamma Chacko 15-Sep<br />
Elsa <strong>Thomas</strong><br />
16-Sep<br />
Kunjamma <strong>Thomas</strong> 16-Sep<br />
Annamma Geevarghese 17-Sep<br />
Saramma Varghese 17-Sep<br />
Jeff George<br />
17-Sep<br />
Suja Mary Mathew 18-Sep<br />
Sneha Jose<br />
19-Sep<br />
Jacob Zachariah 20-Sep<br />
Joy Panicker Jr. 20-Sep<br />
Saramma George 20-Sep<br />
Jensil Varghese 20-Sep<br />
Sheril Susan Varghese 21-Sep<br />
Ruth Hana Philipose 21-Sep<br />
<strong>Thomas</strong> C <strong>Thomas</strong> 21-Sep<br />
Eben P Mathai 22-Sep<br />
Ajin John Abraham 22-Sep<br />
Alissa Jose<br />
23-Sep<br />
Smitha Jacob 23-Sep<br />
Sarah M Samuel 23-Sep<br />
Dinu Cherian 24-Sep<br />
Jomy George 25-Sep<br />
Varghese Panicker 26-Sep<br />
Nicole Samuel 26-Sep<br />
Anoop Joseph George 28-Sep<br />
Linda Elsa Aji 28-Sep<br />
Shaji <strong>Thomas</strong> 28-Sep<br />
Smitha J Mathew 28-Sep<br />
Julie P Saji<br />
29-Sep<br />
Jibin Vaidian 29-Sep<br />
Alexander Korathu 30-Sep<br />
Binish George 30-Sep<br />
Cijo Joseph<br />
30-Aug<br />
We wish you all<br />
a Happy Birthday!<br />
<strong>Sept</strong>ember Wedding<br />
Anniversaries<br />
Mr and Mrs Rajesh Geevarghese 03-Sep<br />
Mr and MrsThankachan K Mathai10-Sep<br />
Mr and Mrs Anoop George 10-Sep<br />
Mr and Mrs Cherian Philipose 12-Sep<br />
Mr and Mrs Abhilash John 13-Sep<br />
Mr and Mrs Joy Jacob 13-Sep<br />
Mr and Mrs <strong>Thomas</strong>kutty Varghese13-Sep<br />
Mr and Mrs Jacob K. Thekekkuttu14-Sep<br />
Mr and Mrs Saju Paul 14-Sep<br />
Mr and Mrs Mathew Varghese 15-Sep<br />
Mr and Mrs Jiju George 16-Sep<br />
Mr and Mrs Anoop John 20-Sep<br />
Mr and Mrs Geevarghese M Panicker<br />
21-Sep<br />
Mr and Mrs George Varghese 27-Sep<br />
Mr and Mrs Yohannan Mathew 30-Sep<br />
We wish you all a Happy Anniversary!<br />
Announcements<br />
Charity Housing Project is growing<br />
very fast. We are at the final stage<br />
on starting the construction. We<br />
completed raising money for<br />
one house in its entirety. Second<br />
house project is still going ton. If<br />
you want to know more about the<br />
project please check in with treasurer<br />
or Achan.<br />
We had a successful picnic arranged<br />
by church. Around 400 members too<br />
part in it<br />
Mens Forum had a trip to Baltimore<br />
Sunday School students visited<br />
Northeast day care and interacted<br />
with members there<br />
We have a new parking lot built adjacent<br />
to the existing one. Around 30<br />
cars can be parked there now .<br />
11 children have their first letter<br />
written on last Sunday, <strong>Sept</strong> 1.<br />
October 5th is our Church Harvest<br />
festival. As usual Thattukada, Textile<br />
shop, Swad Hotel and American<br />
Auction, Entertainment programs.<br />
Guest Clergy:<br />
Rev. Fr. K. T. Philip Vicar of Cherai<br />
Orthodox Church:<br />
Wednesday, August 28, <strong>2013</strong>.<br />
His Grace <strong>Thomas</strong> Mar Athanasios,<br />
Metropolitan of Chengannur Diocese:<br />
Sunday, <strong>Sept</strong>ember 1, <strong>2013</strong>.<br />
Please send news, articles and information for October <strong>2013</strong> Newsletter by Sunday, <strong>Sept</strong><br />
22 to the parish secretary or newsletter editor: stthomasiocsecretary@gmail.com, stioc.newsletter@gmail.com.<br />
Please contact the parish office for any updates in contact information, addition in the<br />
family etc. to be added to the database.<br />
Please update your telephone numbers for Message Broadcast.<br />
Please visit our Web Site for information on upcoming events.<br />
http://stthomasphiladelphia.org/<br />
Please collect your payment receipt after Holy Qurbana from the office.<br />
Please pay your subscription monthly or quarterly for the smooth running of the<br />
Church.<br />
Prayer Meetings: Please contact Prayer Meeting Coordinator, Mr. Joseph Vakayil, to<br />
schedule a prayer meeting. Prayer meetings may be hosted in your home or in Church.<br />
SEPTEMBER <strong>2013</strong> 3 NEWSLETTER
Sunday School<br />
News<br />
Submitted by Submitted by Oommen Kappil, Principal<br />
(Tel.: 267.902.8500, email: kappil1@yahoo.com)<br />
New Sunday School Year Begins<br />
Classes for the new school year began on Sunday, <strong>Sept</strong>ember 1st for all Grades from Lower-Pre-K through 12th Grade.<br />
The list of teachers for each Grade is posted on the bulletin board. The following Classes have two divisions each (Div A &<br />
B): Upper Pre-K, Kindergarten, Grade 9<br />
Textbooks have been distributed to each student at no charge. Those who did not get it may collect it from the class teachers.<br />
Centralized Examination Results<br />
The NE American Diocese has published the results of the centralized Exam. The following students from our Sunday<br />
School were ranked among the top 10 ranks in their respective Grades:<br />
Grade Name Comments<br />
5 Misha Mathai 2 nd Rank<br />
5 <strong>St</strong>effin Manoj 9 th Rank<br />
8 Jasmine Philip 5 th Rank<br />
10 Betsy Kappil 6 th Rank<br />
12 Shannon George 10 th Rank<br />
Congratulations to the students on their performance, and to the teachers and parents on their guidance and support.<br />
Field Trip-Northeast Adult Daycare Center<br />
On Monday, <strong>Sept</strong>ember 1, several of our children accompanied by teachers and adults visited the Northeast Adult Daycare<br />
center. Kuriakose Achen's introductory message and prayer set the right tone for the program. Bishel Baby’s Bible reading<br />
with introduction, and Binny Cherian’s powerful devotional message were well received by the residents. This was followed<br />
by our children’s performance, which included two meaningful songs, and a beautiful dance that was very entertaining.<br />
Our children and adults got ample time to interact with the residents, who were mostly grandparents. We made them<br />
relax, talk and smile! A small gift was presented to each resident as a token of our love and affection. The residents at the<br />
facility as well as those who visited them seemed to enjoy the trip. Mr. Ninan Mathai (our parish member and former Sunday<br />
School Principal) who welcomed the visitors on behalf of the Management was instrumental in scheduling this trip.<br />
Thanks go to everyone who cooperated and participated.<br />
Talent Competitions: Why?<br />
God has given talents to everyone including our children. Every talent should be considered as a blessing. Let the children<br />
use their blessings, and multiply them. By promoting participation in Talent Competitions, Sunday School is offering an<br />
opportunity for children to use their blessings. Let us give our children an opportunity to do their best, whether it is in singing,<br />
story-telling or in speech. Through learning, they will gain confidence. They will learn how to handle successes and<br />
failures in a Christian spirit. Last year, our parish won Championship trophy at the Area-level and the diocesan level. Winning<br />
has its significance. However, beyond winning a trophy, our primary goal is to make sure that our children are doing<br />
their best.<br />
Parish-level Talent Competitions<br />
(Date: Saturday, <strong>Sept</strong>. 14, <strong>2013</strong>, Time: 9 am -1 pm)<br />
All students, including the recent 12th Grade graduates are eligible, and are encouraged to register and participate. Please<br />
plan to arrive early. Refreshments will be served at 8.45 am. Chest numbers will be given to all contestants at 9 am. Detailed<br />
information on competition items, topics, guidelines and judging criteria are posted on the parish bulletin board.<br />
Please contact Mrs. Susan Mathews (Reena), the Coordinator of Talent Competitions for more information. Reena is looking<br />
for Volunteers to help with tabulation, stage management etc. Please contact Reena as soon as possible.<br />
Talent Competition Special Award-<strong>2013</strong><br />
Many of you might remember that one of our parish members have awarded a ‘significant prize’ to each winner in the<br />
Group that earned the most points at the Area level competition. Last year, Group 6 won the most points at the Area-level<br />
competition, and all the winners in that Group were awarded a special prize. The member who prefers to be anonymous has<br />
offered to continue this award again this year. Therefore, we encourage each student and group to do their best to earn the<br />
special award. We thank the anonymous member for his selfless and inspiring support.<br />
SEPTEMBER <strong>2013</strong> 4 NEWSLETTER
News from Spiritual Organizations<br />
Martha Mariam Samajam (MMS): The MMS is having many activities planned for this month and also for October<br />
<strong>2013</strong>. Please join us every other week after the Qurbana in the auditorium. The next meeting is planned for <strong>Sept</strong>ember 15,<br />
<strong>2013</strong>. The activities are as follows:<br />
1. MMS annual retreat on <strong>Sept</strong>ember 14th, <strong>2013</strong> at <strong>St</strong> Gregorios Church, Bensalem from 9am to 12 noon. Lunch will be provided.<br />
The speaker is Rev. Fr. Gigi Samuel.<br />
2. Our Harvest Festival is scheduled on October 05, <strong>2013</strong>. We are organizing a sale of Indian Clothes, Jewellery and other<br />
items.<br />
3. The Quiz competition is scheduled on October 19, <strong>2013</strong> at Washington D.C. We are preparing for this and we encourage<br />
our members to join us for the day and help us with their knowledge.<br />
MMS meets alternate Sundays at the church auditorium after Holy Communion for prayer, Bible <strong>St</strong>udy, learning songs and<br />
more. For more details of their activities please contact Secretary Saji Philip (bobsaj95@gmail.com) for more details.<br />
Women’s Fellowship: 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: Our young men and women who are in high school and college have been engaged in Apostolic Bible <strong>St</strong>udy,<br />
thought-provoking discussions and relevant group projects. For more information, contact Secretary Mr. Alvin Panicker<br />
(rmsalvin@gmail.com) for more details.<br />
Middle School Fellowship (CAYA): CAYA (Come As You Are) is geared towards middle school students! All middle<br />
school children (children in grades 6, 7, or 8) are welcome and encouraged to attend this Middle School Fellowship, or<br />
CAYA. This ministry is unique, because it allows the children to provide feedback and ideas, which encourages them to take<br />
an active role in the church. Please contact our Vicar, Asst. Vicar or coordinator Ms. Meenu Mathews<br />
(meenuamathews@yahoo.com) for more details.<br />
Discipleship Ministry: Over the past month and a half a select group of young men have been fully engaged in learning the<br />
essential of becoming a disciple for Christ. We are proud of the young men who have dedicated their time for this ministry.<br />
Please contact our Assistant Vicar for more details.<br />
Couples Fellowship: This fairly new ministry in our parish has been explained in detail in the previous edition of this newsletter,<br />
that is, it's formation and structure. More of our men must contribute their time for this ministry. Please contact Mr.<br />
Jacob Chacko(Reji) and Mrs.Susan John Varghese for more details.<br />
OCYM: OCYM conducted a successful bake sale and is extending their sincere thanks to the parish family for supporting<br />
it. Please contact Secretary Mr. Paul John (pjohn_19446@yahoo.com) for more information.<br />
Men’s Forum: Men’s Forum is planning a one Day Trip to Baltimore City site seeing on <strong>Sept</strong>ember 7th Saturday. Please<br />
contact officials for further details Men’s Forum fellowship is going very strongly in our Church. The format of this session<br />
includes prayer, songs, bible reading, teaching followed by discussions. For more information please contact Mr. <strong>Thomas</strong>kutty<br />
Varghese (thomaskuttyv62@yahoo.com) for more details.<br />
FOCUS: 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 our Assistant Vicar for more<br />
details.<br />
SEPTEMBER <strong>2013</strong> 5 NEWSLETTER
Sunday School Calendar<br />
Event Date Contact Comments<br />
Talent Competition Saturday, <strong>Sept</strong>. 14<br />
Susan Mathews<br />
(Reena)<br />
Parish Level<br />
Talent Competition Saturday, <strong>Sept</strong>. 28<br />
Susan Mathews<br />
(Reena)<br />
Area Level, <strong>St</strong>. John's Church<br />
Talent Competition Saturday, Oct. 12<br />
Susan Mathews<br />
(Reena)<br />
Diocesan Level, NY/NJ Area<br />
Parish Calendar<br />
Date<br />
October 5<br />
Event/Time<br />
Harvest Festival<br />
Church Parking<br />
The new parking lot at Kerper <strong>St</strong>reet is now open to our parish. We have leased the land from PECO and have finally<br />
been able to finish paving a designated parking for 28 cars including a spot designated for the physically challenged.<br />
The main entry to the new parking lot is from Kerper <strong>St</strong>reet. Due to the narrow nature of the parking spaces,<br />
cars or medium sized vehicles are encouraged to park in the ne parking lot.<br />
For our convenience, the apron at Algon Avenue has also been replaced and drivers may use the rear driveway to<br />
exit to Algon Avenue.<br />
Additionally, the main parking lot has been repaved and striped to accommodate a new parking pattern to hold more<br />
cars and facilitate ease of entry and exit. By implementing the new design, we have gained approximately 10 additional<br />
spaces in our existing lot.<br />
At this time, all members are once again reminded parking is not allowed in the isles, hindering entry or exit or free<br />
movement of vehicles in the parking lot. As a warning, a red sticker will be attached to the windshield of cars blocking<br />
other vehicles or otherwise illegally parked.<br />
Members are also reminded of City and <strong>St</strong>ate rules for street parking; vehicles should only be parked in the direction<br />
of traffic and not on the opposite side of the street at all times. Also private driveways should never be blocked by a<br />
vehicle. Please note that these are ticketable offenses.<br />
SEPTEMBER <strong>2013</strong> 6 NEWSLETTER
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