Aug 2013 - St. Thomas Philadelphia
Aug 2013 - St. Thomas Philadelphia
Aug 2013 - St. Thomas Philadelphia
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www.stthomasphiladelphia.org Volume XVII Issue 8<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 />
NEWSLETTER<br />
AUGUST <strong>2013</strong><br />
AUGUST <strong>2013</strong> 1 NEWSLETTER
Vicar’s Message<br />
Sacred Memory of the Theotokos<br />
The most saintly Mother of God, <strong>St</strong>. Mary’s assumption falls on <strong>Aug</strong>ust<br />
15th preceded by a Lenten period. The Holy Church made the right<br />
decision long ago to honor <strong>St</strong>. Mary who is the greatest saint of the Christian<br />
Church. Even the protestant community that does not honor saints like<br />
the Orthodox or Catholics do, they honor <strong>St</strong>. Mary as a very respectable person.<br />
Once I was surprised to see a Pentecostal newsletter in which a short<br />
write up appeared about <strong>St</strong>. Mary praising her qualities that are ideal for a<br />
Christian. However, there is still a lot of lack of knowledge about the depth<br />
of the personality of <strong>St</strong>. Mary in the Christian world.<br />
From the early centuries the Church gave the highest respect to <strong>St</strong>. Mary<br />
because the tradition of her assumption to heaven was an established belief.<br />
Both the Roman Catholics and Orthodox believe that <strong>St</strong>. Mary has an empty<br />
tomb. The only difference is that the Catholics believe that <strong>St</strong>. Mary was taken<br />
to heaven in bodily form without facing death but the Orthodox believe<br />
that she had died and was buried but resurrected on the third day and taken<br />
to heaven waiting for the final resurrection along with other believers.<br />
For those who have experienced the intercession of saints especially that of <strong>St</strong>. Mary, she is a unique saint. All churches<br />
established in the name of <strong>St</strong>. Mary have become sources of that powerful experience. The most famous church in<br />
the world for <strong>St</strong>. Mary is the one in Lourdes in France where millions of believers have experienced her intercession.<br />
What I learned in my studies is that those who lived in this world as selfless and completely surrendered to the will of<br />
God have become strong intercessors even after their death. No one can be compared to <strong>St</strong>. Mary in that surrender.<br />
When angel Gabriel announced to <strong>St</strong>. Mary that she will bear the “Son of God” her answer was “I am the servant of<br />
the Lord, may it happen to me according to Your will”. And her submission to God was perfect till her death. No wonder<br />
why the Church named her “The Theotokos” or “God-bearer” or “Mother of God”. It is a serious matter to call<br />
someone the “God-bearer”. The true God Jesus was borne by her. It was possible only because she was willing to submit<br />
herself to the will of God. The same opportunity is available for us also if we are willing to bear God in us. The<br />
Early Church did recognize this quality in her and considered her as the greatest intercessor for the faithful.<br />
Intercession is not an easy thing. Many people think they are great intercessors for others before the Lord. Often such<br />
intercessions are shallow prayers for others. A true intercession will be one’s true love and care for others. One should<br />
be truly selfless to be a true intercessor. When we seek the intercession of Parumala and Pamapdi Thirumenies, we<br />
never realize how selfless they were and how much dedicated they were for the Lord. Most of our prayers are like what<br />
<strong>St</strong>. James says in 2:15,16, “if a brother or sister be naked and in lack of daily food, and one of you say unto them, “go in<br />
peace, be ye filled; and yet you give them not things needful to the body; what does it profit?” We are much prayerminded<br />
but our prayers are so hollow that it can hardly reach God because we never show the selfless care for the<br />
needy. What is the point in the prayer without action?<br />
<strong>St</strong>. Mary from the very beginning of Jesus’ ministry involved in seeking help for the family at the wedding of Cana. <strong>St</strong>.<br />
Mary had no business there, as Jesus told her, “woman, what do I have to do with you? My time has not come.” But <strong>St</strong>.<br />
Mary knew her son so well that He will not neglect the needs of a needy and told the people to obey what Jesus would<br />
tell them. I believe that <strong>St</strong>. Mary is the same today that if we seek her intercession, she will pray for us. God honors <strong>St</strong>.<br />
Mary’s request for us. All that we need to do is to imbibe the same nature of <strong>St</strong>. Mary. We should surrender ourselves<br />
to God and care for others.<br />
The meditation shrine in our church complex has an icon of <strong>St</strong>. Mary that every time gives me the inspiration to look<br />
at her face and communicate. The icons of the saints and the Lord in our meditation shrine is truly a place where we<br />
can have that realistic feelings. Just go in there. Talk to the Lord and the saints in there. Our life will change. In the<br />
same way we have regular intercession prayers on every Wednesday after Holy Qurbana. Can you imagine how<br />
blessed we are when we do it on every Wednesday! Many of us look forward to that prayer time. I hope the intercession<br />
of <strong>St</strong>. Mary will be a great solace to us all.<br />
Lovingly, Fr. M. K. Kuriakose<br />
AUGUST <strong>2013</strong> 2 NEWSLETTER
<strong>Aug</strong>ust Birthdays<br />
Parish News<br />
Jijo George Varghese 02-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Cherian Philipose 02-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Chinnamma M Varghese 02-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Dony Davy<br />
04-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Jonathan Mathew Cherian05-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Vinitha Varghese 05-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Jaison Daniel 05-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Aleyamma George 06-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Tibin John Prince 06-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Lambert <strong>Thomas</strong> 07-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Leelamma O Panicker 08-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Mathews T. Varghese 08-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Crisia Maria Shibu 09-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Blessy George 10-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Sheena Jose<br />
10-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Ashok Paulose 10-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Sneha Reynold 13-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
<strong>Aug</strong>ustin P. Babu 13-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Joel G Panicker 13-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Jibin Verghese Jacob 13-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Jojy Varghese 14-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Liana<br />
14-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Alina Korathu 14-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Renji Rajan<br />
15-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
N V <strong>Thomas</strong><br />
15-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Achamma Cherian 15-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Rachel A Varghese 16-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Shelby Alisha <strong>Thomas</strong> 18-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
<strong>Thomas</strong> Abraham 18-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Christina S <strong>Thomas</strong> 18-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
George Abraham 18-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Hannah Mary <strong>Thomas</strong> 19-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Ninan Mathai 19-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Jijo Chacko<br />
19-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Dennys Mathew John 19-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
<strong>St</strong>ephan Kalthil 20-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Sherin Sara Anish 20-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Aben G Panicker 21-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Flamy Philip<br />
21-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Aaron Yohan George 21-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Varghese Varghese 22-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Isabel J Mathew 22-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Anooj <strong>Thomas</strong> 23-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Sajan <strong>Thomas</strong> 23-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Kochupurackal <strong>Thomas</strong> 24-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Pappachan Chacko 25-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Riny Saju Mathew 25-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Annamma Mathew 26-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Raju Markose 26-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Agin G. <strong>Thomas</strong> 27-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Judy Philip<br />
27-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
N Joseph George 27-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
George Varghese 27-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Molly Prince<br />
28-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Sharon Jacob 29-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Suresh Mathew 29-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Betsy George 30-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Anugraha Thankam John 30-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Bibin George 30-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Cijo Joseph<br />
30-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
We wish you all<br />
a Happy Birthday!<br />
<strong>Aug</strong>ust Wedding<br />
Anniversaries<br />
Mr and Mrs Abraham K Varughese14-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Mr and Mrs Varghese Baby 15-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Mr and Mrs Renji Varghese 15-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Mr and Mrs Mathew P Cherian 15-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Mr and Mrs J iji Mathew 15-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Mr and Mrs Obin M George 16-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Mr and Mrs Georgeyo Oommen 16-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Mr and Mrs Rajan Koshy 17-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Mr and Mrs Gibson T George 18-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Mr and Mrs Jacob Mathew 18-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Mr and Mrs Manoj <strong>Thomas</strong> 19-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Mr and Mrs Biju John 20-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Mr and Mrs Jacob Kuruvilla 20-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Mr and Mrs Ajo Raju 21-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Mr and Mrs David Philip 21-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Mr and Mrs N V <strong>Thomas</strong> 21-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Mr and Mrs Alen <strong>Thomas</strong> 21-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Mr and Mrs Shibu <strong>Thomas</strong> 22-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Mr and Mrs <strong>Thomas</strong> Vakkayil 22-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Mr and Mrs Jiju Mathew 26-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Mr and Mrs Kochupurackal <strong>Thomas</strong>27-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Mr and Mrs <strong>Thomas</strong> C <strong>Thomas</strong> 28-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Mr and Mrs Robin Raju 28-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Mr and Mrs Alex P Symon 29-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
Mr and Mrs Suresh Cherian 29-<strong>Aug</strong><br />
We wish you all a Happy Anniversary!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Aug</strong>ust 17th Saturday is our Church<br />
Picnic. Please schedule the date on<br />
your Calendar. Registration is already<br />
started.<br />
Charity Housing Project is growing<br />
very fast. If you want to know more<br />
about the project please check the<br />
Bulletin Board for details.<br />
Guest Clergy:<br />
Rev. Fr. Shaji Baby (07/28/<strong>2013</strong>)<br />
Announcements<br />
Please send news, articles and information<br />
for September <strong>2013</strong> Newsletter by<br />
Sunday, <strong>Aug</strong> 24 to the parish secretary or<br />
newsletter editor: stthomasiocsecretary@gmail.com,<br />
stioc.newsletter@gmail.com.<br />
Please contact the parish office for<br />
any updates in contact information,<br />
addition in the family etc. to be added<br />
to the database.<br />
Please update your telephone numbers<br />
for Message Broadcast.<br />
Please visit our Web Site for information<br />
on upcoming events.<br />
http://stthomasphiladelphia.org/<br />
Please collect your payment receipt<br />
after Holy Qurbana from the office.<br />
Please pay your subscription monthly<br />
or quarterly for the smooth running of<br />
the Church.<br />
Prayer Meetings: Please contact Prayer<br />
Meeting Coordinator, Mr. Joseph Vakayil,<br />
to schedule a prayer meeting. Prayer<br />
meetings may be hosted in your home or<br />
in Church.<br />
AUGUST <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 />
Sunday School Opening and New Admissions<br />
Classes for the new school year will begin on Sunday, September 1st. For new admissions, the minimum age requirement<br />
is as follows:<br />
Lower Pre-K : 3 years; Upper Pre-K : 4 years; KG : 5 years<br />
Grade 1 : 6 years (Age as of <strong>Aug</strong>ust 31, <strong>2013</strong>)<br />
Please contact Santhosh Baby or other staff members by <strong>Aug</strong>. 24th to enroll new students.<br />
Summer <strong>St</strong>udy Series<br />
Our Vicar Rev. Fr. M. K. Kuriakose and Asst. Vicar Rev. Fr. Gheevarghese John are leading the Summer <strong>St</strong>udy Series for<br />
our children. Jessie Jacob and Oommen Kappil are serving as substitutes. The topics for the Junior and Senior Divisions are<br />
‘Bible <strong>St</strong>ories’ and ‘Profiles in Leadership’ respectively. Classes are conducted from 12:15 to 12.45pm on Sundays until<br />
<strong>Aug</strong>. 25th. These sessions are open for adults as well.<br />
Teachers’ Training and Planning Meeting<br />
A <strong>St</strong>aff meeting is scheduled for 12.30 pm to 2 pm on Sunday, <strong>Aug</strong>ust 25 in the Chapel. There will be a training session on<br />
‘Preparation for Effective Teaching’. A business meeting will be held immediately afterwards to plan on teaching assignments<br />
for each Grade. This is a mandatory training session meant for all teachers.<br />
Talent Competitions<br />
(Date: Sept. 14, <strong>2013</strong>, Time: 9 am -1 pm)<br />
Preparations are underway for our parish-level Talent Competitions. All students are encouraged to register and participate.<br />
Detailed information on competition items, topics, guidelines and judging criteria are posted on the parish bulletin board.<br />
Training for Talent Competitions: Training on how to prepare the speech is scheduled for Sunday, <strong>Aug</strong>ust 11, starting at<br />
12.30 pm. Group 4 through 7 will have separate training sessions led by qualified staff members. Training for song and story<br />
shall be arranged for those who are interested. Please contact Mrs. Susan Mathews (Reena), the Coordinator of Talent<br />
Competitions for more information.<br />
Talent Competition Special Award<br />
Please be reminded that one of our parish members have volunteered to award a ‘significant prize’ to each winner in the<br />
Group that earns the most points at the Area level competition. For example, out of the 7 groups, if Group 3 earns the highest<br />
number of points at the Area level, each winning student in Group 3 from our parish will receive a prize.<br />
First-Alphabet Writing<br />
A special ceremony will be held on Sunday, September 1, <strong>2013</strong> for all young children who are getting ready to start preschool<br />
this year. As per our Kerala tradition, special prayers will be said on behalf of the children, and our Achens will<br />
lead the students in formal First-Alphabet Writing. Parents along with the interested students may assemble in the Library<br />
immediately after the Holy Qurbana on Sept. 1st.<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 />
Orthodox Vacation Bible School (OVBS)<br />
Around 225 students from the six area parishes were in attendance at the OVBS, which was held from Thursday, <strong>Aug</strong>. 1<br />
through Saturday, <strong>Aug</strong>.3, hosted again by our parish. Song sessions, Bible classes, games, charity fundraising, devotional<br />
address by clergy, public speaking training, a special session on preparing for college admission etc were the highlights of<br />
the three-day event. A volunteer team led by Mr. Regi Mathai served food for all attendees. Several volunteers from our<br />
parish worked selflessly for the event. Dr. Mrs. Shaji Abraham from our parish and Mrs. Suja Sabu from <strong>St</strong>. Mary’s Cathedral<br />
served as the OVBS Coordinators, working in cooperation with Mr. Mathew Samuel, Area Coordinator. The support<br />
from our Achens, parish Office bearers, youth and adult volunteers was inspiring and instrumental for the success of this<br />
event.<br />
AUGUST <strong>2013</strong> 4 NEWSLETTER
News from Spiritual Organizations<br />
Martha Mariam Samajam (MMS): MMS meets alternate Sundays at the church auditorium after Holy Communion for<br />
prayer, Bible <strong>St</strong>udy, learning songs and more. For more details of their activities please contact Secretary Saji Philip<br />
(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 September 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 />
Middle School Fellowship (CAYA)<br />
The Middle School Fellowship is offering a mentoring opportunity in order to build up new leaders for the<br />
ministry! Anyone in the 8th grade is eligible and encouraged to apply. There will be a written application and a verbal<br />
interview, and two eighth graders will be selected to help lead the ministry. During the upcoming school year, they will<br />
be able to slowly taking on responsibility in the ministry so that they can eventually take leadership of the ministry. If<br />
you have any questions, email Gheevarghese Achen at gheevarghesejohn@gmail.com or Meenu Mathews<br />
at meenuamathews@yahoo.com.<br />
AUGUST <strong>2013</strong> 5 NEWSLETTER
Sunday School Calendar<br />
Event Date Contact Comments<br />
Sunday School Opening Sunday, Sept 1 NA NA<br />
First Alphabet Writing Sunday, Sept 1 Santhosh Baby Venue: Library<br />
Field Trip Monday, Sept 2 Santhosh Baby Area-level,Northeast Adult Daycare<br />
Talent Competition Saturday, Sept. 14<br />
Susan Mathews<br />
(Reena)<br />
Parish Level<br />
Talent Competition Saturday, Sept. 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 />
Event/Time<br />
<strong>Aug</strong>ust 17<br />
Parish Picnic<br />
September 7 Men’s Forum Baltimore Trip<br />
October 5<br />
Harvest Festival<br />
AUGUST <strong>2013</strong> 6 NEWSLETTER