March 2013 - St. Thomas Philadelphia

www.stthomasphiladelphia.org Volume XVII Issue 3 

ST THOMAS INDIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH 

1009 UNRUH AVE, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19111 

stthomasunruh@gmail.com 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 

MARCH 2013 

MARCH 2013 1 NEWSLETTER

Vicar’s Message 

What to Do with the Old Age Generation? 

T 

he time is here and now to discuss the need of 

taking care of the ageing generation in our 

community. We have to start working on it 

now so that in a timely manner we can achieve 

something. It is going to be a very serious matter for our 

community. There was a time when the todays elders took 

care of the church building, church running and other 

needs of the community. The retirees are on the increase. 

We should therefore analyze the situation and act on it as 

soon as possible. 

What is the Situation? 

The immigrant community that has settled in the 

USA have now become pretty old. The immigration influx 

that was hastened in the 1970’s brought many Malyalees 

in to this country and so in the Philadelphia area. Those 

who came in their 30’s and 40’s and spent almost 30-40 

years in this country have reached late 60’s and 70’s. At 

present they are able to move around even though most of 

them are retired on almost ready to retire. Some are willing 

to retire but cannot retire because of financial constraints. 

In a few years their ability to work in a normal 

place will considerably decrease and they will retire. Most 

of our children have become now professionals. Thank 

God they have more income than what we had when we 

started our life. But that is not going to help us much. Still 

we don’t see much of their income coming to our hands or 

in the church accounts. Even though they grew with us 

using all our resources, they are not tuned to look after 

their parents. They also have the responsibility to look 

after us when we become disabled. A few retired people 

try to go back to Kerala or other parts of India. Some of 

them tried to make large homes to compete with other 

fellow Keralites because they have the image “American”. 

Unfortunately, they will never be able to enjoy those flamboyant 

houses and property too long as their children 

don’t want them neither would they be able to live too 

long. Finally their property will be used by some relatives 

or so who did not deserve that wealth. 

At the same time what is the condition of our parents 

in this land? Most of them are confined to the homes. 

For some time they can spend some time with grandchildren 

but once the grandchildren go to school, they are an 

‘extra fitting’ in the home. During day time they have 

nothing much to do. They lose a community during the 

week-days. Only on Sunday they have a community. They 

are lonely and have no other diversion except the TV both 

English and Malayalam. In some case even Malayalam TV 

is not available. They simply see the trash on the TV. 

Their health is an issue. There is no place for them to 

move around, walk or do other physical, mental or spiritual 

exercise. At a later stage most of them will have to resort 

to nursing homes. In such a nursing home, they don’t 

have the atmosphere supporting their emotional, spiritual 

or cultural needs. They cannot even communicate with the 

rest of the people. 

What Can We Do? 

If we have a community 

center, we can take care of them 

in that center providing various 

amenities. They will have a community 

that speaks their language, 

culturally tasteful food, 

newspapers, movies, exercise, 

opportunity for learning, using their talents, creative writing, 

speaking, reading, and so on. It would also benefit our 

children as our children depend on other communities’ 

centers for their physical activities and care. Our children 

also volunteer to help our own elders. There are so many 

possibilities. If we did not do anything, no one is going to 

do anything for our community. 

Is it Possible for Us? 

Yes we are one of the rich communities in Philadelphia 

that has the potential to take care of our elders. In 

order to have such a place, we should start working now. 

For some people it is not going to be an exciting project 

like a church building because people give a lot of priority 

to a worship place. But the cultural center will be more 

useful than a church during week-days. I was assessing 

the financial state of our people now. If our people know 

how to use their money in a Christian way, they will have 

a lot of money to give to such a project that would help 

their own dear and near ones. Slowly we can realize our 

dream. It is not going to happen overnight but with a 

steady and creative move it will become a reality. When 

we were a small community of 75 families or so, we could 

achieve a huge building complex within a span of 8 years. 

Now we are more than 200 families and so we can indeed 

do better. That is why I suggested that our members 

should give their Tithe to the parish so that the parish can 

initiate a project benefiting our own elders. If our members 

start giving their tithe to this fund, in about five 

years it will happen without much burden. That is why in 

the budget of 2013 a special “Tithe Fund” item has been 

added. I earnestly request you all to become part of this 

dream project. 

One thing we should all keep in mind is that we 

are enjoying the hard work and generosity of many people 

and therefore we should be happy that many things we do 

now will be used or enjoyed by the upcoming generation. 

The way the sacrifice of others benefited us, our sacrifice 

will benefit others. But if we are going to be selfish and 

unkind to others, we cannot be of any help to others, especially 

our own future generation, and our own elders. 

During this Lenten season let us divert out attention to 

needs of our own needy. 

Lovingly, Fr. M. K. Kuriakose 


Guest Clergy: 

Rev. Fr. Leslie Cheian (2/17/2013) 

H.G. Kuriakose Mar Climes Metropolitan (2/24/2013) 

First Temple Entry: 

Evelyn Panicker, parents Mr. Wilson Panicker and Mrs. 

Susan Panicker 

Raphael Reynold, parents Mr. Reynold & Mrs. Sneha 

Reynold 

New Members: 

Parish News 

Mr. Anooj Thomas & Mrs. Sheeba Anooj 

Mr. Babu Varghese, Mrs. Moni Babu, and children Alex 

Babu & Augustin Babu 

Wednesday & Thursday Prayer Line 

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

4044200. Please email Mathew Samuel, 

msamue2000@yahoo.com, to add your email address 

for Prayer Line updates. 

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

 

 

 

Martha Mariam Samajam News 

MMS updates for the month of February 2013 

MMS organized the bake sale on February 10th 

2013 and it was a success. Many thanks to everyone 

who helped make this successful and also for 

your thoughts and suggestions. 

The World day of Prayer was organized on February 

23, 2012 at our church. Many members of the 

Martha Maryam Samajam participated in various 

activities and also to help coordinate the effort. 

We are meeting every alternate Sunday and the 

next meeting is scheduled to be held on March10, 

2013 after the Qurbana in the church hall. All 

women are welcome to attend these meetings. 

Announcements 

H. G. Dr. Mathews Mar Timotheos, Metropolitan of Europe 

and Africa Diocese will be with us for the Holy Week. 

Please send news, articles and information for April 2013 

Newsletter by Sunday, Mar 31 to the parish secretary or 

newsletter editor: stthomasiocsecretary@gmail.com, 

stioc.newsletter@gmail.com. 

Please contact the parish office for any updates in contact 

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 upcoming 

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 Coordinator, 

Mr. Joseph Vakayil, to schedule a prayer meeting. Prayer 

meetings may be hosted in your home or in Church. 

Middle School Fellowship (CAYA) 

On Saturday, February 16, the Middle School Fellowship 

had its second meeting in our church. The topic discussed 

was how to tackle the fear of going to high school. 

The children engaged in many interactive activities to help 

them overcome their fears in a Christian way. Middleschoolers 

also discussed how they could observe the Great 

Lent in a suitable way for their age. More than 25 children 

attended, and the meeting was a success. Gheevarghese 

Achen’s guidance was an eye-opener for the children. It was 

a thought-provoking experience for all those who attended! 

The Middle School Fellowship is eager to get involved 

with the community! The next meeting will be at the 

church on March 16th. During this meeting, the children will 

be taking part in a service project, because it is important to 

make sure that during the Lenten season, both faith 

and action are highlighted in the church. If any 6th, 7th, or 

8th graders are not yet a part of this ministry, you are urged 

to join, for a rewarding experience! See you all on the 16th! 


March Birthdays 

Kunjappy Koshy 03-Mar 

Aswathi Eliz Jacob 04-Mar 

Julius Raju 

04-Mar 

Abel G. Panicker 04-Mar 

Stacy M George 04-Mar 

Podiamma Thankachan 05-Mar 

Rebekah Mathew 05-Mar 

Joshua Jacob Jose 07-Mar 

Justin Ronnie 07-Mar 

Nissi Elizabeth Zachariah08-Mar 

Saji Abraham 08-Mar 

Nelson O Panicker 10-Mar 

Annamma Samuel 10-Mar 

Susan Daniel 10-Mar 

Anu Mary 

10-Mar 

Seena Varghese 10-Mar 

Previn G Joseph 10-Mar 

Merlin Philip 12-Mar 

Joshua Trhomas Alen 12-Mar 

Jerin G Juby 13-Mar 

Biju P. Varghese 13-Mar 

Binu K. Mathew 13-Mar 

Vincet Jacob 14-Mar 

Keziah Kuncheriah 14-Mar 

Sosamma Jacob 15-Mar 

Shibin Mathew Koshy 15-Mar 

Suresh Cherian 15-Mar 

Bibin P. Baby 16-Mar 

Reena Raju 

16-Mar 

Asriel Ann Vaidian 16-Mar 

Aradhana Rose John 16-Mar 

Pramod Sam Kurisinmoottil17-Mar 

Nikhil M Philip 17-Mar 

Philip George 17-Mar 

Thejus Mathew 18-Mar 

Daniel P. George 18-Mar 

Varughese M M. 18-Mar 

Cherian V V. 19-Mar 

Biju John 

21-Mar 

Aju Jacob 

21-Mar 

Shibu Kuncheriah 21-Mar 

Rohan Philip Robin 22-Mar 

Renjusha Rajan 23-Mar 

TIJI DAVID THOMAS 23-Mar 

Mary Kuriakose 23-Mar 

Susan Mathews 25-Mar 

Mathew Varghese 25-Mar 

Ashin Saju 

26-Mar 

Lucas Philip 26-Mar 

Blesson Daniel Thomas 27-Mar 

Daniel Yohannan 27-Mar 

Geethu John 27-Mar 

Susan Panicker 27-Mar 

Alvin V Jose 27-Mar 

Parish Calendar 

Rachel Melavila 28-Mar 

Megha S Varghese 28-Mar 

Nishal Varghese 28-Mar 

Jacob Varghese 28-Mar 

Cicily George Cherian 28-Mar 

Raji K John 

29-Mar 

Alen Saju 

29-Mar 

Lovina Maria Aji 30-Mar 

Paul Jacob 

30-Mar 

Daniel Thomas 30-Mar 

Annamma Cherran 30-Mar 

Raji George 31-Mar 

Izabella Ann Philip 31-Mar 

George Varughese 31-Mar 

We wish you all a Happy Birthday! 

March Wedding 

Anniversaries 

Mr and Mrs Achen Varghese 21 - March 

Mr and Mrs Jacob Chacko 

30- March 

We wish you all a Happy Anniversary! 

Date Event/Time Location Time 

Mar 6 Mid-Lent Holy Qurbana Church 6.30PM 

Mar 9 Clergy Retreat St. Thomas, Dover 

Mar 10 General Body (Annual Accounts, Report and Budget) Church 

Mar 17 Catholicate Day; Guest Bishop: H. G. Yuhanon Mar Melithios Church 

Mar 22 40th Friday and Lazarus Saturday Holy Qurbana Church 6.30PM 

Mar 24-31 Holy Week (Check flier for detailed schedule) Church 

Mar 24 Palm Sunday Church 8.30AM 

Mar 25 Annunciation to St. Mary Holy Qurbana Church 10AM 

Mar 27 Pesaha Church 6PM 

Mar 28 Feet Washing Church 5.30PM 

Mar 29 Good Friday Church 8.30AM 

Mar 31 Easter Church 8.30AM 

June 15 MMS Diocesan level Couples Forum Church 

July 10-13 Family & Youth Conference (details on page 5) NY 


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 (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. The goal of 

this ministry is to expound on scriptural truths through the relevant real-life experiences of our 

American youth. The office bearers of MGOCSM have done an incredible job this year. 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 middle 

school children (children in grades 6, 7, or 8) are welcome and encouraged to attend this Middle 

School Fellowship, or CAYA. Children of this age really need assistance in their difficult journey, 

and this ministry intends to provide this for them. This fellowship is designed to incorporate 

the specific problems that children are facing, such as bullying, peer-pressure, or fitting in in a 

Christian manner. 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 (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 the essential of becoming a disciple for Christ. We have so far examined Christ as God, 

as Savior, as King. These cardinal doctrines of the Church, as seen in the Scriptures and the writings 

of the Holy Fathers, must be learned if one is to be a disciple of Christ and the Orthodox 

Church. 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. This has led this ministry to research the historical evidence of St Thomas' 

arrival and evangelical work in India and particularly on the Malabar Coast. Please contact 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, married and single, post-graduate students and professionals, from the 

ages of 23 and up. Contact our Assistant Vicar for more details. 

2013 Family & 

Youth Conference 

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 

familyandyouthconference@gmail.com. 


Sunday School 

News 

Submitted by Oommen Kappil, Principal 

(Tel.: 267.902.8500, email: kappil1@yahoo.com) 

Parent-Teacher Conference: The Parent-Teacher conference held on Feb. 10 was quite successful. Most parents 

attended and appreciated the opportunity to communicate with the teachers. Many parents had questions about 

the Centralized examination syllabus, schedule etc. We encourage parents to continue to refer to the newsletters 

for updates, and keep in touch with the teachers. 

Syllabus: The prayer and worship hymn syllabus, Word meanings (Syriac/Greek) etc for different Grades are available 

for students’ information. Please contact the teachers or the Sunday School office for copies. 

Story Telling: Story Telling is one of the events for Talent Competition, and is meant for students in Pre-K and KG 

(Groups 1), Grades 1 & 2 (Groups 2), Grades 3 & 4 (Group 3). We would like to offer an informative session for parents 

and children who are interested to know more about the competition. This will be held later this month. A 

sign-up sheet for children who are interested in competing in Story Telling are posted on the bulletin board. Parents 

may please make a note, and sign up as early as possible. Teachers and volunteers are available to help with 

Story Telling in both Malayalam and English. Please contact Suja Abraham (Tel. : 215.313.2742, e-mail: 

sujaabe2000@gmail.com) for details. 

Sunday School Calendar 

Event Date Contact person Comments 

Area Teachers Meeting, TTC Coaching Sunday, Feb. 10 Mathew Samuel St. Gregorios 

Assigned Competition Sunday, May 5* Liz Pothen Parish Level 

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

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

Picnic Saturday, June 8 Renju Padiyara Area-level 

Centralized Exam 12 th 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 23 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 Day care 

Talent Competition Saturday, Sept. 14* Suja Abraham Parish Level 

Talent Competition Saturday, Sept. 28 Suja Abraham 

Area Level, 

St. John's Church 

*tentative dates only

March 2013 - St. Thomas Philadelphia

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