NEWSLETTER - St. Thomas Philadelphia

www.stthomasphiladelphia.org Volume XVII Issue 1ST THOMAS INDIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH1009 UNRUH AVE, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19111stthomasunruh@gmail.com I Phone: 215.342.1500 I Fax: 215.342.2700What’s Inside?Vicar’s Message - Page 2Remembering Mar Barnabas—Page 3Parish News—Page 4Birthdays and Anniversaries—Page 5What Would Jesus Do? - Page 6Spiritual Organizations—Page 7Sunday School News—Page 8Secretaries Message—Page 8NEWSLETTERJANUARY 2013JANUARY 2013 1

Vicar’s MessageNew Year, New Resolve and Firm in Christ“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothingmove you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of theLord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not invain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58Years come, years go! Would that mean anythingto us? For most people it is just another year. But thereare many people who take seriously the beginning of ayear, a month or even a day. The believer finds his/herfaith active in everyday life. He/she will begin the day oran event trusting in the power of the Lord. I have seensuch people making the difference in the community.Their faith and action commingled with divine power.A New Year is a new opportunity, and a new avenuewherein we need some new plans for the Lord. In thecommercial world, we see directors set a plan for everyyear for their business. Our business is with the Lord andtherefore we need to make some plans for the Lord. Inthat respect we must look at what St. Paul says to the Corinthiansin the above verse. Stand firm, don’t move andalways give yourselves to the work of the Lord”.These are the three stages of success in life.“Stand firm” is an essential quality for anyone inany profession. That shows one’s commitment and conviction.When people with no conviction come to the helm ofaffairs, they will not be able to do justice to the job. This isthe reason often many of the spiritual or religious organizationslose its power and image. People uncommitted willnot be able to stand for the cause for which they work.Mahatma Gandhi stood for non-violence and truth and hewas willing to lose his profession, property or even life forthat. At the point of being killed by a religious fanaticGandhi called out his God praying, “Raam, Raam, Raam”.Even today the entire world admires and respect Mahatmafor his life witness. If it is a modern man he will usethe curse words when shot at. His convictions were rootedin God. Often convictions are not beyond selfishness andpolitical interest. Whether in Church politics or party politics,basic interest we see is in one’s own selfish gainwhich is conditioned by financial or other material causes.Once selfish interest props up, the entire atmospherechanges. I have seen many political parties, parishes andfamilies disintegrate when people with selfish interest tryto come to leadership.“Don’t move” is the byproduct of ‘stand firm’. Itmay appear to be of the same meaning. The Malayalamtranslation looks very interesting, it says, “do not beshaken”. Being shaken by events and people around us is acommon thing to happen. It is like a storm or hurricanethat hits a house that is not built on firm foundation. OurLord makes it clear in hissermon on the mount howsuch houses built on sandare destroyed. Adversity isa common thing to happento all humans. But peoplewho are well rooted in theLord will not be shaken. Dr. Robert Schuler used to say inhis speeches, “tough situation will not last but tough peoplewill”. People who are afraid of adversity will budgeagainst divine principles. Such people can be threatened orshaken easily. Where as, if one is sturdy to be unshaken,he/she can control the situation and achieving a lot.“Give yourselves to God” is rather a tough situation.In one of the prayers of ‘preparation for holyQurbana’ (thooyobo), there is a prayer that the priest recites,“Lord may I be able to offer myself as a sacrifice”.While the bread and wine are set to offer as a sacrifice tothe Lord, the priest becomes aware of the fact that he himselfis being offered as a sacrifice. It is a huge decision thata priest has to make before the Lord prior to the HolyQurbana. Only then the Lord will accept that priest’s offeringin a true manner. Giving certain things to the Lordis an easy thing to do but when one has to offer himself/herself it is a serious matter. St. Paul in 2Timothy 4:6 saysabout his readiness to be ‘poured out as a sacrifice’ for theLord. This is called the total commitment. We can hardlysee anyone who is totally committed to the Lord.Finally the Apostle Paul assures us that our workin the Lord will never be in vain. Throughout the Bible weget this assurance from God. Those who work with andfor God always will make the most profitable job. One daya friend of mine in a private conversation mentioned to mehow much money he made in one year and at the end ofthe year nothing was left. He could not even give somemoney to the charity in the parish. I could not believe thata person who made so much money in a year feels that allhis work was in vain. His life style was so bad and neverhad any place for the Lord. No wonder at the end of theyear he sighs, “all I did was in vain”. This will happen toanyone who works without the Lord.It was my desire to obey the words of the Lordthat came through Malachi 3:10 about giving Tithe toGod’s temple. I gave more than the Tithe to the needy ondifferent occasions. But I did not obey the Word of theLord to bring the Tithe to the house of the Lord. The assuranceof God to reward us by ‘opening the floodgates ofheaven’ is for those who bring the Tithe to the house ofthe Lord. Many people in our parish asked me if it isenough that we give the Tithe to the poor. I had agreed tothat. In fact I was misguiding them and I was misguidedby them as well. Lately I understood one thing that theWord of God should not be read to my convenience. TheContinued on Page 6JANUARY 2013 2 NEWSLETTER

Mar Barnabas in Our Bold MemoriesRev. Fr. M. K. KuriakoseHis Grace Mathews Mar Barnabas was unique in many respects. Thewell known simplicity, humility, sincerity, innocence, deep spirituality andpurity at heart, His Grace was always jutting out in memory. His Grace’s lifewas that of complete surrender to the Lord and to the Malankara OrthodoxChurch. His Grace’s hospitality was also well-known. No one leaves the aramanawithout earing something. Even when His Grace comes to our churchesor homes, His Grace makes sure all eat with His Grace at the same time.Towards the end of His Grace’s life, there was a brightness of divine presence on His Grace’s face. Life in America forHis Grace was a blessed time. So many changes took place and all for the positive growth of the Church and the people’s life.The various books His Grace written are all proofs of His Grace’s divine nature.At this time it is difficult to come to terms with the loss. One thing gives me consolation is that His Grace will be a greatintercessor for all. His Grace’s prayers from heaven will be a solace to many.The Northeast American Diocese owes much to His Grace for its spiritual well-being. It was not an easy time when HisGrace arrived in 1992 but somehow His Grace overcame all hurdles by His Grace’s prayer life. And I am sure His Grace’s spiritualpresence will continue to nurture us. Now that His Grace has joined the Lord, let us hope that His Grace’s intercession willcontinue for us all. The different great qualities that we can emulate will enrich us.Mar Barnabas—A TributeRev. Fr. Dr. Joy PyngolilIt was on July 3rd, 2012 the last time I had a chance tomeet with our beloved Thirumeni at his residence in PampadyDayara. He was very excited and energetic and eager to learnabout the progress of his former diocese which he divided andgave to two of his successors.Mar Barnabas was a simple and humble bishop assomeone opined a ‘golden bishop with a wooden stick”. I emphasison the word, “golden” because he was of 24carart, whichis flexible, no copper added to strengthen it. This original naturehad its limits. He was excited to learn about the EducationalScholarship established in his name in the South WestAmerica diocese. Immediately he dictated a kalpana to the diocesecomplimenting them. It was a fulfilling moment for me.It was his humble nature and commitment to ministrythat made me to choose Idukki diocese for my parish ministryupon my ordination prior to migrating to the United States. ( Iwas trained and ordained for the outside Kerala diocese by theone and only Outside Kerala diocesan metropolitan, HGMathews Mar Athanasius). I loved him and cared for him justlike any responsible children who had no eyes on paternal inheritance.It was true that, we had disagreements. They are allpart of healthy paternal reactions or parent child conflicts. Outsidermay try to take advantage of it, it is universal truth and ithappened here too.It was on March 22, 1992 His Grace arrived in the USto take responsibility of the American diocese. It was not aneasy ride in the early years. When his living arrangement wasin a quandary, it was Mr. K. M. Jacob and family who cameforward and took care of him just like a father. Mr. Jacob wasnot in any way involved in the diocesan administration.It was during his term that our diocese took membershipin the National Council of Churches in the USA, which adream for me since 1983. The diocese went through the stormsin 1995-96, but he kept his calm. The church created anotherdiocese- Canada and Europe. I was there with him all thesedifficult years and during fire test of September 6, 1996. Hecame out humbled and victorious.Mar Barnabas was a great, I say it again, simple person.He considers himself as a father to all and expected fullobedience from all. It was his honest and short tempered. Ashort living short temper, easily ignited easily extinguished. Iwas fascinated by his generosity, always gave his share for anynew church buildings in his diocese. I do recall his donation of$5000.00 to Orlando church when I was serving there for ashort period of time. He never bothered about his survival orwas never overly concerned about money. God gave him lavishlyand he distributed it lavishly. It was his transparency inmoney matters that helped the small diocese to secure a greatplace for itself. His financial dealings are great model for all ourhierarchy. It was said that he authored 25 books, but his wholelife was a book if we could read it right. May God grant himeternal life.JANUARY 2013 3 NEWSLETTER

Guest Clergy:H. G. Zachariah Mar Nicholovos Metropolitan (12/23)Rev. Fr. Sujit Thomas (12/30)Obituary:Parish NewsMr. John Chacko, cousin of Gracy VakayilOur condolences to the bereaved families.DivyabodhanamNext class date will be announced at church. Pleasecontact course coordinator Mrs. Elsa Koshy for furtherdetails.AnnouncementsPlease send news, articles and information for February2013 Newsletter by Sunday, Jan 20 to the parish secretaryor newsletter editor. stthomasiocsecretary@gmail.com.Please contact the parish office forany updates in contact information, addition in the familyetc. to be added to the database. Please update yourtelephone numbers for Message Broadcast.Prayer Meetings: Please contact Prayer Meeting Coordinator,Mr. Joseph Vakayil, to schedule a prayermeeting at your residence.Contact Information: Please inform the office aboutchanges in contact information.Wednesday Prayer LinePrayer-Line dial-in # 213-342-3000. Access Code:4044200. Please email Mathew Samuel, msamue2000@yahoo.com,to add your email address for PrayerLine updates.Parish CalendarDate Event/Time LocationJan 530th day of the Demise of His Grace Mathew Mar Barnabas MetropolitanDetails on Page 7Church9AM-1.30PMJan 19 New Member Orientation ChurchOCYM Officials 2013SecretaryPaul John(pjohn_19446@yahoo.com)TreasurerMathew Thomasmathew24r@msn.comVice PresidentBinu Mathew(binum2002@aol.com)Assistant SecretaryAnish Thomas (anish8166@gmail.com)Assistant TreasurerChristin Varghese(christin3939@gmail.com)Core CommitteeAlex Pothen & Shibu BabyMGOCSM Officials 2013SecretaryAlvin Panicker(rmsalvin@gmail.com)TreasurerPredeep Chacko(predeep.chacko@gmail.com)Vice PresidentVarughese Jacob(varughese.jacob@gmail.com)Assistant SecretaryKripaya Varghese(kripaya95@gmail.com)Assistant TreasurerShelby Thomas(thomas.shelby33@yahoo.com)JANUARY 2013 4 NEWSLETTER

January BirthdaysChrislin H Thomas 05-JanElizabeth Mathew 05-JanTaina I Daniel 05-JanRon Philip05-JanRenju Ann Joy 05-JanLydiya Elsa Jaison 06-JanDiya Sara Thomas 06-JanJijo Jacob06-JanDeepthi Cherian 06-JanWilson Panicker 07-JanAnila Thomas 08-JanJoyel Manoj 08-JanFiji C Philip 08-JanMathew Varghese 08-JanMini Ninan09-JanMarshel Varghese 09-JanAndrew Cherian 09-JanSandeep K Thomson 10-JanAndrew J Mathew 12-JanDivya Mary Thomas 12-JanCarolyn Thomas 13-JanJoshua M George 13-JanShawn George Philip 13-JanYasmin George 14-JanShelby K Renji 14-JanIan Thomas15-JanRamany George 15-JanLibi Korathu 15-JanAllen Abraham 16-JanSajan Varughese 16-JanBinsy E Mathew 17-JanMaliyil M Philip 18-JanSanju John19-JanDeepthy Panicker 19-JanWincy B Joseph 20-JanAnu Lajy21-JanAnu Mathew 23-JanShannon Ann George 23-JanAlwin T Raju 23-JanSunil Thomas 23-JanLinju Jacob John 25-JanSaramma Thomas 27-JanSusan Mathew 28-JanMathew Thankachan 28-JanMathew Philip 30-JanJohn Polayil Abraham 30-JanChristin Thomas 31-JanWe wish you all a Happy Birthday!2013 Parish OfficialsSecretary: Mr. Philip VargheseTreasurer: Mr. Elias IssacOffice Manager: Mr. Anooj ThomasManaging CommitteeMr. Jacob ZachariahMr. John PanickerMr. Jose K. JohnMr. Mohan SamuelMr. Nebu DanielMr. Rajan PadiyaraMr. Roy P. Chacko (Ex-officio)Mr. Sam Kurisinmoottil (Ex-officio)Mr. Sathees EasoMr. Thomas GeorgeMr. Varghese P AbrahamMrs. Raji JohnBoard of TrusteesMr. Alex Daniel (2011-13)Mr. Oommen Kappil (2012-14)Mr. Reji Mathai (2013-2015)Congratulations andwishing a blessed year ahead.January Wedding AnniversariesMr & Mrs Rajan T Samuel 01-Jan Mr & Mrs Oommen George 11-JanMr & Mrs Shibu Varghese 01-Jan Mr & Mrs Elias K Issac 12-JanMr & Mrs Finney M Philip 02-Jan Mr & Mrs Thomas Koshy 12-JanMr & Mrs Eapen V Kalathil 03-Jan Mr & Mrs Eldoe A Korathu 12-JanMr & Mrs Sam Jacob Kurisinmoottil04-Jan Mr & Mrs Mathew Varghese 13-JanMr & Mrs Binu Mathai 05-Jan Mr & Mrs George G Mampallil 14-JanMr & Mrs Jaison Daniel 05-Jan Mr & Mrs Thomas George 14-JanMr & Mrs Varghese Jacob 05-Jan Mr & Mrs Varghese K Issac 16-JanMr & Mrs Mathew Samuel 05-Jan Mr & Mrs Philip Varghese 18-JanMr & Mrs Mathew Thankachan 06-Jan Mr & Mrs Abraham Thomas 19-JanMr & Mrs Mathew V Thomas 06-Jan Mr & Mrs Babu Varghese 29-JanMr & Mrs Anu Mathew 09-Jan Mr & Mrs James Jacob 31-JanMr & Mrs Ninan Mathai 09-Jan Mr & Mrs Jarin Thomas 31-JanMr & Mrs Geevarghese K John 09-JanWe wish you all a Happy Anniversary!Mr & Mrs Prasad George 10-JanMr & Mrs Rinu John 11-JanHAPPY NEW YEARJANUARY 2013 5 NEWSLETTER

News from Spiritual OrganizationsMartha Mariam Samajam (MMS)MMS meets alternate Sundays at the church auditorium after Holy Communion for prayer, Bible Study, learning songsand more. For more details of their activities please contact Secretary Mrs. Omana Varghese(omanavarghese52@gmail.com).Women’s FellowshipWomen’s Fellowship meets on a regular basis for prayer and meditation. Contact Mrs. Bessie Mathew(bessie334@yahoo.com) for more details.MGOCSMMGOCSM for the past two months has been progressing. Our young men and women who are in high schooland college have been engaged in Apostolic Bible Teaching, 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 Americanyouth. The office bears of the MGOCSM have done an incredible job this year. Our parents much gratitude for theirsupport and prayers. For more information, contact Secretary Mr. Alvin Panicker (rmsalvin@gmail.com) for more details.Discipleship MinistryOver the past month and a half a select group of young men have been fully engaged in learning the essential ofbecoming a disciple for Christ. We have so far examined Christ as God, as Savior, as King. These cardinal doctrines ofthe Church, as seen in the Scriptures and the writings of the Holy Fathers, must be learned if one is to be a disciple ofChrist and the Orthodox Church. I am proud of the young men who have dedicated their time for this ministry.Young Adults and Couples FellowshipThis fairly new ministry in our parish has been explained in detail in the previous edition of this newsletter, that is, it'sformation and structure. More of our men must contribute their time for this ministry. Please contact Mrs. Sneha Reynold(snehareynold@gmail.com) for the weekly schedule.OCYMDuring the past month OCYM has been examining the Malankara Orthodox church and its apostolic roots. This has ledthis ministry to research the historical evidence of St Thomas' arrival and evangelical work in India and particularly onthe Malabar Coast. Please contact Secretary Mr. Paul John (pjohn_19446@yahoo.com) for more information.Men’s ForumMen’s Forum fellowship is going very strongly in our Church. The format of this session includes prayer, songs, biblereading, teaching followed by discussions. For more information please contact Mr. N. V. Thomas.FOCUSFOCUS, Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in the United States is an organization intended for young adults, marriedand single, post-graduate students and professionals, from the ages of 23 and up. Contact Mr. Steve Kurian(stevekurian@yahoo.com) for more details.30th day of the Demise of His Grace Mathew Mar Barnabas Metropolitanat St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church, 1009 Unruh Ave. Philadelphia.On Saturday, January 5, 2013 Worship begins at 9:00 a.m. Public Meeting at 11:15 a.m. Lunch 12:45 p.m.VIPs from sister Churches and Diocesan Representatives will be speaking on the occasion.Members from all parishes of Northeast American Diocese and sister Churches are expected to attend.All our members are expected to attend the function.JANUARY 2013 7 NEWSLETTER

Sunday School NewsSubmitted by Oommen Kappil, Principal (Tel.: 267.902.8500, email: kappil1@yahoo.com)Welcome New Year 2013 With Renewed Commitment To Make A Difference!As we welcome the New Year, let the warm spirit of Christmas help us look forward to better days in 2013 and beyond.Just like the wise men sought God, let us all seek God and help lead our children towards God. As membersof our Church, each one of us has a calling from God. The adults, especially the parents and teachers can make apositive difference in the lives of the children around us. Let us renew this commitment with strong faith in God.May God grant us the knowledge and wisdom to guide the children in the right path.Upcoming EventsMid-Term Exam: Mid-term exam is scheduled for Sunday, February 3rd for all Grades. Students, teachers and parentsmay please make a note. As in the past, Centralized Exam is being conducted by the Diocese in June, forGrades 5, 8, 10 and 12. Sample questions from previous years are available at the Sunday School web site. Pleasevisit the following URL:http://indianorthodoxsundayschool.org/user/downloadpdf.aspxHow can we improve?We are always looking for new ideas to make Sunday school more meaningful and effective. Please contact thePrincipal (Oommen Kappil) or the Asst. Principals (Susan Mathew and Jacob Kuruvilla) with your valuable suggestionsand comments.Secretary’s MessageMy dear fellow-parishioners and friends in Christ,First I want to thank Almighty God for our parish, our Church leaders, our beloved Achens, our youngsters, ourkids and each and every one of my fellow-parishioners for putting the confidence in me and electing me to serveas the parish secretary for one more time. The support, guidance and encouragement of our Valliachen, andKochachen, gave me the confidence to accept this important responsibility. Thank you for electing an efficientTreasurer and hard working group of Managing Committee members. I am looking forward to working with themto serve my parish and I expect your prayers. 2013 MC wishes you all a very prosperous happy and blessed NewYear 2013!Philip VargheseParish Secretary 2013HAPPY NEW YEARJANUARY 2013 8 NEWSLETTER