NEWSLETTER - St Thomas Orthodox...
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www.stthomasphiladelphia.org Volume XVII Issue 4 ST THOMAS INDIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH 1009 UNRUH AVE, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19111 [email protected] I Phone: 215.342.1500 I Fax: 215.342.2700 NEWSLETTER MAY 2013
Transcript of NEWSLETTER - St Thomas Orthodox...
MAY 2013 1 NEWSLETTER
www.stthomasphiladelphia.org Volume XVII Issue 4
ST THOMAS INDIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH 1009 UNRUH AVE, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19111
[email protected] I Phone: 215.342.1500 I Fax: 215.342.2700
NEWSLETTER MAY 2013
MAY 2013 2 NEWSLETTER
Assistant Vicar’s Looking Forward to Holy Pentecost
A few weeks have passed since we celebrated the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. So often we consider the post-resurrection days to be days of relaxation and unwinding after such a long period of fasting and praying. Seldom do we consider the days after the Resurrection--the days leading up to Pentecost--as important or needing our spiritual consideration. Basically, our experience is reduced to a grueling three-hour Pentecost service and nothing more. On the contrary, after the Resurrec-tion our eyes should be fixed on receiving the amazing power of the Holy Spirit. In other words, Easter is not the end; it’s just the beginning. In the lives of the disciples of Jesus Christ, not one, with the exception of maybe John the beloved disciple, (John 19:25) was transformed at Cross, at the Tomb, or even at the appearance of the resurrected Christ. For example, in the accounts of the post resurrection appearances, the Gospels clearly demonstrate that the disciples couldn’t recognize Jesus. (John 21: 1-14; Luke 24: 13-35)Further, they were afraid and did not know what to do next. It was only on the Feast of the Pentecost that the disciples received power and were able to fulfill all that they had experienced with Christ. (Act 2) If this is true for the disciples, then how come it is not true for us? If we feel that Holy Week and the Resurrection is somehow the end or the completion of a great race, then we are far from the truth. This unfortunately is how most Orthodox Christians think which explains why we lack “Holy Spirit power.” The Resurrection should lead us to receiving the fullness of the Holy Spirit. If we stop at the Resurrec-tion then we have failed; and in fact, we never really resurrected with Christ in the first place. But let this not be our predicament, for we are called to be truly Orthodox. Let us stand with confidence looking toward Holy Pentecost with great expectation, knowing that will be filled the Holy Spirit. Amen. Praise the Lord! Fr. Gheevarghese John Asst. Vicar
Parish News
Announcements
Please send news, articles and information for June 2013
Newsletter by Sunday, May 19 to the parish secretary or
newsletter editor: [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.
Please visit our Web Site for information on upcom-
ing 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 Coordina-
tor, Mr. Joseph Vakayil, to schedule a prayer meeting. Pray-
er meetings may be hosted in your home or in Church.
Wednesday & Thursday Prayer Line
Prayer-Line dial-in # 213-342-3000. Access Code:
4044200. Please email Mathew Samuel,
[email protected], to add your email address
for Prayer Line updates.
Wednesday 9AM-10AM; Thursday 8PM-9PM
From Treasurer's Desk
Members donated more than $6500 towards Holy week and I
want to thank each and everyone for their generous contribution.
Please bring remaining Catholicate day contribution
Youth League
Hosted CPR training on April 28th.
Couples Forum
Hosted special session on current rules and regulations of OCI
Card and Passport details by GM Panicker
Special Announcement
HG Dr Gheevarghese Mar Ivanios , Metropolitan of Kottayam
Diocese went to his heavenly abode. Church as a parish request
his intercessory prayers .
MAY 2013 3 NEWSLETTER
Mini Renji
Anu S Thomas
Karina Vattasseril
Mathukutty M George
Arun Mathew Jacob
Sharath M Ninan
Aneeta Sara Sam
Angel A Ninan
Annamma Jacob
Mony Babu
Omana Varghese
Geo Vaidian
Mathew V Thomas
Anila Jose
Anoop T George
Liz Pothen
Ashley E Philip
Aview Varghese
Jasmin Ann Philip
Jessy R Padiyara
Mini Jose
Jaison Thomas
Jino Jacob
Sibi Varghese
Rajan Koshy
Gigi Thomas
Renji Varghese
Ancy Jins
Joel Chacko
Divya Panicker
Libin J Jacob
Nirmala Thomas
Annamma Mathew
Chandini P George
Mini George
Jose V Abraham
Anil Panicker
Shane Varughese Thomas
David Philip
Usha Jacob
Dhanya A Panicker
Saji George
Christy Joy
Mary Joseph
Prenin P George
George Mathew
Rekha M Philip
Lincy Ann Philip
Jibu Vergis
Aleyamma Daniel
Tinju S jose
Thomas Skariah
Rajan C Padiyara
May Wedding Anniversaries
Mr and Mrs Rev Fr M K Kuriakose
Mr and Mrs Rev Dn Daniel Yohannan
Mr and Mrs George Varughese
Mr and Mrs George T Charia
Mr and Mrs Johnkutty V K
Mr and Mrs Don Davy
Mr and Mrs Kunjappy Koshy
Mr and Mrs Raju Markose
Mr and Mrs Oommen Mathia
Mr and Mrs Mathew Jacob
Mr and Mrs Jerin G Juby
Mr and Mrs Jeff George
Mr and Mrs Varghese Varghese
Mr and Mrs Renu Susan Raju
Mr and Mrs Kuncheriah P V
Mr and Mrs Aju Jacob
Mr and Mrs Joy G Vaidian
Mr and Mrs Geo Vaidian
Mr and Mrs Wilson Panicker
Mr and Mrs Saji Abraham
Mr and Mrs Varghese Philip
Mr and Mrs Joseph M C
Mr and Mrs Saji V Mathew
Mr and Mrs Thomas Skariah
We wish you all a Happy Anniversary!
Tinu John Biju
Reni Philip
Abraham Koodathinalil
Sunil George
Liziamma Geevarghese
John P Mathai
Rajan Thundiyeth
Reena Mathai
Sosamma Benny
Annamma Mathew
Molly Mathai
Satheesh Easow
Jayce J Philip
Prince John Puliprath
Joyce V Raju
Suja Thomas
Joy G Vaidyan
Shawn Jacob
Sosamma Benny
Annamma Mathew
Molly Mathai
Sathees Easow
Jayce J Philip
Prince John Puliprath
Joyce v Raju
Suja Thomas
Joy G. Vaidian
Shawn Jacob
Anish Thomas
Linda Varghese
Ninan Chacko
Mary Rajan
Susamma Mathew
Bindhu Jiju
Shibu Varghese
Somi Peediyakkal Jacob
Manju Shibu
Daniel Varghese
Philip Varghese
Joji Thomas
Baby Varghese
Annamma Thomson
Susamma Thomas
Anto G Panicker
David Thomas
Rinu John
Santhosh M Baby
Sobha P. Biju
Jobin Jacob
Lizy Sam Kurisinmoottil
Jiju George
Jeena Elsa Abraham
Robin Philip
May Birthdays
Micah V Panicker
Abhilash John
Anna Varghese
Anoop John
Mariamma P Geevarghese
Joshua Ajo Raju
Sara Daniel
Chacko P Chacko
Smitha Robin
Varghese Philip
Boby George
Sanju Varghese John
George Thadathil
Rini P Joseph
Biji Joseph
Biju Varghese
Aiden George
Achamma Vaidian
Nathan Philip
Annamma Vaidian
Alan T Ninan
Jessy Saji
Thomas Vakkayil
Mathew Jacob
Elizabeth Abraham
Kunjumole Thankachan
Ajan Achamma Thomas
Rachel Varghese
Ponnamma Baby
George G Mampallil
Sheena Vaidian
Beena Sabu
Isac P. George
Mariamma Skaria
Aleyamma Thomas
Ponnachen Geevarghese
Philip John
Suja Mathew
Susan John
Sijo P Mathai
Bini Thankachan
Liza Oommen
Suja Koshy
Shibu M Baby
Reny Varughese
We wish you all
a Happy Birthday!
MAY 2013 4 NEWSLETTER
News Sunday School
Submitted by Oommen Kappil, Principal
(Tel.: 267.902.8500, email: [email protected])
Preparation for Final Exam
As we get closer to the end of the school year, the teachers are busy preparing the students for the final examination. A few teachers
have covered the prescribed syllabus already, and now doing the review. For the Grades that have centralized examination (Grades
5, 8, 10 and 12), question papers from previous years are available for reference. Some teachers have started going over these ques-
tions to prepare the students better. Some teachers are planning to conduct review on Saturday afternoons. Parents are encouraged
to check with the class teachers of their children to find out how they can help the students to prepare.
Assigned competitions
Parish-level Assigned Competitions (Essay and Drawing) are being held on May 5th. (Those students who are unable to compete on
May 5th due to personal reasons or unavailability are requested to contact Liz Pothen, the Coordinator, for possible alternate ar-
rangement.) The best two entries in each category will be selected, and the winners from this competition will represent our church
at the Area Level competition on May 19th. For further details, please contact Liz Pothen, Assigned Competition Coordinator (Tel.:
215.509.2539, email: [email protected])
Talent Competitions
Children can compete either in Malayalam or English (not both) in song, story and Elocution.
Time limit: Song and Storytelling: 3 minutes; Elocution: 5 minutes.
All students are eligible to compete in team events (Quiz and Group Song)
For further details, please contact Suja Abraham, Talent Competitions Coordinator (Tel. : 215.313.2742, e-mail:
Elocution Topics – 2013
Bible Quiz
Reference for Bible Quiz: (RSV Bible Version)
1. Ezra 2. Job 3. Gospel of St. John
Group & Grades (All Grades as of 1/1/13) Eligible Competition Events
Group 1: Grades Pre-K & KG Solo Song Story Telling
Group 2: Grades 1 & 2 Solo Song Story Telling
Group 3: Grades 3 & 4 Solo Song Story Telling
Group 4: Grades 5 & 6 Solo Song Elocution
Group 5: Grades 7 & 8 Solo Song Elocution
Group 6: Grades 9 & 10 Solo Song Elocution
Group 7: Grades 11 & 12 Solo Song Elocution
Group & Grades Elocution Topics
Group 4:
Grades 5 & 6
1. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God?
You are not your own. (1 Corinthians 6:19)
2. Describe the importance of prayer in the life of an Orthodox Christian.
Group 5:
Grades 7 & 8
1. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cym-
bal. (1 Corinthians 13:1)
2. Describe the importance of Scripture in the life of an Orthodox Christian.
Group 6:
Grades 9 & 10
1. Let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, (James 1:19)
2. How does the Tradition of the Church preserve the Orthodox Faith?
Group 7:
Grades 11 & 12
1. Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return; the LORD gave, and the LORD has
taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. (Job 1:21)
2. What is the importance of the Holy Trinity within Christian Orthodoxy?
MAY 2013 5 NEWSLETTER
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
([email protected]) for more details.
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: 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. For more information, contact Secretary Mr. Alvin Panicker
([email protected]) 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. 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
([email protected]) 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 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 news-
letter, 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. Please
contact Secretary Mr. Paul John ([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. Thomaskutty Varghese
([email protected]) for more details.
FOCUS: FOCUS, Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in the United States is an organization intended for young adults, mar-
ried and single, post-graduate students and professionals, from the ages of 23 and up. Contact our Assistant Vicar for more
details.
Middle School Fellowship (CAYA)
This month the Middle School Fellowship had its meeting on April 20. The theme was Expectations. The chil-
dren discussed the different types of expectations that different groups of people had for them and how they can fulfill
them through God. The next meeting is to be announced, and all children in grades 6-8 are requested to attend. If you
have any questions, email Gheevarghese Achen [email protected] or Meenu Mathews
MAY 2013 6 NEWSLETTER
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
2013 Family &
Youth Conference
Event Date Contact Comments
Area Teachers Meeting, TTC Coaching Saturday, April 6 Santhosh Baby St. Gregorios Church
Assigned Competition Sunday, May 5* Liz Pothen Parish Level
Assigned Competition Sunday, May 12 Liz Pothen Area Level, St Mary's Devereux
Bible Quiz Sunday, May 19* Suja Abraham Parish-level
Area Picnic Saturday, June 8 Renju Padiyara Area-level
Centralized Exam 12th 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 30 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 Daycare
Talent Competition Saturday, Sept. 14 Suja Abraham Parish Level
Talent Competition Saturday, Sept. 28 Suja Abraham Area Level, St. John's Church
Talent Competition Saturday, Oct. 12 Suja Abraham Diocesan Level, NY/NJ Area
Sunday School Calendar
Date Event/Time Location Time
June 15 MMS Diocesan level Couples Forum Church TBA
July 10-13 Family & Youth Conference NY
*Tentative dates only
Parish Calendar
May 19, 2013 Bake Sale
June 08, 2013 One Day Trip to Poconos
June 30, 2013 Summer Bar-B-Q
September 7, 2013 (Tentative) Fishing Trip
OCYM Calendar
