MAY 2012 1 NEWSLETTER
And when the Day of
Pentecost Came…!
Acts 2:1, “And
when the day of Pentecost
was fully come, they were
all with one accord in one
place.”
Fifty days after
Easter we have a very im-
portant event that we look
forward to: “The Day of
Pentecost”. The day of
Pentecost signifies the arri-
val of Holy Spirit the third
person in the Holy Trinity.
Holy Spirit was briefly
mentioned in the Old Tes-
tament. Several references
are available indicating the
spirit of God. At least 60
times the usage ‘Spirit of
God’ is seen in the Old
Testament but it was gen-
erally to indicate the spirit
of God rather than the third
person in the Godhead Ho-
ly Trinity. Holy Spirit as
person in the Godhead was
not revealed prior to the
incarnation of our Lord.
The authentic revelation of
God as “Three in One” was
made through Jesus Christ
one of the persons in the
Holy Trinity. In the Early
Church especially the Cap-
padocian Fathers it was a
real struggle to define the
Holy Spirit. Saint Basil’s
“On the Holy Spirit” be-
came the most popular
writing that defined the
Holy Trinity and the Holy
Spirit.
Some Facts on the
Coming of the Holy Spirit:
1. Full Revelation
of the Holy Spirit: As we
read in Hebrews 1:1, God
was revealed partially to
the world till the incarna-
tion of Jesus Christ. In the
same way, Holy Spirit was
known partially for humans
but He was fully revealed
at the Pentecost. The Old
Testament references are
indicative of this fact.
From the Book of Genesis
we could see the Spirit of
God in operation. But its
fullness was never revealed
because no one knew how
to reveal the power of the
Holy Spirit. Jesus who is
one with the Holy Spirit
and the Father knew the
fullness of the Spirit and
thus He promised, “when
the Spirit comes He will
guide to the fullness of
truth.” John 16:13. The
world was given the oppor-
tunity to know and experi-
ence the Holy Spirit
through Jesus Christ.
Therefore in the Niceno-
Constantinopolitan creed
we read, “we believe in
one living Holy Spirit who
proceeds from the Father,
who with the Father and
the Son is worshipped and
glorified and spoke through
the prophets and the apos-
tles” Thus the Apostles
became fully equipped
with the power of the Holy
Spirit. St. Paul received
this power and he taught
authentically about the
gifts of the Holy Spirit in 1
Corinthians12 and fruit of
the Spirit in Galatian 5:22,
“love, joy, peace, longsuf-
fering, gentleness, good-
ness, faith, meekness and
temperance”. For a fullness
of life what else does a hu-
man being need? Nothing!
But it is impossible to con-
vince the world of today
that these virtues are costli-
er than the values the val-
ues of the world. Believe it
or not, the fullness of di-
vine truth is found in the
life of Christ and its
knowledge will be acquired
ONLY when the Holy
Spirit enters the life of an
individual. In the Baptism,
through the anointing with
the Holy Chrism, this pow-
er is symbolically imparted
to the baptismal candidate
Vicar’s Message
ST THOMAS INDIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH
NEWSLETTER May 2012 Volume XVI Issue 5
1009 UNRUH AVE
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19111
Contact Info:
Phone: 215.342.1500
Fax: 215.342.2700
with the hope that he/she will
be able to live up to the Holy
Spirit to exhibit that power to
the world. Unfortunately the
present day Christians are liv-
ing in a way that is too far
away from the way of the Holy
Spirit and now the world is
confused, “is there such a thing
called Holy Spirit!”
2. The Disciples were
in One Accord and one place:
It is important to note that the
condition that was pointed out
to the coming of the Holy Spir-
it is unity. It is mentioned that
the apostles and other follow-
ers, 120 of them, were in one
accord. In other words they
were united at heart. Yes in-
deed all the people in the Up-
per Room were waiting for the
Holy Spirit with one goal, to
receive the power from Above.
Unity is a condition for the
coming of the Holy Spirit. Of-
ten we wonder why Holy Spir-
it won’t come into our worship
with the full power. We know
that we are not united at heart.
Each person comes with a dif-
ferent agenda to worship. Each
person has a different goal in
life. People live in discord,
Continued on page 4
MAY 2012 2 NEWSLETTER
Anu S Thomas 5/1
Mini Renji 5/1
Karina Vattasseril5/2
Aneeta Sara Sam5/3
Mathukutty M. George5/3
Arun Mathew Jacob5/3
Sharath M Ninan5/3
Angel A Ninan 5/3
Annamma Jacob5/4
Omana Varghese5/5
Anila T Chacko 5/5
Mathew V Thomas5/5
Mony Babu 5/5
Geo Vaidian 5/5
Liz Pothen 5/6
Anoop T George5/6
Aview Varghese5/7
Ashley E Philip 5/7
Jessy R Padiyara5/8
Jasmin Ann Philip5/8
Mini Jose 5/8
Sibi Varghese 5/9
Jino Jacob 5/9
Jaison Thomas 5/9
Ancy Jins 5/10
Gigi Thomas 5/10
Renji Varghese 5/10
Santosh V Mathew5/10
Rajan Koshy 5/10
Joel Chacko 5/10
Divya Panicker 5/11
Nirmala Thomas5/11
Libin J. Jacob 5/11
Jose V Abraham5/12
Mini George 5/12
Annamma Mathew5/12
Chandini P. George5/12
Anil Panicker 5/12
Anil Panicker 5/12
Usha Jacob 5/13
Bindu Mathew 5/13
Shane Varughese
Thomas5/13
Dhanya A Panicker5/14
Saji George 5/14
Christy Joy 5/15
Mary Joseph 5/15
Lincy Ann Philip5/16
George Mathew 5/16
Rekha M Philip 5/16
Prenin P. George5/16
Jibu Vergis 5/17
Aleyamma Daniel5/17
Tinju S Jose 5/18
Thomas Skariah 5/18
Tinu John Biju 5/18
Rajan C Padiyara5/18
Reni Philip 5/19
John P Mathai 5/20
Reena Mathai 5/20
Liziamma Geevarghese5/20
Sunil George 5/20
Abraham Koodathinalil
Varughese5/20
Rajan Thundiyeth5/20
Annamma Mathew5/21
Sosamma Benny 5/21
Sathees Easo 5/22
Prince John Puliprath5/22
Molly Mathai 5/22
Jayce J Philip 5/22
Joy G. Vaidian 5/23
Aishwarya Maria Mathew5/23
Anish Thomas 5/23
Shawn Jacob 5/23
Suja Thomas 5/23
Joyce v Raju 5/23
Susamma Mathew5/24
Mary Rajan 5/24
Linda Varghese 5/24
Ninan Chacko 5/24
Anto G Panicker 5/25
Santhosh M Baby5/25
Shibu Varghese 5/25
Joji Thomas 5/25
Samkutty John 5/25
Somi Peediyakkal Jacob5/25
Annamma Thomson5/25
Philip Varghese 5/25
Baby Varghese 5/25
Susamma Thomas5/25
Daniel Varghese 5/25
Anto Panicker 5/25
Bindhu Jiju 5/25
Manju Shibu 5/25
Rinu John 5/25
Sobha P. Biju 5/25
Jeena Elsa Abraham5/26
Jobin Jacob 5/26
May Birthdays
Jiju George 5/26
Lizy Sam Kurisinmoottil5/26
Abhilash John 5/27
Micah V Panicker5/27
Robin Philip 5/27
Mariamma P Geevarghese5/27
Anna Varghese 5/27
Anoop John 5/27
Sara Daniel 5/27
George Thadathil5/28
Smitha Robin 5/28
Sanju Varghese John5/28
Boby George 5/28
Rini P Joseph 5/28
Chacko P Chacko5/28
Beena John 5/30
Mariamma Skaria5/30
Rachel Varghese5/30
Aleyamma Thomas5/30
Biji Joseph 5/30
Jessy Saji 5/30
Nathan Philip 5/30
George G Mampallil5/30
Achamma Vaidian5/30
Elizabeth Abraham5/30
Mathew Jacob 5/30
Ponnamma Baby5/30
Alan T Ninan 5/30
Isac P. George 5/30
Ponnachen Geevarghese5/30
Annamma Vaidian5/30
Thomas Vakkayil5/30
Kunjumole Thankachan5/30
Ajan Achamma Thomas5/30
Sheena Vaidian 5/30
Liza Oommen 5/31
Suja Mathew 5/31
Sijo P Mathai 5/31
Suja Koshy 5/31
Bini Thankachan5/31
Philip John 5/31
Shibu M Baby 5/31
Susan John 5/31
Reny Varughese5/31
We wish you all a very
Happy Birthday!
MAY 2012 3 NEWSLETTER
Obituary:
Annamma Jacob, sister in law of Abraham John and
Samkutty John passed away . Our prayers are with
them always!
Guest Priest:
H. G. Zachariah Mar Nicholovos
Rev. Fr. Wilson Shankarathil
Parish News
Mr & Mrs George T Charia 5/4
Mr & Mrs George Varughese 5/4
Mr & Mrs Rev. Fr M K Kuriakose 5/5
Mr & Mrs Rev Dn. Daniel Yohannan 5/5
Mr & Mrs Johnkutty V. K. 5/5
Mr & Mrs Thomas Varghese 5/9
Mr & Mrs Kunjappy Koshy 5/14
Mr & Mrs Oommen Mathai 5/14
Mr & Mrs Raju Markose 5/14
Mr & Mrs Mathew Jacob 5/15
Mr & Mrs Varghese Varghese 5/16
Mr & Mrs Jeff George 5/16
Mr & Mrs Reny Susan Raju 5/16
Mr & Mrs Jerin Juby 5/16
Mr & Mrs Kuncheriah P V. 5/19
Mr & Mrs Aju Jacob 5/20
Mr & Mrs Joy G. Vaidian 5/21
Mr & Mrs Geo Vaidian 5/23
Mr & Mrs Wilson Panicker 5/24
Mr & Mrs Saji Abraham 5/25
Mr & Mrs Joseph M C. 5/26
Mr & Mrs Saji V Mathew 5/27
Mr & Mrs Thomas Skariah 5/28
We wish you all a very
Happy Anniversary!
April Wedding Anniversaries
Announcements
Please don’t block our parking lot . Be considerate to
others.
Please sent news, articles and information for June
2012 Newsletter by Sunday, May 27 to the parish secre-
tary or newsletter editor.
[email protected] , [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.
Prayer Meetings: Please contact Prayer Meeting Co-
ordinator, Mrs. Susan Mathew, to schedule a prayer
meeting at your residence.
Wednesday Prayer Line
Prayer-Line dial-in # 213-342-3000. Access Code:
4044200. Please email Mr. Mathew Samuel,
[email protected], to add your email ad-
dress for Prayer Line updates.
Playback Dial-in Number: 1-213-342-3003
Access Code: 625189 (Speaker Dr. C.C. John)
English Prayer line:
Access Code: 625189 (Speaker Mr. Binny Cherian)
April 26th Recording
Access Code: 456903 (Speaker Bindu Alexander)
Divyabodhanam
Divyabodhanam course is on all first Saturdays at our
church. Please contact course coordinator Mrs. Elsa
Koshy for further details.
Transform with Christ
(Jerin Juby)
“Take heart, transformation happens as you keep company
with Jesus.” said Calhoun in the book ‘Spiritual Discipline
Handbook’. The abundant mercies and grace of our Lord
and our God Jesus Christ has brought our lives to this
point. Every now and then, I ask a question to myself – Am
I transformed like Jesus want me to? Isaiah 5: 1-7 says that
God planted a vineyard expecting good grapes but instead
“it yielded wild grapes” (v 2). Jesus said, “I am the true
vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me
that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch
that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more
fruit.” (Jn 15: 1-2). Am I a branch that is attached to Jesus
Christ? Am I yielding good grapes or wild grapes?
MAY 2012 4 NEWSLETTER
Ministry-Driven Parish
Greetings In Christ
Christ Is Risen!
As we approach the Summer of 2012, as a parish we should reflect on
how we have grown spiritually. Spiritual growth, beyond all other things, is the
most important component of a parish. Recently, you have been hearing about a
few new ministries in the parish. First, Young Adults and Couples Fellowship is
an attempt to combine Couples Forum and FOCUS on a parish level. Its aim is
to bring together FOCUS members and young couples in a common fellowship
in Jesus, focusing on the needs and issues of young adults and couples. Second,
Discipleship Ministry is a unique ministry where the purpose is to bring together parish believers who are interested in
strengthening their relationship with Jesus Christ and serving the church either through leadership, deaconate or priest-
hood. Third, College Ministry is an integral part of any parish/church ministry. Years ago there was an Indian Orthodox
presence on Temple University campus. Unfortunately, for the past four years that has disappeared. Although, nothing
concrete has been establish as of yet, we are working on acquiring a room on Temple campus. Once that is done, we
will begin having Divine Liturgy once a month, followed by Bible Fellowship. The College Ministry will function as a
service to our college students but also as mission of Indian Orthodoxy in the inner city. Finally, many of you have
heard of Philadelphia Renewal Convention, which will be held on June 2, 2012, at our own parish, from 9am to 4pm.
This is time to renew our faith in Jesus and His Church. At this Convention we will have powerful Spirit-filled speakers
who will direct participants in dedicating their lives to Jesus Christ. Two messages will be in Malayalam and one in
English. It is a Convention that is directed toward the young and mature. I hope and pray you will be there.
All of these ministries exist, not for the sake of having a ministry or simply to say we are active, but rather that
the message of the Gospel be revealed in every aspect of parish life. That is the goal. May the name of Jesus we glori-
fied. Let every knee bow…let every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord!
Indeed He Is Risen!
In Christ,
Fr. Gheevarghese John
Asstistant Vicar
misunderstanding, anger, hatred, disunity and so on. How
will the Holy Spirit come into our worship or into our
community? Jesus taught the apostles, “when two or
three people are gathered together in my name, I will be
in the midst of them (Matt. 18:20). Rarely our minds are
united when we are together. We sometimes gather to-
gether with one aim in large crowds in political party
style. Definitely Christ cannot be in the midst of them
because they are not meeting in His name. So also, our
meetings, fellowships, worships etc. are not done in one
accord. Thus we never get the experience of the Holy
Spirit.
The day of Pentecost is going to be on May 26th
this year. Let us remember that the Holy Spirit has been
revealed to us in His fullness and that is our duty to obey
Him. Also, it is conditional that the Holy Spirit will come
in full power to our situations only if we are truly united
at heart. Lovingly, Fr. M. K. Kuriakose, Vicar
Discipleship Ministry
St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church, Philadelphia, PA
Time: 3:00PM
Where: Green Room
Committed Participates are Welcome
Purpose:
The purpose of Discipleship Ministry to bring together in-
dividuals who have a desire to serve the Orthodox Church,
presently, or in the future, in either as a Servant Leader,
Deacon or Priest, and provide for them direction on how to
live a Christ-like life in the experience and life of the Or-
thodox Church.
Phase 1: Christ The Way, Truth & Life
April 15, 2012: Christ God
April 29, 2012: Christ the Savior
May 13, 2012: Christ the King
May 27, 2012: Christ the Friend
Continued from page 1
MAY 2012 5 NEWSLETTER
A Report on the Mission Trip to Dulac
(Our parish members, Mr. Regi Mathai and Mr. Binny Cherian, were blessed with an amazing experience on their mis-
sion trip to Dulac, Louisiana. Below is a brief report on their experience, prepared by Mr. Binny Cherian)
Greetings to all in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Recently, both Regi Mathai uncle and I were part of a small group of volunteers, numbering ten, from different
churches in Philadelphia and Delaware, under the Umbrella of Ecumenical Churches of Philadelphia, that went on a
Mission trip to Dulac, Louisiana, led by Mr. O.C.Abraham of the Mar Thoma Church in coordination with the local
United Methodist Church, to help rebuild homes, of the Native American Indians that were devastated by Hurricane
Katrina in the year 2005. Now, if you are wondering whether there is a typo in the year mentioned earlier, sad but true
that is indeed a very long time to stay out of your own home.
Dulac is home to the Native American Indian tribe – Houma that has lived there for hundreds of years. It is
situated below the sea level with Bayou around it and is considered a wetland, which makes it a nightmare for the peo-
ple during a heavy downpour, let alone the storm Katrina which was very strong. Close to 30 percent of the population
there live under the poverty line.
After Katrina damaged all the homes in the area, the United Methodist church set up the Dulac Mission Center
to help the needy. Applications are accepted, addressed based on the severity and most importantly the manpower
available, volunteers like us who go there and help in the task.
During our stay there for the two days, our God gave us the strength to work on two separate homes, time and
effort was split among the ten of us.
The first home was damaged by the storm and left it in an uninhabitable condition, hence was unoccupied for
the last six years. The owner, Annie was staying with her relatives all the past years. She always wanted to return home
but the needs of other people that made requests was more critical, hence she had to wait for her turn all this time to get
it addressed. To avoid water entering the homes again, most of the homes in the area have been lifted off the ground
and placed on ten foot tall wooden structure that support it, by other mission teams earlier. Our tasks for Annie’s home
included, clearing up all the rooms that was full of unwanted and damaged items, removing the damaged vinyl from the
living room, kitchen and the two bedrooms, laying the laminate floor, fixing the walls for minor damages, painting the
walls, adding crown molding in the living room, adding 3 new doors, 1 doorway, and re-finishing the front door and
installing a water heater.
The second home, a trailer belongs to Linda, her husband who is ill, children and grand children. Their home
was repaired a long time ago by one of OC uncle’s earlier mission teams that made it livable, however the plywood on
the floor now started to crack and chip. This home was not in our plan for the work schedule, however at the dinner
that was arranged for us and the natives, this family made their request, it was then decided that we would surely try to
help them. Though our schedule was very tight we were able to finish the task of laying the laminate in the living room,
hallway and one of the bedrooms in the home. They are waiting for us to come back and do the same in the kitchen and
the other bedroom in their home.
It is very important that we involve ourselves, hands on, rather than send money to missions like we normally
do, we shy away because a personal experience needs sacrifice of our money, time and vacation. But believe us when
we say, the end result definitely changes our perspective on life, the blessings we have in our lives, that leads to thank-
fulness to God and contentment in our lives. We went to Dulac thinking we were going there to help others, however
when we returned, we came back helped ourselves and pictures in our hearts of the smiles and happiness of the families
that we could reach, will be cherished all our lives not including a resolve now, to reach out to our brothers and sisters
in need. Closing this report with the following verses that is intended for us, the children of God taken from
St. Mathew 25,37-4137 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you,
or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and
clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, what-
ever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me
Thanking God Almighty for this opportunity
Binny Cherian
MAY 2012 6 NEWSLETTER
Sunday School News (Oommen Kappil, Principal)(Tel.: 267.902.8500, [email protected])
This poem is the prayer of all volunteers and myself returning from the Dulac Mission field after witnessing the devastation and
suffering in all these years,regretting being not able to do anything until now ,but thanking God for giving the opportunity to help
ease the pain of a person or a family, experiencing the love and gratitude of the Dulac people, and hoping that more will be done.
A Volunteer’s Prayer
God of Glory and Grace,
We give Thee many thanks
For bringing us to Dulac
And for our fellowship, love and fun,
But most of all for the work that’s been done.
We ask your blessings for the people we’ve met
And for the work here to be done yet.
We ask for your protection as we go on our way
And ask guidance for our foot steps everyday.
Please forgive us when we miss our mark
And lift us up when the moments seem dark.
You said when we serve others, we serve You.
Let us continue to serve as there is much more to do !
Amen
(a poem by Mr. Reji Mathai, on his experience at the Mission Trip to Dulac, Louisiana)
OVBS Picture Drawing Winners, Parish Level
Upper Pre-K Jayden Mathew
KG Lucas Philip
Grade 1 Hannah Thomas
Grade 2 Joshua Mathew
Grade 3 Nathaniel Mathew
Grade 4 Lambert Thomas
Grade 5 Leona Thomas
Grade 6 Remya Brown
Grade 7 Sheena Vaidian
Grade 8 Reshma Padiyara
Grade 9 Sarah Samuel
Grade 10 Meenu Mathews
Grade 11 Sneha Jose
Overall winner: Sheena Vaidian
(Sheena’s winning entry has been submitted to the Dio-
cese as per the Diocesan-level guidelines.)
Teachers’ Conference, OVBS Planning Meeting and
TTC Refresher Course
-Held on April 28, 2012 at St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Several teachers from our Sunday School participated in
the Teachers Conference. Rev Fr. V. M. Shibu led a work-
shop for teachers. Steve Kurian (Coordinator, OVBS) led
the planning meeting on OVBS.
Teachers’ Training Certificate (TTC) Refresher Course
was conducted for the Teachers. Instructors from our par-
ish included Jessie Jacob, Oommen Kappil and Mathew
Samuel.
Those who are interested in getting a copy of the TTC
Study materials should contact Regi Mathai.
Orthodox Vacation Bible School (OVBS) News
OVBS for 2012 will be held on August 2nd through 4th at
our parish.
Time will be 9am - 4pm each day
Theme: "We are One in Christ"- Galatians 3:28
Registration Fee: $25 per student; $10 per guest students;
$10 per teacher/Volunteer
College students have registration fee waived.
Teachers/Volunteers Needed: The Coordinators are
looking Teachers and Volunteers for OVBS. If you are
interested, please contact Steve Kurian.
MAY 2012 7 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 Mrs. Omana Varghese
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
Meetings are held every Sunday after the Sunday School. Regular bible studies are part of their mission. For
more information, contact Secretary Ms. Christina Thomas ([email protected]) for more details.
Discipleship Ministry
The purpose of Discipleship Ministry to bring together individuals who have a desire to serve the Orthodox
Church, presently, or in the future, in either as a Servant Leader, Deacon or Priest, and provide for them di-
rection on how to live a Christ-like life in the experience and life of the Orthodox Church. More details are
on page 3.
Young Adults and Couples Fellowship
Couples’ Forum is very active in our Church. The meetings are held every other Sunday. Please contact Mr.
Sneha Reynold ([email protected]) for the weekly schedule.
OCYM
OCYM meets on alternate Sundays after Holy Communion. OCYM is conducting the Faith Study Series.
Please check the flier on page 8.Please contact Secretary Mr. Jobin Abraham ([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. N. V.
Thomas.
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 Mr.
Steve Kurian ([email protected]) for more details.
MAY 2012 8 NEWSLETTER
MAY 2012 9 NEWSLETTER
MAY 2012 10 NEWSLETTER
Sunday School Calendar
Event Date & Time Venue Comments
Assigned Competition Sunday, May 6 St. Thomas IOC Parish-level
Centralized Exam 12th Grade Sunday, June 3 St. Mary’s Cathedral Diocesan-level
Area level SS Picnic Saturday, June 9 To be announced Area-level
Bible Quiz Sunday, June 10? St. Thomas IOC Parish-level
Felicitation of Graduates Sunday, June 17 St. Thomas IOC Parish-level
Assigned Competition Sunday, June 17 To be Announced Area level
Centralized Exam- Grades 5, 8, 10
& TTC Exam Sunday, June 24 St. Gregorios Bensalem Diocesan-level
OVBS August 2-4 St. Thomas IOC Area-level
Talent Competition Saturday, Sept. 15 St. Thomas IOC Parish Level
Talent Competition Saturday, Sept. 29? St. Thomas IOC Area level
Talent Competition Saturday, Oct. 13? TBA Diocesan level
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