NEWSLETTER VOL. XLV NO. 4
Happy Easter
April
2025
Vicar: Rev. John Philip [vica[email protected]rg]
Secretary: Mr. Sunil M. Varughese [secretary@stthomasmtc.org]
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Dear Parishioners,
I greet you all in the name of Our Lord and saviour Jesus
Christ who resurrected from dead. This year the month of
April is blessed with the observance of Great Lent, passion
week and the grand culmination of Easter. The Passion
(from Latin patior, "to suffer, bear, endure") is the short
final period before the death of Jesus, described in the four
canonical gospels. Here we commemorate Jesus' triumphal
entry into Jerusalem, fulfillment of prophecies and the
beginning of the end of Jesus' earthly ministry.
This is the time for an introspection. I pray that it will be an opportunity for us to
become more humble and identify with the sufferings of Christ. I thank you all for
your wholehearted cooperation in this 50 days of Lent prayer and . I appreciate the
Edavaka Mission office bearers , the families who hosting prayer meetings and those
who leading the sermons these days.
On the first Sunday we meditate on " Jesus Christ who gives new vision to life " When
he regained his full sight, he had a new vision to glorify God. April 11th we observe
the 40th Friday, meditate on Christian discipleship that must overcome temptation.
Second Sunday we observe Hossana and meditate on The cry for salvation : The com-
ing of Messiah. When we enter into the Holy Week let us take time to reflect on His
love, sacrifice, and victory over death. From Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, let us
engage fully in the sacred observances of the Church. May we open our hearts to His
presence and renew our commitment to following Him in all that we do. Maundy
Thursday and Good Friday is a time to meditate on the kénōsis of Christ. The Greek
word that is actually translated as such from the Greek verb kenóō, meaning “to emp-
ty” which is a verb form of kénōsis. It literally means to “make oneself into nothing.
He, the Creator of the world, the God of humanity, the Son of God, chose to let Him-
self be scourged, beaten, spit upon, mocked, and crucified by His own creation. All the
kénōsis, was rewarded with victory. Christ’s resurrection, the Easter proclaimed victo-
ry over death, over sin, and over Satan himself. Without the resurrection, Good Friday
is not Good News. The resurrection becomes the peace that was missing in the con-
fusing puzzle of Good Friday. Without the resurrection of Christ, it all seems to have
been in vain. On the new Sunday we meditate Assurance of faith beyond sight.
The Executive Committee for the new year is activated, and requests everyone's sin-
cere cooperation in all activities and services of the Parish. Let me appreciate your
participation in all the needs of the parish and I would like to remind you to confirm
your generous participation in Charity works of our organizations, Subscription and
Diocesan Day Collection. All organizations are reminded to cooperate in preparing
annual plans as soon as possible, and all organizations and area prayer groups are re-
minded to schedule individual meetings during the spring and summer seasons. I pray
and wish that the coming days will be a blessing to all of us. God bless us all.
With Prayer, Rev. John Philip
Vicar’s Message
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Youth Chaplain’s Corner
Glory be to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit -
One true God! Amen!
Beloved in Christ,
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of
him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who
brings good news of happiness, who publishes salva-
tion, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.” Isaiah 52:7
During Holy Week, we walk with Jesus through suffering and sacri-
fice. We remember the feet that walked toward betrayal, carried a
cross up Golgotha’s hill, and were pierced with nails for our sins.
Isaiah calls these feet beautiful, not because they were untouched by
pain, but because they carried good news: peace, salvation, and the
powerful truth that “Your God reigns.” Good Friday reminds us
that love can look like a cross. But the story does not end there. On
the beautiful Feast of the Resurrection, we remember those same
scarred feet walked out of the tomb in victory!
The silence of death was broken by an angel’s announcement:
“He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.” (Matthew 28:6)
The good news of Isaiah 52:7 was fulfilled in full. Jesus didn’t just
proclaim peace, He became our peace. He didn’t just declare salva-
tion, He conquered death to give it.
As we remember from the cross to the empty tomb this Holy Week,
may we carry this message in our own lives, with steps that bring
light into dark places, comfort into sorrow, and hope into despair.
Let our life, our walk, our witness declare: Our God reigns! Christ
Risen! Indeed He is Risen!
Prayerfully,
J Varghese Achen
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Date Time Worship
Sun, Apr 6 9:30 am
Praise & Worship
English Holy Communion Service
The sixth Sunday of Lent
Fri, Apr 11 10:00 am
40th Friday in Great Lent
Malayalam Holy Communion
Sun, Apr 13 9:30 am
Praise & Worship
English Holy Communion Service
Hosanna - Theological Seminary Day
Mon, Apr 14 -
Wed, Apr 16
6:30 pm
Hasha: Passion Week Services
Thu, Apr 17 6:30 pm
Passover (Maundy) Thursday
Malayalam Holy Communion Service
Fri, Apr 18 9:30 am
Good Friday Services
First Service - English
Second Service - Malayalam
Third Service - Malayalam
Sun, Apr 20
9: 30 am
Praise & Worship
English Holy Communion Service
Kemta - Feast of Resurrection -
Easter Sunday (End of Great Lent)
Sun, Apr 27 9:30 am
Praise & Worship
Malayalam Holy Communion Service
First Sunday after the Resurrection
Worship Service Schedule
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Area Prayer Meengs
Area
Date &
Time
Location
Yonkers
North
Sun, Apr 27
6:30 PM
Zoom Meeting ID: 935 0649 9316
Passcode: 703734
Leconary
Date Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Epistle Gospel
Sun, Apr 6
Ezekiel 37:1-
14
Acts 9:10-18
Philippines
3:7-16
St. Luke 18:35
-43
Fri, Apr 11
Numbers
11:4-15
James 1:12-18
1 Thessaloni-
ans 3:1-8
St. Luke 4:1-
13
Sun, Apr 13
Zechariah 9:9
-17
Romans 11:16-
24
Colossians
1:10-14
St. Matthew
21:1-17
Thu, Apr 17 Gen 22:1-14 Heb 5:1-14
I Corinthians
11:23-34
Matt 26:31-46
Sun, Apr 20
Isaiah 60: 1-
22
1 Cor. 15: 1-19
1 Thess. 4: 13
-18
St. Luke 24: 1-
12
Sun, Apr 27
Genesis 32:22
-32
Acts 26:8-18
Colossians
3:1-8
St. John 20:19-
29
Date Location
TBA TBA
Young Family Fellowship
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Date Location
Fri Apr 4
10.00 AM
Joint meetings will be held every Friday, 10am via Zoom.
Zoom Meeting ID: 935 0649 9316
Passcode: 703734
Fri Apr 11
10:00 AM
Fri, Apr 18
10:00 AM
Fri, Apr 25
10:00 AM
Sevika Sangham & Edavaka Mission
Senior Cizens Fellowship
Date Location
Thurs Apr 3
10:00 AM
Senior Citizen Fellowship meetings will be held every 1st and
3rd Thurs of the month at 10am via Zoom.
Zoom Meeting ID: 935 0649 9316
Passcode: 703734
Thurs Apr 17
10:00 AM
Sunday School
Lent Mission Project
The Sunday School is conducting a Lent Mission project.
Students have received a Rice Bowl shaped piggy bank.
The bowls will be collected on Easter Sunday and pro-
ceeds will be donated to Rice Bowls Organization,
which feeds orphans across the world, including India.
7
Date Location
Sat, Apr 5
1:00 PM
Meeting with Youth Chaplain at Church
Youth Fellowship
Youth Fellowship Housekeeping
NERYF Spring One Day Retreat
When: Saturday, April 19, 2024
Where: Bethany Mar Thoma Church
We invite all youth to join us for a day of spiritual renewal, worship, and fellow-
ship this Holy Saturday of Passion Week. This retreat promises a refreshing expe-
rience with powerful messages and meaningful discussions. We are blessed to
have Dr. Shaun Rajan (St. Andrew’s MTC) and Jojin Mathew (Long Island MTC)
as our leaders this year. Stay tuned for more details—and be sure to set aside this
date and make arrangements to rejuvenate your spirit and strengthen your faith
journey!
Combined Youth Fellowship Bible Study
There will be NO Youth Fellowship Bible Studies this month.
Monthly Parish Youth Fellowship Meetings
Our regular Parish Youth Fellowship Meetings continue to be wonderful occa-
sions for us to deepen our faith and friendships. If you need further information
about dates, times, or activities, please reach out to your Parish Youth Fellowship
Secretary, who will have all the details. Let us make the most of these gatherings
and encourage one another to grow in faith and unity.
College Visits – Let’s Fellowship in Christ!
Whether you need a break from studies or a boost in your spiritual walk, we are
here for you. Please keep an eye on the NERYF Instagram for exact dates and
details regarding these visits. Remember the reassuring words of Matthew 18:20:
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
March NERYF Fifth Sunday Combined Holy Qurbana
Once again, I extend my heartfelt thanks to the youth of our region and the St.
James Mar Thoma Church Youth Fellowship for coordinating the NERYF Fifth
Sunday Combined Holy Qurbana. A special word of gratitude to Ms. Esther
Mathew for her devotion and commitment. Let us continue to uphold this
blessed ministry in our prayers and encourage our youth to remain a part of this
meaningful time of worship and fellowship.
8
Mrs. Aleyamma M. Thomas (87), our former member, residing at
1219 River Road, Teaneck, NJ 07666, w/o Late Mr. M.K. Thomas,
was taken to her heavenly abode on March 14, 2025. Funeral Ser-
vices were held on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at the St. Peters Mar
Thoma Church, Washington Township, NJ.
Mrs. Lisamma Sebastian (65), the mother of our member Mrs.
Stephy Robin, residing at 37 Montrose Road Yonkers NY 10710 was
taken to her heavenly abode on March 22, 2025. Funeral Services
were held on March 24, 2025 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Cali-
cut.
Mrs. Annamma Eapen (93), the mother of our member Mr. Shaji
Eapen, residing at 70 Juana St, Yonkers, NY 10707 was taken to her
heavenly abode on March 29, 2025 in India.
Please continue to keep all the bereaving family members in your val-
uable prayers. May the peace of Christ bring them comfort during
this difficult time.
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the
crushed in spirit.”
Pslalm 34:18
Obituary
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Date Location
Tue, Apr 1
Mr. M.C. Chacko
8 Flint Dr, Spring Valley, NY
Wed, Apr 2
Mr. Cheriyan Varughese
5 Via Trenta Ct, Yonkers, NY
Thu, Apr 3
Mr. John Thomas
31 Monrovia Blvd, Yonkers, NY
Fri, Apr 4
Mr. Mathew Abraham
6 Glen Ave, Portchester, NY
Sat, Apr 5
Mr. Thomas Oommen
313 old Westbury Rd, East Meadow, NY
Sun, Apr 6
Mr. Robin Punnoose
37 Montrose Rd, Yonkers, NY
Mon Apr 7
Mr. Samuel Ninan
707 Cottage Pl, Teaneck, NJ
Tue, Apr 8
Mr. P.T. Thomas
10 Carbery Ct, Pamona, NY
Wed, Apr 9
Mr. M.J. George
280 Mirth Dr, Valley Cottage, NY
Thu, Apr 10
Mr. Daniel P.K. Vaidyan
131 Harvard Dr, Hartsdale, NY
Fri, Apr 11
No Lent Prayer
40th Friday Holy Communion at 9:30AM
Sat, Apr 12
Mr. Johnkutty Geevarghese
36 Archer Ave, White Plains, NY
Lent Prayers
All Lent Prayers will begin at 6:30PM. On Saturday and Sun-
day Lent Prayers will be in English. If anyone would like to
give the message for these sessions, please contact Achen.
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Message from the Trustees
• Diocesan Day Collection is due to Diocese in April, please sub-
mit your donation as soon as possible
• Recessa is $3 per individual adult member
• Self Denial will be collected on Good Friday as usual
• Good Friday Offertory will help Seva Mandiram, Ankola
Trustees
March Bible Quiz Winners
1. Annamma Mathew
2. Mariamma A Mathew
3. Sherly Vaidyan
4. Thankamma John
5. Leelamma John
6. Saramma Thankachan
7. Mercy Rajan
8. Celine George
9. Sosamma Varghese
10. Mariamma Thomas
11. Susan John
12. Sosamma Abraham
March Bible Quiz Answers
1. Acacia wood (36:31)
2. Pure gold (37:6)
3. Put to death (35:2)
4. Topaz, onyx and jasper
(39:13)
5. Festival of Ingathering
(34:22)
6. Mount Horeb (33:6)
7. Sacred anointing oil and the
pure fragrant incense (37:29)
8. HOLY TO THE LORD
(39:30)
9. 70 talents and 2400 shekels
(38:29)
10. Ten (36:8)
Family Conference
Diocese of North America of the Mar Thoma Church will host the
35th Family Conference at Marriott Melville, NY from July 03-
06, 2025. Please contact Registration Convener, Mr. Samuel K.
Samuel (914) 693 8490 for more details.
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Bible Quiz Quesons (Numbers:1-10 )
1.
?
2.
?
3. ?
4. 14 -
?
5. 20
?
6.
?
7. ' '
?
8.
?
9. ?
10.
?
1. From what age should the Levites come to take part in the work at the
tent of meeting?
2. Which special vow requires abstaining from wine and other fermented
drink?
3. What should the trumpets be made of?
4. Where did the Israelites celebrate the Passover on the 14th day of the
first month at twilight?
5. What was the number of males over 20 years old in the tribe of Judah?
6. Who was the leader who made offerings at the first day of the conse-
crated altar?
7. To whom did Moses say, ‘You can be our eyes’?
8. When what lifted from above the tent do the Israelites set out?
9. Who was the chief leader of the Levites?
10. Who among the Israelites did Jehovah said Moses not to count?
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Bronx/Yonkers South/West
Mr. Joshua Samuel 9 Woodlands Ave 5
Mr. Aaron John Thomas 46 Leroy Ave 10
Mr. Joshua George Varghese 221 Rumsey Rd. Apt 2A 15
Mr. Eapen Mappurathu 421 N. Broadway, #35 16
Mr. Joe Thomas John 172 Vrendenburgh Ave. 19
Mr. Jibu C. Varghese 12 Stokes Rd Unit 2B 23
Ms. Lisa Mathew 2786 Bainbridge Ave., Apt. 3E 25
Jocelyn Ann Samuel 9 Woodlands Ave 25
Mr. Joseph Thomas 89 Travers Ave 25
Mr. Nellical John Mathew 576 ROUTE 304 26
Mr. Koshy Samuel 26 Post Street Apt. 4A 29
Manhattan/New Jersey
Dr. Koshy Koshy Jr. 33 Third Avenue 2
Queens/Long Island
Mrs. Jaime S. Thomas 8 Locust Lane 3
Mrs. Jemi George 1600 Lowell Ave 4
Mr. Luke Varghese Philip 871 Abbott Street 22
Mr. John K. Mathew 23 Patriots Way 23
Mrs. Sheela Jacob 49 Gary Road 25
Rockland
Mr. Sunny P. Ninan 128 East Phillips Hill Rd. 5
Ms. Diana Anjali Chacko 51 Alexander Drive 11
Ms. Sruthi Merin Koshy 10 Sturbridge Court 11
Mrs. Nisha Mathai 576 ROUTE 304 11
Mrs. Leena Daniel 72 Old Middletown Rd 12
Mr. Blessen Kurian 29 Rosewood Drive 13
Mrs. Anissa Susan Kurian 29 Rosewood Drive 13
Mrs. Annie Monzy 12 Edison Court, Apt G 14
Mr. Rajan Chacko 5 Lester Drive 15
Mr. Koshy Abraham Jr. 833 Concorde Cir Unit 5202 17
Mrs. Sophia Varghese 6 Walnut Ct 18
Mrs. Deena C. Mathews 231 Morton Avenue 23
Mr. Melvin Binu 22 Old Brick Road 25
Mr. Caleb Edison Koshy 9 Dade Rd 27
April Birthdays
13
Upper Westchester/CT
Mrs. Jeswin Jacob Chacko 49 Patton Drive 2
Mrs. Saramma Jose 40 Evarts Avenue 5
Raphael Stephen Mathai 135 Linn Ave 6
Mr. Sajan Abraham 20 Harriman Keep 7
Mrs. Betzy Skariah 368 Pine Brook Blvd 8
Mr. Nibu Jacob 181 Weed Ave 9
Mr. Justin Saji 288 Fisher Ave 12
Mrs. Reni Saji 288 Fisher Ave 12
Ms. Sydney Grace Paulose 1 Walnut Ave 16
Mrs. Ansu Thomas 9 Mitchell Place, Apt #1310 16
Dr. Suja Abraham 288 Spring Rd. 21
Mr. Levan G. Thomas 19 Drake Lane 22
Mrs. Asha Rajan 5 Wayne Way 23
Mr. Castle Abraham 4 Salk Dr 24
Mr. Luke George Simon 99 Aspen Lane 29
Ms. Lindsay Kuruvilla 5 Overhill Road 30
Yonkers East
Mr. K. Jacob 16 June Street 3
Mrs. Anisha Vaidian 309 Ovid Dr 8
Mrs. Mini John 160 Winthrop Ave 9
Mr. Tobin Madathil Alexander 23 Linda Lane 10
Mrs. Sajini Kuruvila 78 Amherst Drive 15
Jeremy P. Thomas 500 Bronxville Road 15
Mr. Melbin Aby Varughese 2210 Central Park Ave. #2 15
Mrs. Juby Alex 23 Linda Lane 16
Mr. Justin Thomas George 55 Patton Drive 20
Ms. Ashly Chinnu John 160 Winthrop Ave 20
Mrs. Leena Mathew 16 Simpson Place 22
Mr. Leny John 130 Heights Drive 30
Yonkers North
Mr. Mayfield Mathunni Eapen 71 Nimitz Road 3
Mr. Libin C. John 15 Bretton Road 4
Mrs. Sosamma Mathew 15 Bretton Rd 14
Mr. Shyam Mathai 194 Osmun Place 21
Johanna Saramma Daniel 29 Woodrow Dr. 26
Mr. Monsey Varghese 26 Emerald Street 28
Mrs. Mary Samuel 63 Price Street 30
April Birthdays Connued
14
April Wedding Anniversaries
Bronx/Yonkers South/West
Mr. Joseph Thomas & Mrs. Mariamma Joseph 14
30 Leroy Place
Manhattan/New Jersey
Mr. Jacob M. Varghese & Mrs. Annamma J. Varghese 24
24 Dalton Place
Mr. Ryan Patrick Curran & Mrs. Blessy N. Varkey 24
39 Hickory Hill Ct
Queens/Long Island
Mr. Jayson T. Jacob & Mrs. Sheela Jacob 12
49 Gary Road
Mr. Justin Jacob & Dr. Malini Susan George 22
8356 249th Street
Rockland
Mr. Mathew Ouseph & Mrs. Suja Ouseph 29
4 Arrow Lane
Upper Westchester/CT
Mr. Norman Jones & Mrs. Reni Mathew 18
4037 Bruner Ave.
Mr. Benoy Kochumman & Mrs. Simi Elsie Kochumman 24
288 Fisher Ave
Yonkers East
Mr. Joseph Eapen & Mrs. Sosamma Joseph 8
1026 Pitch Pine Street
Yonkers North
Mr. Cheriyan Varughese & Mrs. Annee Cheriyan 14
5 Via Trenta Court
Mr. Y. Varghese & Mrs. Sosamma Varghese 24
9 Emerald Street
Mr. Steve Varghese Mathew & Mrs. Irene Babukutty 25
437 Palisade Ave APT H 1
15
Execuve Commiee 2025
Position Name Home Phone
Vicar / President Rev. John Philip (914) 450-3162
Vice President Mr. John Abraham (914) 772-8824
Secretary Mr. Sunil M. Varughese (845) 598-3994
Treasurer Mr. Biju P. Varughese (845) 596-0537
Accountant Mr. Ullas P. Thannickal (845) 300-5810
Lay Leader - Malayalam Mr. M.J. George (914) 924-7774
Lay Leader - English Mr. Sean Thannickal (845) 499-8976
AREA PRAYER GROUP REPRESENTATIVES
Manhattan/NJ Mr. Uthup Varkey (201) 637-5890
Queens/LI Mr. T.P. Jacob (516) 554-1809
Rockland Mr. Varghese Oommen (845) 300-8153
Rockland Mr. Sunny P. Ninan (845) 634-4925
Upper Westchester/CT Mr. Cheruthone Mathai (203) 240-8510
Upper Westchester/CT Mr. Manoj T. Mathew (914) 229-1433
Yonkers East Mrs. Jessy Kuruvilla (914) 582-0710
Yonkers North Mr. K.C. Thomas (914) 374-7180
Yonkers West/South/Bronx Mr. Thomas John (914) 662-7535
.
MANDALAM & DIOCESAN REPRESENTATIVES
Sabha Mandalam Mr. Cherian Varughese (914) 316-2439
Diocesan Representatives Mrs. Sherly Thomas (914) 523-0535
Mr. Levan G Thomas (917) 406-1149
Mr. Samuel K. Samuel (914) 693 8490
ORGANIZATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES
Choir Mr. Joseph Oommen (914) 343-4652
Edavaka Mission Mr. John K. Abraham (845) 309-2965
Senior Citizen Fellowship Mr. George M. Varkey (845) 641-4754
Sevika Sangham Mrs. Aleyamma Varghese (914) 572-9173
Sunday School Mr. Sajan Abraham (917) 304-2121
Youth Fellowship Mr. Shyju Varughese (845) 461-4421
Young Family Fellowship Mr. John Abraham (914) 772-8824
Yuvajana Sakhyam Mr. Jishu Samuel (914) 690-4868
AUDITORS
Mrs. Liza Abraham (845) 641-1050
Dr. Varghese Abraham (914) 961-4405
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St Thomas Mar Thoma Church
34 Morris Street
Yonkers, NY 10705
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