St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church

34 Morris Street

Yonkers, NY 10705

STAMP!

THANK S FOR

PICKING UP

NEWSLETTERS.

YOU ARE

HELPING THE

CHURCH SAVE.

EVERY PENNY

COUNTS.

St. Thomas

Mar Thoma Church, NY

JAN

NEWSLETTER VOL. XLV NO. 1

34 Morris Street, Yonkers, NY 10705

http://www.stthomasmtc.org

2025

Vicar / President:

Rev. John Philip

34 Morris St.

Yonkers NY 10705

Home (914) 376-6530

Cell (914) 450-3162

vicar@stthomasmtc.org

Secretary:

P.T.THOMAS

10 Carbery Ct

Pomona NY 10970

Ph: (845) 596-3030

Email: pt@ptthomas.net

WORSHIP SERVICE SCHEDULE

MAR THOMA SYRIAN CHURCH OF MALABAR

Lectionary and the important days in the church calendar

Date Time Worship

Tue/ Wed Dec

31/ Jan 1

10.00 PM

Watchnight Service followed by Malayalam Holy

Communion Service

Live Stream available

Sun, Jan 5

9.30 AM

English Holy Communion Service

Live Stream available

Sun, Jan 12

9.30 AM

Malayalam Holy Communion Service

Live Stream available

Sun, Jan 19

9.30 AM

Malayalam Holy Communion Service

Live Stream Available

Sun, Jan 26 9.30 AM

English Holy Communion Service followed by Parish

Day Celebrations

Live Stream Available

Day & Date Lessons Epistle-Gospels

Wed Jan 1

New Year Day, Circumcision of our Lord: Heartfelt introspection by the

soul

Deut 10:12-22

Gal 5:1-12

Rom 2:17-29

Luke 2:15-21

Sun Jan 5 Mission outside Kerala: Jesus who sends for mission

Exod 3:1-17

Acts 16:6-15

Rom 10:9-17

Luke 10:1-11

Sun Jan 12

The God of Peace

Mic 4:1-7

Rom 5:1-11

Eph 2:11-19

Matt 5:1-9

Sun Jan 19

Ecumenical Sunday: The Church that needs to be one in Christ

Zech 8:18-23

1Cor 1:10-18

Col 3:9-17

John 17:13-23

Sun Jan 26

Indian Republic Day: Christian witness in the public sphere

Parish Day

Isa 60:1-22

Acts 17:10-17

Phil 2:1-18

Luke 13:1-9

Vicar/President Rev. John Philip (914) 450-3162

Vice President Mr. K.C. Thomas (914) 374-7180

Secretary Mr. P.T. Thomas (845) 596-3030

Treasurer Mr. Biju P. Varughese (845) 5960537

Accountant Mr. Ullas P Thannickal (845) 638-8075

Lay Leader - Malayalam Mr. M J George (914) 924-7774

Lay Leader - English Mr. Sean Thannickal (845) 498-8976

AREA PRAYER GROUP REPRESENTATIVES

Manhattan/NJ Mr. Jacob M Varghese 201-481-3165

Queens/LI Mr. T P Jacob (516) 365-3750

Rockland Mr. M.C. Chacko. 845) 356-1848

Rockland Mr. Varghese E Oommen (845) 353-1369

Upper Westchester/CT Mr. Thankachan Geevarghese (914) 939-0282

Upper Westchester/CT Dr. Geevarghese Kochumman (914) 629-7341

Yonkers East Mr. Thomas V Varghese (914) 661-6095

Yonkers North Mr. K C Thomas (914) 963-3499

Yonkers South/West/

Bronx Mr. M J George (914) 376-7185

MANDALAM & DIOCESAN REPRESENTATIVES

Sabha Mandalam Mr. Cheriyan Varughese (914) 965-0969

Diocesan Representatives Mrs. Sherly Thomas (516) 796-2672

Mr. Levan G Thomas (917) 406-1149

Mr. Samuel K Samuel (914) 693-8490

ORGANIZATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES

Choir Mr. Danny Eapen (914) 338-6708

Edavaka Mission Mr. K G Varghese . (914) 330-9672

Sr Citizens Fellowship Mr. George Varkey (845) 268-0812

Sevika Sanghom Mrs. Rachel Varghese (914) 330-9672

Sunday School Mr. Sajan Abraham (917) 304-2121

Youth Fellowship Mr. Shyju Varughese (845) 5960537

Young Family Fellowship Mr. Sunil Varughese (845) 598-3994

Yuvajana Sakhyam Mr. Sabu JoNovh (914) 364–1850

AUDITORS

Mr. Thomas Oommen (516) 796-2672

Dr. Varghese Abraham (914) 961-4405

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE - 2024

Position Full Name Home Phone

Program Dates Conveners

Joint Committee

Retreat (Completed)

May 5 Secretary

Graduation

Recognition

(Completed)

June23 Sajan Abraham

Picnic

(Completed)

Sept 17 M J George

Sean Thannickal

Cheriyan Varughese

Senior Citizens Day

(Completed)

September 15

George Varkey

Retreat

(Completed)

September 20-22 T P Jacob

Sunil Varghese

Convention

(completed)

October 10-13 K G Varghese

Thanksgiving

(Completed)

November 28

Samuel K Samuel

Cheriyan Varughese

Christmas Carol

Service

(Completed)

Dec 21

Sherly Thomas

Danny Eapen

Shyju Varughese

House Caroling

(Completed)

December Weekends

Sabu Joseph

Parish Day 2023

January 26, 2025

Secretary

Food Committee George Varkey

Biju P Varughese

Thomas Varghese

Mission

Ushers

Audio Video

Visual

Sabu Joseph

Sean Thannickal

PARISH ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR 2024

Greetings to you all in the name of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Let's

thank God for allowing us to enter into the New Year 2025. The celebra-

tion of the New Year reminds us that

days, seasons and times are arranged by

God for the goodness of humans and are

to be used according to God's will.

Let me appreciate the Choir, Sunday

School and Youth Fellowship members

who made the Christmas celebration the

most beautiful. The Metropolitan's visit

on Christmas Eve was a great blessing to

our parish, let me express our gratitude

and prayers to our Metropolitan. Let me

appreciate all the kids and their parents

who participated in the (Edo-Du Mau-

lodo )25 days Lent meditation. Thanking

for your generous participation in the last Financial year. As we entered

into a new financial year, I request all your cooperation in the new year I

appreciate the new trustees who took office on January 1st. It is time to

prepare for annual general bodies, I request all organizations to prepare the

reports and accounts as early as possible .

I request your support for the blessings of Winter Retreat organising un-

der the auspicious of Youth Fellowship on January 10,11& 12 .

The first Sunday we meditate upon Jesus who sends for mission , which is

Evangelism. Christ reminds us of the urgent need for evangelists and their

work. We should strive for evangelism in every possible way. The second

week we meditate upon The God of peace , We live in a time where terri-

bleness and fear araise . We should be able to be the channel of peace to

our society and our generations. We observe the third Sunday as Unity

Sunday, and ecumenism is a vision of all moving together forward in

goodwill. 4th Sunday we meditate upon Christian witness in the public

sphere. As we are assigned as light to the land we should play our role

faithfully in public sphere .

Continued on Page 7

Youth Chaplain’s Message

Glory be to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit - One True God!

Dearly beloved in Christ,

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

As we step into a new year, it’s a chance for new goals, fresh starts, and a re-

newed connection with God. Let’s make it a priority to walk closer with Him,

allowing His purpose for our lives to shape us into a blessing for those around

us. I pray that the Almighty Lord fills your year with joy, growth, and His un-

ending grace for you and your family.

We all strive to grow in every part of life, but progress doesn’t just happen—it

requires focus and commitment. Life often revolves around five key actions:

thinking, working, loving, worshipping, and prayer. When these are

balanced, we find deeper meaning, appreciation and fulfillment in the life

God has blessed us with.Think deeply. "Finally, brothers and sisters, what-

ever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatev-

er is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praisewor-

thy—think about such things." (Philippians 4:8) Our thoughts shape our ac-

tions, and our actions shape our future. Positive, focused, and faith-driven

thoughts make us stand apart in a world full of distractions. Let’s take time to

reflect and choose wisely in all we do.

· Work passionately. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,

as working for the Lord, not for human masters." (Colossians 3:23) Hard

work and persistence help us grow mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone or pursue your dreams—

your effort, when aligned with God’s plan, will bear fruit.

· Love authentically. "A new command I give you: Love one another.

As I have loved you, so you must love one another." (John 13:34) Every-

one craves love, but real love comes when we let go of grudges and stop

being overly critical of others. Instead, look for the good in people, and

show them appreciation and kindness. Love isn’t just an emotion; it’s an

action, modeled by Jesus Himself, who calls us to love truthfully and self-

lessly.

· Worship genuinely. At our core, we’re designed to connect with God.

Worship, prayer, and time spent with Him are more than rituals—they're

a lifestyle that brings peace and purpose. "Yet a time is coming and has

now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit

and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks." (John

4:23) As St. Augustine beautifully said, “You have made us for Yourself,

O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” Make time to

worship and watch how it transforms the way you live.

Continued on Page 5

OBITUARY

==========================================

Mrs Achamma Mathai, Pattenkadavil Roy Villa, Kollakdavu, Kerala,

sister of our member Mr. Mathew V Zacharia11 Lakeview Ave, Slate

Hill, NY 10973 entered eternity at the age of 85 in Kuwait. Funeral

services were held in AG Church Cemetery in Kollakdavu, Kerala on

Tuesday Dec 17, 2024.

On behalf of St Thomas Mar Thoma Church, I express our sincere

condolences to the bereaving families and pray that God give them

sufficient courage and strength to face this difficult time.

==========================================

December Answers (Exodus: 1-10)

1.137(6:20)

2.ൈദവിെറ വിരൽ (8:19)

3.േഗർേഷാം (2:22)

4.നദിയരിെകെയാെയും ഓലി കുഴി (7:24)

5. Pithom and Rameses (1:11)

6.അഹേരാൻ (4:16),ഫറേവാൻ (7:1)

7.േകാതും േചാളവും (9:32)

8. ഏ (2:16)

9.കിഴൻ കാ് (10:13)

10.ഞാൻ ആകുവൻ ഞാൻ ആകുു (3:14)

December Winners

Susan John

Sosamma Abraham

Sosamma Varghese

Mariamma Thomas

Saramma Thankachan

Mercy Rajan

Leelamma John

Saramma Thomas

Sherly Vaidyan

Kunjamma Yohannan

Thankamma John

Celine George

JAN BIBLE QUIZZ

1.Where were the 12 springs and 70

palm trees?

2. Where did the Israelites journey

from and where did they go?

3. What were the names of Moses'

sons?

4.Where did Aaron put the manna for

the generations and preserve it?

5. How did Pharaoh's officials and by

the people of the land of Egypt think

of the man Moses?

6. Who became anguish will grip ?

7. Where did Amalekites attack the Is-

raelites ?

8. What did Jehovah say should not

make an image of?

9. How many days were told to eat

unleavened bread?

10. In which desert did the Israelites

travel by three days without finding

water?

Continued from page 4

· Pray ceaselessly. "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all

circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessa-

lonians 5:16-18) Prayer is not just about asking for things; it’s about

building a deeper relationship with God. Even when there are no specific

requests, pray to thank Him for His goodness, to seek His will, and to

simply spend time in His presence. Prayer strengthens our spirit and

keeps us connected to the One who holds everything in His hands.

This year, let’s commit to making these five actions—thinking, working, lov-

ing, worshipping, and praying ceaselessly—part of our everyday lives. When

we align our lives with Christ, we don’t just find success; we find meaning.

May God bless you abundantly in this new year and guide you toward His

amazing plans for your life!

Yours in His service,

JVarghese Achen

Youth Fellowship HouseKeeping

I take this time to also thank the NERYF Committee, and all the Youth Fel-

lowships for their unwavering support and dedication to the various activi-

ties and programs over the past year. Your hard work and faithfulness have

been instrumental in fostering a vibrant and spiritually enriched community.

May God continue to embolden each of us to live our lives giving glory to

Him, as we strive to serve with greater zeal in the coming year.

📢 Diocesan Youth Fellowship Leadership Conference 2025

Hosted by the Detroit Mar Thoma Church Youth Fellowship, this event will

focus on the key theme: “Proclaim”(John 15:8), encouraging us to proclaim

the gospel consistently, patiently, creatively, and through our actions. Please

keep this conference in your prayers as we grow together as disciples and

leaders in faith!

Monthly Parish Youth Fellowship Meetings

For more information, please reach out to your Parish Youth Fellowship Sec-

retary, who will have all the details. Let’s make the most of these gatherings!

Combined Youth Fellowship Bible Study

When: Wednesday, January 22, 2024 at 7:00-8:30 pm

Where: Youth Chaplain’s Parsonage

All are invited, and we’d love for you to join us as we dive into God’s Word

together.

January College Visits – Let’s Fellowship in Christ!

Students! Join in on an opportunity to grow together, share life, and encour-

age one another on campus! Your Youth Chaplain is excited to join you for

fellowship, support, and prayer. Whether you need a break, a boost, or a few

moments of community, we’re here for you. Details will be given at a later

YOUTH CHAPLAIN’S MESSAGE (CONTD)

Area Date & Time Location

Upper

Westchester/

Sat Jan 4

4 PM

Christin K mathew & Kripa Abraham

18 Bradhurst Ave, Valahalla NY 10595

(914)5317168

Yonkers East

Sat Jan 18

6PM

John Jacob and Mini John

160 Winthrop Ave, Elmsford NY 10523

646 898 5530

Yonkers North

Sun, Jan 26

7 PM

Via Zoom

Bronx/Yonkers

South and

West

Sun Jan 5

6.30 PM

Church

Rockland

Sun Jan 19

5.30 PM

Sabu Joseph & Smitha Alexander

105 N Harrison Ave, Congers NY 10920

(914) 364 6241

Queens/LI

Sun Jan 12

6.30 PM

Via Zoom

Area Prayer Meetings

Senior Citizens Fellowship Meeting

will be held on Thursdays Jan 2

and January 16, 2024 at 6:30 PM

Via Zoom.

JANUARY BIBLE QUIZZ

.Exodus :11-20

1.എവിെടയാ 12 നീരുറവും 70 ഈനയും

ഉായിരു?

2. ഇസാേയൽ മൾ എവിെട നി് എവിേടാ

യാത പുറെ?

3. േമാശയുെട മളെട േപ എെലാം?

4.തലമുറകൾ് േവി ഒരിടഴി മാ എടു്

എവിെടയാ സൂി് െവ?

5. േമാശെയ പുരുഷെന മിസയിം േദശെ

ഭൃതാരും പജകളം എെനയാ വിചാരി?

6. ആർാ ഭീതി പിടിിരിു?

7. എവിെട വാ അമാേല് ഇസാേയലിേനാ

യും െചത?

8. എിെറെയലാം പതിമ ഉാരുെതാ

യേഹാവ പറ?

9. എത ദിവസമാ പുളിിലാ അം തിണം

എ് പറ?

10 ഏ മരുഭൂമിയിലാ ഇസാേയൽ മൾ

മൂുദിവസം െവം കിാെത സരി?

==========================================

PARISH DAY

In connection with our Parish Day we will have an English

Convention on January 24, 25, and 26. We are also planning

to conduct a Senior Youths Meeting on January 25th begin-

ning at 4 PM. Dr. Vino Daniel, a well known speaker and

physician will lead the convention. Everyone is requested to

participate prayerfully.

Rockland

Mr. Jerry John & Mrs. Ancy Andrews 1

7 Oak Lane

Mr. Sabu Joseph & Mrs. Smitha Sara Zachariah 4

306 North Little Tor Road

Mr. Thomas Mathew & Mrs. Aleyamma Thomas 17

248 Betsy Ross Dr

Mr. Shyam Joseph & Mrs. Anu Mary Shyam 18

21 Tamar Drive

Mr. Abraham P. Thomas & Mrs. Bibi Susan Abraham 18

8 Birret Drive

Upper Westchester/CT

Mr. Dylan M. Thomas & Mrs. Shiji M. Thomas 7

8 Sherbrooke Road

Mr. Johnson S. Parayil & Mrs. Chachy J. Parayil 8

232 Carol Avenue

Mr. Mony Lal Georgekutty & Mrs. Soosamma 21

Mony-Lal 60 Valley View Rd

Mr. Geevarghese Kochumman & Mrs. Annamma 24

Kochumman

288 Fisher Ave

Mr. P. C. Chacko & Mrs. Aleyamma E. Chacko 31

16 Vincent St

Yonkers East

Mr. Abhilash Abraham & Mrs. Shyja Oommen 15

61 Valerie Drive

Mr. Thomas Oommen & Mrs. Ani Thankachen 20

Chacko 9 Dugan Lane

Mr. Sam V. Kuruvilla & Mrs. Jessy Kuruvilla 21

28 Balmoral Cress

Mr. Pradeep Kuruvilla & Mrs. Merina Andrews 28

38 Eisenhower Drive

Yonkers North

Mr. Varghese M. Yohannan & Mrs. Lovely V. 3

Yohannan

10 Hudson view Drive

Mr. Shyam Mathai & Mrs. Sharon Raju George 3

194 Osmun Place

Mr. Paul Raju George & Mrs. Sarah Mathew 11

194 Osmun Place

Mr. Yohannan Yohannan & Mrs. Kunjamma 29

Yohannan

103 Midland Ter.

JAN WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

Organizational Meetings

Event Date & Time Location

Friday Prayer

Fri, Jan 3

10.00 am

Cancelled

Friday Prayer

Fri, Jan 10

10:00 am

Church

Friday Prayer

Fri, Jan 17

10:00 am

Church

Friday Prayer

Fri, Jan 24

10:00 am

Church

Friday Prayer

Friday Jan 31

10.00 am

Church

Joint Prayer Meeting Sevika Sanghom and

Edavaka Mission

Vicar’s Message (Contd)

The 4th Sunday (January 26th) we are also celebrating as our Parish

day. Rev. Abraham Sudeep Oomman (Doctoral student, Drew Universi-

ty ) will be the chief guest . May the celebration be a blessing and a new

energy to move ahead. We will have an English convention along with

our Parish Day celebration on 24, 25 & 26 evenings, Dr.Vino Daniel,

Philadelphia will be the main speaker, I request your prayerful

participation. I request your prayerful participation in all the ser-

vices .

May the Lord Almighty strengthen us all to walk with Jesus in the

new year.

With Prayers

Rev. John Philip

Vicar

JAN BIRTHDAYS

Bronx/Yonkers South/West

Blessy Varghese 221 Rumsey Rd. Apt 2A 1

Mrs. Mariamma Mathew 14 Sunset Dr 2

Ms. Sherlyn Verghese 68 Linn Avenue 2

Mrs. Accamma Verghese 68 Linn Avenue 7

Mrs. Dania Abraham 14 Sunset Dr 15

Mr. Renjith Mathew 14 Sunset Dr 19

Mrs. Sarala Philip Varghese 16 Astor Place, #31N 20

Mr. Samuel George 26 Post Street Apt. 4A 31

Mr. Joseph Thomas 30 Leroy Place 31

Manhattan/New Jersey

Mr. Jayden Daniel Thomas 327 Merritt Drive 4

Mrs. Achamma Easo (Mother) 257 Bradley Ave. 9

Mr. Blessen Varghese Easo 701 Plympton Street 17

Mrs. Annamma J. Varghese 24 Dalton Place 20

Mr. Manu Thomas 327 Merritt Drive 24

Queens/Long Island

Ms. Ruby Abraham 1480 Horseshoe Dr. 2

Mr. Jobby Thomas 8 Locust Lane 13

Mr. Ian Thomas Jacob 49 Gary Road 16

Mr. Kuruvilla T. Abraham 1421 Alpha Street 23

Rockland

Mr. Aaron Thomas Cherian 27 Hemptor Rd 2

Mr.Sanjo Shyam 21 Tamar Drive 8

Mrs. Betsey Chacko 137 Lake Region Blvd 9

Mr. Justin Mathew Simon 5 Spruce Dr 9

Mr. Jubil J Oommen 892 Route 9W 13

Mr. Daniel Simon Abraham 4 Trotters Trail 17

Mr. Christopher Issac Chacko 51 Alexander Drive 18

Mr. Joshua Ouseph 4 Arrow Lane 23

Mrs. Sosamma Abraham 32 Eckerson Lane 26

Ms. Susan Ouseph 4 Arrow Lane 29

Upper Westchester/CT

Mr. Johnson J. Parayil 232 Carol Avenue 1

Mr. Christin Abraham 315 7th Avenue 4

Ms. Divya Sara Jose 40 Evarts Avenue 4

Ms. Isabelle Susan George 11 Chimney Pot Lane 16

Joanna Madelaine Mathai 135 Linn Ave 21

Mrs. Joyce Abraham 315 7th Avenue 22

Anya Vimala Abraham 20 Harriman Keep 24

Mrs. Gracey Mathai 10 Lilac Lane 25

JAN BIRTHDAYS

Mr. John C. Thomas 90 Mayfair Road 26

Mr. Sibil George 111 Centre Ave Apt 725 29

Vicar

Mrs. Ansa Ann Thankachen 34 Morris st 17

Mr. Aaric Phil John 34 Morris st 27

Yonkers East

Tony Jacob 28 Montclair Road 1

Mrs. Darly John 35 Linda Lane 3

Dr. Santhosh M. Alex 23 Linda Lane 10

Mr. Sam V. Kuruvilla 28 Balmoral Cress 10

Ms. Nida Kuruvilla 28 Balmoral Cress 12

Mr. Sherry George 55 Patton Drive 31

Yonkers North

Mrs. Mariamma Andrews 17 Argyle Terrace 1

Mr. Danny Matthew Eapen 71 Nimitz Road 2

Mrs. Jasmin T. Thomas 29 Woodrow Dr. 5

Mr. Paul Raju George 194 Osmun Place 10

Kevin Cheriyan 5 Via Trenta Court 21

Mr. Melvin C. Tom 45 Sandrock Ave 25

===================================================

JAN WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

Bronx/Yonkers South/West

Mr. V. T. Thomas & Mrs. Leila Thomas 1

5020 Goodridge Ave

Mr. Joby K. Chacko & Ms. Sherlyn Verghese 5

68 Linn Avenue

Mr. John A. Thomas & Mrs. Thankamma John 10

172 Vrendenburgh Ave.

Mr. Jibu C. Varghese & Mrs. Roji Joseph 14

12 Stokes Rd Unit 2B

Mr. Reji Thomas & Mrs. Susan Reji 16

15 Intervale Place

Mr. Anuj Varghese Joy & Ms. Renju Joseph 28

30 Leroy Place