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Youth Chaplain’s Message
Glory be to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit - One True God! Amen!
Beloved family,
As we step into the Great Fast, we are invited to embrace a season of
reconciliation, renewal, and profound reflection. The commencement
of Great Lent is marked by the liturgy of Shubkono—a sacred gath-
ering where we set aside our burdens and open our hearts to divine
peace. In this holy service, our prayers call us to quiet our egos,
cleanse our souls, and deepen the bonds within our community.
Drawing on the harmonious teachings of Scripture and the wisdom
of our early Church Fathers, we find that genuine renewal begins
with the transformation of the heart. As the psalmist pleads, “Create
in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within
me” (Psalm 51:10), so also St. John Chrysostom reminds us that
“Fasting is the medicine of the soul.” Together, these voices guide us
away from mere outward practices, inviting us into a deeper journey
of introspection and humility—one that reshapes our inner lives and
reinforces our relationships with others.
Reimagining the story of the wedding at Cana, we encounter a narra-
tive of transformation and abundance. Just as water is miraculously
transformed into wine, our humble acts of kindness and reconcilia-
tion have the power to elevate the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Each gesture of humility ignites hope and nurtures a more compas-
sionate community.
May this Lent be a time of sincere reflection, soulful rejuvenation,
and steadfast unity—a journey where our renewed spirits light the
path to a kinder, more loving world. With heartfelt prayers and bless-
ings for a transformative and meaningful Lenten season, God be with
you all.
Youth Fellowship Housekeeping
NERYF Fifth Sunday Combined Holy Qurbana
We invite you to join us at 10:00 am on March 30, 2025, at St. James Mar
Thoma Church (253 Ehrhardt Rd, Pearl River, NY 10965) for our NERYF
Fifth Sunday Combined Holy Qurbana. Ms. Esther Mathew, a member of
Salem Mar Thoma Church, NY, will share the message. Let us make this a
special time of worship, fellowship, and networking. We encourage every-
one to carpool and make this event a blessing for all involved. Parents,
please remember to arrange carpools and send your youngsters to this won-
derful gathering. More details will follow soon.