NEWSLETTER VOL. XLVI NO. 4

Vicar: Rev. John Philip [vicar@shomasmtc.org]

Secretary: Mr. John Abraham [secretary@stmtcny.org]

Trustees: [[email protected]]

stthomasmtcny.org

April 2026

Date Time Worship

Mar 30th

Mar 31st

April 1st

6:30 PM

VESPERS

Service at Church

Thursday,

April 2

6:30 PM

Passover, Maundy-Thursday

Malayalam Holy Communion Service

Friday

April 3

9:30 AM

Good Friday Services

First Service - English

Second Service - Malayalam

Third Service - Malayalam

Sunday

April 5

9:30 AM

Easter Sunday

English Holy Communion Service

Easter Great Lent ends

Resurrection: Victory over death

Sunday

April 12

9:30 AM

Praise & Worship

English Holy Communion Service

New Sunday: My Lord and My God

First Sunday after the Resurrection

Sunday

April 19

9:30 AM

Praise & Worship

Malayalam Holy Communion Service

Come and dine: Invitation by the

risen Lord

Sunday

April 26

9:30 AM

Praise & Worship

Malayalam Holy Communion Service

Risen Lord: The co-traveler

Worship Service Schedule

Lectionary

Date Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Epistle Gospel

Mon,

Mar 30th

Isa 63 Heb 2 Matt 22:15-33

Tue,

Mar 31st

Numbers 21:

1-16

Ephesians 2

St. Matthew 24:

1-28

Wed,

Apr 1st

Lev 16:1-28 1Pet 4 Matt 25:14-46

Thu,

Apr 2nd

Exod 12:1-17 Heb 9:1-15

1Cor 11:

23-34

Matt 26:17-30

Fri,

Apr 3rd - 1

Isa 53 1Pet 1 Matt 26:47-75

Fri,

Apr 3rd - 2

Zech 13 Gal 3 Matt 27:1-44

Fri,

Apr 3rd - 3

Num 21:1-9 Heb 3:1-19 Matt 27:45-56

Sun,

Apr 5th

Ezek 37:1-14

1Cor 15:

20-28

Rom 6:1-11 Mark 16:1-11

Sun,

Apr 12th

Isa 45:21-25 Rev 1:9-20 Col 1:15-20 John 20:24-29

Sun,

Apr 19th

1Kgs 19:1-8 Rev 3:14-22 Acts 27:27-36 John 21:1-14

Sun,

Apr 26th

Exod 33:12-16 Acts 18:1-11 2Cor 4:7-15 Luke 24:13-35

Rockland

Sunday

April 19

6:30 PM

Via Zoom

ID: 935 0649 9316

Passcode: 703734

Queens /

Long Island

Sunday

April 12

6:00 PM

Via Zoom

ID: 935 0649 9316

Passcode: 703734

Yonkers North

April 26

6:30 PM

Mr. Cheriyan Varughese

5 VIA Trenta Court

Yonkers, 10710

Area Prayer

Dearly Beloved in Christ,

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 be-

ginning 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 Edavakamission office bearers , the families who hosting prayer

meetings and those who leading the sermons these days.

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 empty” which is a verb form of kénōsis. It literally means

to “make oneself into nothing. He, the Creator of the world, the God of hu-

manity, the Son of God, chose to let Himself 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 victory 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.

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the office bearers and everyone

who participated and worked diligently to make our Parish Day a success. The

presence of distinguished guests—including Congressman George Latimer,

Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Shelley B. Mayer, and our Rev. Christopher Phil

Daniel—truly honored the occasion. We are especially proud that Congress-

man Latimer mentioned our Parish Day during his speech on the floor of the

House of Representatives in Washington on March 17th.

On the first Sunday we meditate on " Resurrection : Victory over Death ",

Easter reminds us that resurrection is the ultimate victory—life triumphing

over death, hope rising from despair. In that promise, we find courage to be-

lieve that no ending is final, and every darkness can give way to light. On the

new Sunday, we meditate the words “My Lord and my God”, echo the deep

awakening of faith, as doubt gives way to personal encounter and trust. Like

Thomas the Apostle, we are invited to move from questioning to conviction,

finding peace in recognizing the risen presence

Vicar’s Message

Continued on Page 6….

Youth Chaplain’s Corner

Glory be to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit

- One True God! Amen!

Dearly Beloved in Christ,

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)

At that moment, the quiet of the tomb turned

into the joy of life. What looked like a loss be-

came a win. What seemed to be the end became

a new and never-ending beginning. The sadness

of Good Friday changed into the happiness of Resurrection morning.

The good news of peace in Isaiah 52:7 came true. We must remember

Jesus did not just talk about peace. He became our peace. He did not

only talk about saving us. He made it happen, defeating sin and death

and making a way.

As we will move in remembrance from the cross to the empty tomb this

Holy Week, let us not only remember but also live out this truth. Let us

bring this message into our daily lives by bringing light to dark places,

comfort to those who are sad, and hope to situations that feel hopeless.

May our words, our actions, and our very presence reflect the risen

Christ. Let our life, our walk, and our witness boldly proclaim:

Our God reigns! Christ is Risen! Indeed, He is Risen!

Prayerfully ,

J Varghese Achen

Youth Corner

Authenticity

Our first Biblical Wellness Retreat for young adults ages 21 and older, centered on the

theme Authenticity. This retreat will take place from May 28–31, 2026, at Camp of the

Woods in Speculator, NY, and will be led by Rev. Larry Varghese and Roshin Kochamma.

Parents please encourage your children to attend. Cost is $340.

North East Regional Youth Fellowship

One Day Conference

Date: Saturday, April 4th 2026

Time: 8:00 AM

Theme : Stillness (Romans 8:24-25)

Venue: St. John’s MTC, Queens Village

**carpool recommended

Leaders:

Rev. Abraham Sudeep Oommen

(Drew University)

Mr. Abel Joshua

(Harvard Divinity School)

before us. On third Sunday meditate on "Come

and dine: invitation of the risen Lord,” it is a gen-

tle invitation of the risen Lord, drawing us into communion, nourishment, and

quiet restoration after our struggles. Like Simon Peter by the shore, we are

welcomed not for our perfection, but for our willingness to receive love and

begin again. On Fourth Sunday we meditate "The Risen Lord : co-traveller"

The Risen Lord walks beside us as a quiet co-traveller, present even when we

fail to recognize Him in the ordinary paths of life. Like Cleopas on the road to

Emmaus, our hearts are set ablaze when we finally see that we were never

walking alone.

As we step into this new financial year, I encourage all organizations to prayer-

fully and promptly prepare their annual plans, so that our work may flourish in

service to the Lord and our communities. Let all organizations and area prayer

groups also take this season as an opportunity to schedule inperson meetings

during the spring and summer, fostering fellowship, guidance, and shared spir-

itual growth. This is a time to sincerely pray for an end to the wars taking place

around us. May our prayers be heard before the throne of God and be gracious-

ly answered.

I take this opportunity to thank you all for the grace we have experienced from

God over the past three years, and for your constant prayers and support. It has

truly been a blessed and meaningful experience serving as the Vicar of this

parish.

I am deeply grateful for your love, care, and cooperation throughout this jour-

ney. I pray that our parish will continue to be a space where God’s grace is

received, a place of true fellowship, and a community that nurtures and up-

holds the Mar Thoma tradition.

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks for the comfort and support you

extended to us during our time of grief. Your love towards our family—

especially the affection shown to our children—means a great deal to us. My

sincere appreciation also goes to all the office bearers, executive committee

members, various organizations, and prayer groups for your dedication and

service. God willing, we will return to India on April 28th to begin our new

ministry at the Mar Thoma Syrian Church in Vizag, Andhra Pradesh. We kind-

ly ask that you continue to remember us in your prayers as we step into this

new chapter.

As we move forward, I warmly welcome our new Vicar, Rev. Jubin Varghese,

and his family. May the Lord bless their ministry abundantly and guide them in

their service to this parish.

I pray and wish that the coming days will be a blessing to all of us. God bless

us all.

With Much Prayer,

Rev. John Philip

….Continued from Page 4

PARISH PICNIC

Save the Date

AUGUST 15, 2026

Venue:

SAXON WOOD PARK

Pavilion A

500 Mamaroneck Ave, Harrison, NY

St Thomas Mar Thoma Church, NY

ORGANIZATIONAL RETREAT

Sunday April 12th 2026

All Organizational committee members must attend

Others welcome!!

Please Join us for a

Farewell

Celebration

In Honor of

Rev. John Philip & Family

Sunday, April 26th, after service

Date Location

Every Friday

10:00 AM

Via Zoom

Zoom Meeting ID: 935 0649 9316

Passcode: 703734

Sevika Sangham & Edavaka Mission

Senior Citizens Fellowship

Sunday School

Program / Location

Sunday School Every Sunday after Worship Service!

Young Family Fellowship

Date Location

TBA To be Announced

Yuvajana Sakhyam

Date Location

TBA To be Announced

Date Location

Thursday

April 16th

10:00 AM

Via Zoom

Zoom Meeting ID: 935 0649 9316

Passcode: 703734

BIBLE QUIZ ANSWERS (Galatians )

1.Eternal life (6:8)

2.by the sprit (5:18)

3.Titus (2:3)

4.by faith (3:8)

5.Mount Sinai (4:25)

6.Peter(2:7)

7.the law (3:24)

8.Gal:1:8,9

9.by revelation from Jesus Christ (1:12,13)

10.Gal:5:22,23

Thank you, dear Bible Quiz participants, for your

dedication to learning God’s Word and for your co-

operation over the past three years. I truly appre-

ciate each of you. Love you all, and may God richly

bless you.

Ansa Kochamma

Bible Quiz

Date Location

TBA TBD

Youth Fellowship

Bible Quiz Winners

Annamma Mathew

Mariamma Thomas

Sosamma Varghese

Mercy Rajan

Sherly Vaidyan

Susan John

Sosamma Abraham, Yonkers

Saramma Thankachan

All families are requested to contribute $1,100 for the upcoming

Capital Improvement work. Please submit your contributions to

the Trustees

via Check

Zelle

to:

[email protected]

Capital Improvement YTD Collection

As per the General Body decision, please contribute $125 per

family towards the collection of

Incoming and Outgoing Achens expenses

via Check

Zelle

to:

[email protected]

Upper WestC./CT $5,501.11

Daniel Vaidyan $1,100.00

John Thomas $1,101.00

Levan Thomas $1,100.11

Pallickal Easo $1,100.00

Saramma Thomas $1,100.00

Yonkers East $4,900.00

Jacob Vaidian $1,100.00

Jasmin Thomas $1,100.00

John Jacob $500.00

Shawn Thomas $500.00

Thomas Varghese $600.00

Wilson John $1,100.00

Yonkers North $4,800.00

Abraham George $1,100.00

Abraham Kankalil $500.00

Cheriyan Varughese $450.00

Mathew Zacharia $1,100.00

N.J. Mathai $1,100.00

Robin George $550.00

Name Donation

Bronx/Yonkers S./W. $3,700.00

Accamma Verghese $1,000.00

Jolly Eapen $1,100.00

Lenny Thomas $1,100.00

P. John Joseph $500.00

Manhattan/NJ $5,000.00

Sunil Thomas $5,000.00

Queens/Long Island $2,200.00

George David $1,100.00

T.P. Jacob $1,100.00

Rockland $7,250.00

Abey Cherian $1,100.00

Biju Varughese $350.00

Blessen Kurian $1,100.00

John Abraham $1,100.00

Koshy Thomas $500.00

M.J. George $400.00

Sunil Varughese $1,100.00

Ullas Thannickal $1,100.00

Varghese Oommen $500.00

Name Donation

Grand Total $33,351.11

Bronx/Yonkers South/West

Mr. Joshua Samuel 9 Woodlands Ave 5

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. Koshy Samuel 26 Post Street Apt. 4A 29

Manhattan/New Jersey

Dr. Koshy Koshy Jr. 33 Third Avenue 2

Queens/Long Island

Mrs. Jeswin Jacob Chacko 15 Lawrence Ave 2

Mrs. Jaime S. Thomas 8 Locust Lane 3

Mrs. Jemi George 1600 Lowell Ave 4

Mr. Aaron John Thomas 19 Richfield St 10

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 10 Edison Court, Apt G, BLDG 1 14

Mr. Rajan Chacko 5 Lester Drive 15

Mr. Koshy Abraham Jr. 187 Oak Tree Rd 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. Nellical John Mathew 576 ROUTE 304 26

Mr. Caleb Edison Koshy 9 Dade Rd 27

April Birthday

Upper Westchester/CT

Mrs. Saramma Jose 40 Evarts Avenue 5

Raphael Stephen Mathai 135 Linn Ave 6

Mr. Sajan Abraham 20 Harriman Keep 7

Mrs. Betzy Nireesh 120 Third Street 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 10 Dartmouth Terrace 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. 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

Johanna Saramma Daniel 29 Woodrow Dr. 26

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

Mr. Monsey Varghese 26 Emerald Street 28

Mrs. Mary Samuel 63 Price Street 30

April Birthday

April Wedding Anniversary

Bronx/Yonkers South/West

Mr. Joseph Thomas & Mrs. Mariamma Joseph 14

24 Leroy Place

Mr. Qubin Jose & Mrs. Christy Elsa David 21

89 Travers Ave

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

Mr. Steve Varghese Mathew & Mrs. Irene Babukutty 25

930 Tooker Ave

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

Event /

Sub-Committee

Convener(s) Date / Notes

Organizational

Retreat

John Abraham Sun, April 12

Graduation

Recognition

Sajan Abraham Sun, July 12

Parish Picnic

Josen Joseph,

Saju Mathew

Sat, August 15

Saxon Wood Park

Parish Convention Josen Joseph Sep / Oct Date TBD

Senior Citizens

Recognition

George M. Varkey TBA

Parish Retreat

T. P. Jacob,

Saju Mathew

Danny Eapen

Sep / Oct Date TBD

Thanksgiving

Cherian Varghese

Manoj Mathew

Thu, Nov 26

Christmas Carol

Service

Danny Eapen

Manoj Mathew

Sherly Thomas

Sat, Dec 19

Christmas House

Caroling

Sabu Joseph

Saju Mathew

Nov 27,28,29

Dec 4,5,6,11,12,13,18

Parish Day (2027) John Abraham Sun, Jan 24

Food Committee Thomas John (Sajan)

Prayer Group and Organiza-

tions will be assigned monthly

Ushers

Geevarghese Kochummen

Sabu Joseph

—

Family Night Josen Joseph Sat, Nov 7

Audio Video

Sabu Joseph

Danny Eapen

—

2026 Program and Sub-Committees

Executive Committee 2026

Position Name Home Phone

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

Vice President Mr. Thomas Oommen (914) 552-6566

Secretary Mr. John Abraham (914) 772-8824

Treasurer Mr. Ullas P. Thannickal (845) 300-5810

Accountant Mr. Sunil M. Varughese (845) 598-3994

Lay Leader - Malayalam Mr. Josen Joseph (914) 907-1190

Lay Leader - English Mr. Saju V. Mathew (845) 671-1820

AREA PRAYER GROUP REPRESENTATIVES

Manhattan/NJ not elected

Queens/LI Mr. T.P. Jacob (516) 554-1809

Rockland Mr. Varghese Oommen (845) 300-8153

Rockland Mr. Sabu Joseph (914) 364-6241

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

Upper Westchester/CT Mr. Thankachen Geevarghese (914) 417-1273

Yonkers East Mr. Jacob Vaidian (917) 757-4077

Yonkers North Mr. Cherian Varughese (914) 316-2439

Yonkers West/South/Bronx Mr. Thomas John (914) 662-7535

MANDALAM & DIOCESAN REPRESENTATIVES

Sabha Mandalam Mr. Biju P. Varughese (845) 596-0537

Diocesan Representatives Mr. P.T. Thomas (845) 596-3030

Mrs. Leena Daniel (914) 441-8233

ORGANIZATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES

Choir Mr. Danny Eapen (914) 338-6708

Edavaka Mission Mr. Thankachen Geevarghese (914) 417-1273

Senior Citizen Fellowship Mr. George M. Varkey (845) 641-4754

Sevika Sangham Mrs. Rachel Varghese (914) 525-1178

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. Manoj T. Mathew (914) 229-1433

AUDITORS

Mr. M.C. Chacko (845) 300-1762

Mr. Sunil M. Thomas (973) 985-2812

St Thomas Mar Thoma Church, NY

34 Morris Street

Yonkers, NY 10705

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