2025
December
stthomasmtcny.org
NEWSLETTER VOL. XLV NO. 12
Vicar: Rev. John Philip [vica[email protected]]
Secretary: Mr. Sunil M. Varughese [secretary@stthomasmtc.org
Trustees: [stmtctrustees@yahoo.com]
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Dear Parishioners,
Greet you all in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
who born in a manger. We are entered into the last month of
2025, let's thank God for all blessings we experienced in the
past year, May the new year also bring many blessings to us . I
appreciate the Family Night organized by Savika Sanghom
and extend my gratitude to everyone who participated. It was
a wonderful event. I express My thanks to all who participated and arranged the
Thanksgiving celebration.
Our celebration should bring light and hope to others. We are observing 25 days
lent on December 1-25, thus our ancestors celebrated Christmas. May the days
of Lent become days of self –appraisal and days of receiving grace from above.
This time also we are making a 25 days Lent meditation (IDO-DU MAULODO
2025) video which is very much appreciated. Second week we are meditating on
the theme Annunciation to Joseph : Emmanuel :celebration of joy. The celebra-
tion of joy is that God is with us. Third week December 21 we observe as day of
commemorate landing of St . Thomas Apostle in India and the formation of
Christianity in India. We should be proud in our legacy and we are obliged to
protect and follow our traditions of apostolic succession. Meditating on Church:
the way of Christ. The Church should be the world's way to Christ. 25th we
celebrate and meditate birth of Jesus Christ, Be the space for Christ. Every
Christmas challenges us how we open our space for Christ. I request your
prayerful participation to the Christmas celebrations of this year. We will have
Christmas House Caroling program as per the schedule give below. Please con-
tact your area representative if you have any questions. Manhattan/NJ-Dec-
5,Friday, Yonkers East,North,west,south,Bronx-Dec-6,sat, Upper westchester/
CT-Dec-7,Sun, Queens/LI-Dec-12, Friday, ROCKLAND- Dec-13,14, Satur-
day, Sunday. 20th evening we will have Carol service Christmas orchestra and
Play, Sr Dr Jocelyn Edathil SIC, MD, PhD will be Chief gust. And 25th morn-
ing we will have Holy Communion. As we come to the last Sunday of the year
we meditate on the theme Reflect, Rejoice and Renew.
As we are coming to the end of a financial year. I request you to check the dues
and settle them. We will have the watch night service on 31st at 10:00 PM. I
pray that may the watch night service on 31st be a time of dedication and re-
newal. At the end of the year, we contemplate the Lord, who awaits us with
mercy. May Lord help us to enter the new year with Jesus Christ.
With Prayers and Love,
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!
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the
one who brings good news… ‘Your God reigns.’”
— Isaiah 52:7
Dearly Beloved in Christ,
As we enter deeper into the season of Annunciation
and the Twenty-Five Days Lent, we are reminded of
something very simple but very powerful: God comes
close. Isaiah tells us that the person who brings good news has “beautiful feet”
not because of appearance, but because of the message. The message is this: God
is stepping into our world. God is stepping into our story. God is bringing hope
exactly where we need it.
This is a season of prayer, music, joy, and expectation. It is the moment when
God’s light breaks into our darkness. It is the miracle of the Incarnation, God
becoming one of us so that none of us would ever be far from Him. As we move
from church to home in this caroling season and lift our voices in the songs of
Christmas wherever we go, may these days echo the good news Isaiah pro-
claimed: “Break forth into singing, for the Lord has comforted His people.”
Let us pray that this Advent season deepen our faith together, strengthen our
hope, and fill our hearts and homes with the peace only Christ can give.
Prayerfully,
JVarghese Achen
Special Thank You:
NERYF Fall One-Day Retreat 2025: The NERYF Fall One-Day Retreat 2025
was held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church,
Yonkers. We are grateful to the St. Thomas Youth Fellowship Committee, the
Parish Committee, and everyone who took part in this blessed day in every way.
We especially extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Ron Jacob and Mrs. Kripa Abra-
ham for sharing their time and wisdom with our youth. Thank you for your pray-
ers and support as we continue to encourage and strengthen our young people in
their walk with God. As we completed another Thanksgiving season, it was a
meaningful time for our youth to pause, reflect, and renew their faith through
worship, teaching, and fellowship.
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Date Time Worship
Sun, Dec 7 9:30 AM
Praise & Worship
English Holy Communion Service
Beginning of the 25-day Lent
Sun, Dec 14 9:30 AM
Praise & Worship
English Holy Communion Service
Annunciation to Joseph; Immanuel: Celebration of Joy
Sun, Dec 21 9:30 AM
Praise & Worship
Malayalam Holy Communion Service
Mar Thoma Church Day; Church: The way of Christ;
Celebration of Love: The Lord is coming
Thu, Dec 25 9:30 AM
English Holy Communion Service
Christmas: Birth of Jesus; Be the space for Christ; Conclu-
sion of the 25-day Lent
Sun, Dec 28 9:30 AM
Praise & Worship
Malayalam Holy Communion Service
Reflect, Rejoice and Renew
Wed, Dec 31 9:30 PM
Watch Night Service
Malayalam Holy Communion Service
The Lord who mercifully Awaits
Worship Service Schedule
Lectionary
Date Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Epistle Gospel
Sun, Dec 7
Jer 15:15-21 Acts 13:17-26 Heb 4:12-14 Luke 1:57-66
Sun, Dec 14
Isa 7:10-17 Rom 8:31-39 Eph 1:15-23 Matt 1:18-25
Sun, Dec 21
Josh 24:1-14 Heb 13:7-16 Eph 2:19-22 John 14:1-7
Thu, Dec 25
Mic 5:1-4 Col 1:15-20 2Tim 2:8-13 Luke 2:1-7
Sun, Dec 28
Isa 40:25-31 Phil 2:12-18
1Thess 5:14-
28
Matt 5:13-16
Wed, Dec 31
Exod 14:10-
22
2Cor 12:1-10 Acts 27:9-25 Luke 13:6-9
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Christmas Carol Schedule
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Date Location
Fri, Dec 5
10:00 AM
Mrs. Mariamma Andrew
17 Argyle Terrace, Yonkers, NY 10701
Fri, Dec 12, 19, 26
10:00 AM
Via Zoom
Zoom Meeting ID: 935 0649 9316
Passcode: 703734
Sevika Sangham & Edavaka Mission
Senior Citizens Fellowship
Sunday School
Message from the Trustees
• Only 1 more month until accounts are closed for 2025, please
submit subscription dues and other contributions to Trustees.
Send money via
Zelle
to:
[email protected]m
Trustees
Date Location
Thu, Dec 4, 18
6:30 PM
Via Zoom
Zoom Meeting ID: 935 0649 9316
Passcode: 703734
Date Location
Sunday School Every Sunday!
Sun, Dec 14
Parent Teachers meeting after Sunday
School Assembly
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Christmas Carol Program
Date Location
Sat, Dec 20
4:00 PM
@ Church
Chief Guest: Sr. Dr. Jocelyn Edathil SIC, MD, PhD
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Youth Chaplain Housekeeping
Monthly Parish Youth Fellowship Meetings
Monthly Parish Youth Fellowship Meetings are happening, and they’re filled
with activities to deepen our faith and friendships. For more information, please
reach out to your Parish Youth Fellowship Secretary, who will have all the de-
tails. Let’s make the most of these gatherings!
Diocesan Youth Fellowship Leadership Conference 2026
When: Wednesday, January 8 - 11, 2026
Where: St. Stephens Mar Thoma Church, New Jersey
The Conference will focus on the key theme: “Mosaic” (I Corinthians 12:12),
encouraging us to understand how God has uniquely gifted each one of us to
be united as one body in God. Registration has been extended to December
1st! Please keep this conference in your prayers as we grow together as disci-
ples and leaders in faith!
Youth Fellowship Bible Study
When: Wednesday, December 10 and 17, 2025, at 7:30-8:30 pm
Where: Youth Chaplain’s Parsonage
These evenings continue to provide a space for reflection, prayer, and conver-
sation as we explore how Scripture speaks into our daily lives. We also take a
moment to express our gratitude to Ms. Jasalin Manoj of St. John’s Mar Thoma
Church who led a meaningful session on the theme of Holy Spirit. His thought-
ful leadership and heartfelt insights encouraged everyone who attended, leav-
ing a lasting impact on those gathered. We look forward for part two in the com-
ing month.
NERYF Young Adults Retreat 2026 – Authenticity
When: Thursday, May 28 thru 31, 2025, beginning at 5:30 pm
Where: Camp of the Woods, Speculator, NY
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 Varghe-
se and Roshin Kochamma.
This will be a technology-light retreat created to offer space for reflection, medi-
tation, exercise and meaningful opportunities to reconnect with God and with
like-minded young adults seeking to grow in their faith and deepen their com-
mitment and involvement as members of the Body of Christ. More details will
be given soon.
Please note* To ensure a focused and enriching experience, the retreat will be
limited to 75 delegates through an application process, with a designated cap
for each parish. We warmly encourage our young adults (21+) to prayerfully
consider attending.
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Bible Quiz Answers
1. 
2. 
(30:14)
3. 
(29:16)
4. 
5. 
6. 7 (28:7)
7. 




8. 

9. 120 (34:7)
10. o, 

Deuteronomy 28-34
Bible Quiz Winners
1. Mariamma Thomas
2. Sosamma Varghese
3. Sosamma Abraham, Yonkers
4. Susan John
5. Saramma Thankachan
6. Mercy Rajan
7. Annamma Mathew
8. Thankamma John
9. Sherly Vaidyan
Obituary
Mr. Y Philipose (77), Muzhakuttickal, Vettiyar, father of our Vicar, Rev.
John Philip, passed away in Kerala on Friday, November 7, 2025. Funeral
services were held on Monday, November 10, 2025 at the St. Thomas Mar
Thoma Church Vettiyar under the leadership of the His Grace Rt. Rev.
Mathews Mar Seraphim Episcopa.
Mr. Philippose Gee Varghese (90), Puthen Chiramel House, Cheppad,
Kerala went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Nov 25, 2025, brother-in-
law of our member Mr. John K. Mathew, residing at 23 Patriots Way,
Somerset, NJ. Funeral services were held on Nov 26th, 2025 at St.
George Orthodox Church, Cheppad.
On behalf of the Parish, we extend our deepest condolences and prayers
to the bereaving families. May the Lord provide peace and comfort dur-
ing this difficult time.
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
Psalm 34:18
10
1.

















1.What clan did Achan, who stole the devoted things, belong to?
2. How far was the ark of the covenant of the Lord from the people?
3. Whom did Joshua see near Jericho?
4. Who went infront of Israelites, ready for battle?
5. At whose command did the sun delay going down about a full day?
6. From where did Joshua send two men to spy out the city of Jericho?
7. Where did Joshua place the 12 stones he took from the Jordan?
8. Where were the Israelites circumcised again?
9. Where did Rahab hide the spies on the roof of her house?
10. Who were the inhabitants who used cunning to save their lives and became woodcut-
ters and water carriers for Jehovah’s altar?
Bible Quiz
Joshua 1-10
11
Bronx/Yonkers South/West
Mr. Shelbin George 109 Alder Street 4
Mr. Jarius Jibu 12 Stokes Rd Unit 2B 4
Mrs. Susmitha Rebecca 5020 Goodridge Ave 4
Thomas
Mr. Lucas Jacob Thomas 68 Linn Ave, 14
Mr. Jessen Jacob Thomas 34 Morris Street 26
Mr. Jeffrey John 67 Raybrook Road 29
Mr. Aju Joseph 755 Delano Rd 31
Manhattan/New Jersey
Mr. Jacob M. Varghese 24 Dalton Place 12
Mrs. Jasmine Chennikara- 1758 W 5th St 13
Varghese
Ms. Reshmi Koiprathu John 59 Highview Ave. 18
Mr. Sunil Thomas 40 Haggerty Drive 19
Rachelle Daisy Philip 29 High Mountain Drive 20
Ms.Christy N. Varkey 401 Madison Avenue 21
Queens/Long Island
Mr. Rajan Varghese 871 Abbott Street 8
Johanna Susan David 1480 Horseshoe Dr. 19
Mrs. Girly Abraham Kuruvilla 1421 Alpha Street 28
Rockland
Mrs. Sally John 35 Tanger Road Unit 05 3
Mr. Shyju B. Varughese 3 Blithe Ct. 3
Ms. Sharon Sara Varughese 3 Blithe Ct. 3
Mr. Shelvin George 280 Mirth Dr 4
Ms. Rachel Elizabeth Abraham 4 Trotters Trail 5
Mrs. Sally Abraham 21 New Haven Ave. 7
Mr. Jube Daniel 21 South Cranford Road 7
Suhana Lael Varughese 24 Reginald Drive 7
Mr. Sunil Abraham 488 Strawtown Road 10
Supriya Hope Varughese 24 Reginald Drive 10
Mr. Sujin Samuel 5 Spruce Drive 12
Ms. Arpitha Mariam Abraham 8 Birret Drive 14
Mr. Koshy Abraham 21 New Haven Ave. 15
December Birthdays
12
Mr. Prakash Thannickal 22 N. Debaun Ave Suite 108 18
Mr. Bejoy Thomas 30 Phyllis Drive 21
Mrs. Elizabeth Abraham 4 Trotters Trail 22
Mr. Jordan P. Sunny 128 East Phillips Hill Rd. 24
Ms. Jasmin P. Sunny 128 East Phillips Hill Rd. 24
Mr. Michael Price 3517 John Paul Jones Lane 25
Mr. Elijah John Chacko 137 Lake Region Blvd 26
Mrs. Suja Thannickal 231 North Little Tor Road 31
Upper Westchester/CT
Mr. Mony Lal Georgekutty 60 Valley View Rd 1
Mrs. Aleyamma Mathai 315 7th Avenue 8
(Mother)
Mr. John A. Philip 11 Hillandale Ave 8
Mr. Niresh Ooomen 368 Pine Brook Blvd 11
Dr. Listy A.Thomas 99 Aspen Lane 13
Ms. Kayala Ann Cherian 288 Spring Rd. 18
Evangeline Marie Thomas 19 Drake Lane 21
Mr. Thomas Immanuel Simon 99 Aspen Lane 25
Mr. Ezekiel Mathew Thomas 19 Drake Lane 29
Yonkers East
Ms. Emily John 35 Linda Lane 3
Kayla Thomas 9 Dugan Lane 9
Mr. Joel M. Alexander 23 Linda Lane 18
Mrs. Mini Jacob 28 Montclair Road 25
Yonkers North
Mr. Christofer M. Varghese 26 Emerald Street 8
Ms. Nina Elizabeth Thomas 7882 Crescent Park Dr. 19
Varghese
Mrs. Stephy Sabastian 37 Montrose Road 20
Mrs. Serena Rebecca Abraham Apt # 11E, 2614 Jackson Ave 25
Mrs. Sosamma Varghese 9 Emerald Street 25
Mr. George Oommen 1564 Nepperhan Avenue 27
Mr. Shiju Yohannan 103 Midland Ter. 27
December Birthdays
13
Bronx/Yonkers South/West
Mr. Thomas Varughese Meppurathu & Mrs. Lali 19
Thomas Meppurathu
115 Alder St
Mr. Thomas John & Mrs. Jensy Thomas 26
34 Morris Street
Mr. Thomas Cherian Abraham & Mrs. Susmitha 29
Rebecca Thomas
5020 Goodridge Ave
Mr. Sawan Mathew & Mrs. Sheeba Mathew 29
80 Riverdale Ave, Apt #8K
Manhattan/New Jersey
Mr. Koiprathu John Mathew & Mrs. Alice John 6
59 Highview Ave.
Rockland
Mr. George John & Mrs. Subi John 24
86 Susan Drive
Mr. John K. Abraham & Mrs. Sosamma Abraham 27
32 Eckerson Lane
Upper Westchester/CT
Mr. Babu Kurian & Mrs. Renu Kurian 27
1822 Morris Lane
Mr. Thankachen Geevarghese & Mrs. Saramma 27
Thankachen
67 Sylvan Road
December Wedding Anniversary
Address Change
Mr. Regi Thomas & Mrs. Susan Regi
21 Elizabeth Place
Yonkers, NY 10703
14
Event / Committee Convener(s) Date / Notes
Organizational Retreat Sunil M. Varughese Sun, April 27th
Graduation Recognition Sajan Abraham Sun, June 29th
Organizational Picnic
(Senior Citizens, Edavaka
Mission, Sevika Sangham)
Organizational
Representatives
Sat, August 16th
Ridge Road Park -
Hartsdale, NY
Parish Picnic
Sunny P. Ninan,
Varghese E. Oommen
Sat, August 30th
Haverstraw Bay Park
Parish Convention John K. Abraham Sep 18, 19, 20, 21
Senior Citizens
Recognition
George M. Varkey October 5th
Parish Retreat T.P. Jacob October 9, 10, 11
Thanksgiving
Manoj Mathew
Jishu Samuel
Sun, Nov 30th
Christmas Carol
Service
Shirley Thomas,
Sean Thannickal,
Shyju Varughese
Sat, Dec 20th
Christmas House
Caroling
Sunny P. Ninan Fri, Dec 5—Dec
Parish Day (2026) Sunil M. Varughese Sun, Jan 25th
Food Committee
Thomas John (Sajan),
John Abraham (Joe)
Prayer Group and Organiza-
tions will be assigned monthly
Ushers
K.C. Thomas,
George M. Varkey,
Aleyamma Varughese
—
Mission
Sean Thannickal,
Shyju Varughese,
Sajan Abraham
—
Audio Video John Abraham (Joe) —
2025 Program and Sub-Committees
15
Executive Committee 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. 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
Mr. Jacob M. Varghese (201) 384-0041
16
St Thomas Mar Thoma Church, NY
34 Morris Street
Yonkers, NY 10705
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