Vicar: Rev. John Philip [vicar@stthomasmtc.org]
Secretary: Mr. Sunil M. Varughese [secretary@stthomasmtc.org]
Trustees: [stmtctrustees@yahoo.com]
NEWSLETTER VOL. XLVI NO. 1
2026
January
Happy New Year!
stthomasmtcny.org
2
Annual Parish Day
Please come join us in this time of
celebration and fellowship!
3
Date Time Worship
Sun, Jan 4 9:30 AM
Praise & Worship
English Holy Communion Service
Mission: unveiling God’s love to all
Sun, Jan 11 9:30 AM
Praise & Worship
Malayalam Holy Communion Service
Christian life meant to be fruitful
Sun, Jan 18 9:30 AM
Praise & Worship
Malayalam Holy Communion Service
Trusting in a caring God.
Sun, Jan 25 9:30 AM
Praise & Worship
English Holy Communion Service
Ecumenical Sunday; Unity in faith and
action
45th PARISH DAY!
Guest Achen: Rev. Christopher Phil Daniel,
Program Manager -
Diocese of North America
Worship Service Schedule
Lectionary
Date Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Epistle Gospel
Sun, Jan 4 Gen 12:1-7 Rom 8:31-39 1John 4:7-21 Luke 9:1-6
Sun, Jan 11 Isa 5:1-7 Col 1:3-13 Gal 5:16-26 John 15:1-11
Sun, Jan 18
2Chr 32:9-
23
1Pet 5:7-11 Phil 4:4-8 Matt 6:19-34
Sun, Jan 25 Josh 4:1-11 Acts 4:32-37 1Cor 3:1-9 Mark 6:32-44
4
Greetings to you all in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ.
Let us thank God for graciously allowing us to enter the New
Year 2026. The celebration of the New Year reminds us that
days, seasons, and times are arranged by God for the good of
humanity and are to be used according to His divine will.
I sincerely appreciate the Choir, Sunday School, and Youth Fellowship members
who made the Christmas celebration truly beautiful. I also extend my heartfelt
thanks to the Convenor of House Caroling, Mr. Sunny P. Ninan, and to everyone
who participated and contributed to its success. I would like to appreciate all the
children and their parents who faithfully took part in the Edo-Du Maulodo 2025
(25 Days Lent Meditation). I also thank you all for your generous support and co-
operation during the last financial year. As we enter a new financial year, I humbly
request your continued cooperation and commitment. I congratulate and appreciate
the newly appointed trustees who assumed office on January 1st. As we prepare for
the Annual General Body meetings, I request all organizations to prepare their re-
ports and accounts at the earliest.
On the first Sunday, we meditate on Mission: Unveiling God’s Love to All, focus-
ing on evangelism and Christ’s commissioning of us as His witnesses. We are called
to strive for evangelism in every possible way. On January 6th, we observe
Danaha—the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each event in Jesus’ life reminds
us of His identity and mission. On the second Sunday, we reflect on the theme
“The Christian life is meant to be fruitful,” emphasizing a life that bears witness
through love, obedience, and good works. As believers grow in their relationship
with God, their lives reflect Christ’s character, blessing others and bringing glory to
God. On the third Sunday, we meditate on “Trusting in a Caring God.” This calls
us to believe in God’s presence in every situation, even amid uncertainty. Trusting
in God brings peace and strength, reminding us that we are never alone. The fourth
Sunday is observed as Ecumenical Sunday, focusing on Unity in Faith and Action.
Additionally, on January 25th, we will celebrate Parish Day. Rev. Christopher Phil
Daniel, Program Manager, Diocese of North America, will be the Chief Guest. May
this celebration be a blessing and a renewed source of strength as we move forward
together. I humbly request your prayerful participation in all the services and activi-
ties.
May the Lord Almighty strengthen us all to walk faithfully with Jesus in the New
Year.
With Much Prayer,
Rev. John Philip
Vicar’s Message
5
Youth Chaplain’s Corner
Glory be to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
- One True God! Amen!
“...because there was no guest room available for them.”
- Luke 2:7
Dearly Beloved in Christ
Christmas has passed, and January has settled in. The
decorations come down, the lights are put away, and life
slowly returns to its familiar pace. Goodbyes are said,
schedules fill back up, work responsibilities return, and
the energy of the season begins to fade as our ordinary
days return.
That makes January a good time to remember an important detail from the Nativity
story. When Jesus was born, there was no room for him.
Luke does not tell us why, and he does not place blame or offer explanation. The
town was full, life was busy, and space was limited. Into that crowded reality, Christ
was born not into quiet or comfort, but into real human life exactly as it is.
That detail matters as we begin a new year. It reminds us that Christ does not come
only when life feels calm or organized, or when we finally feel ready and put together.
He comes when schedules are full, when worries remain, and when we are still figur-
ing things out. The Nativity tells us that God does not wait for perfect conditions.
God comes close in the middle of ordinary, unpolished life.
January often brings pressure to improve, to reset, or to start over. We are encouraged
to make plans, set goals, and become better versions of ourselves. But the story of
Jesus’ birth offers a gentler beginning. It reminds us that we do not have to earn
God’s presence or create space by fixing everything in our lives. Christ has already
made room for us.
Because of that, January does not need to be a season of striving. It can be a season of
attention, a time to notice where God is already present in daily routines, simple con-
versations, moments of rest, and even moments of uncertainty. Often, making room
for Christ begins not with doing more, but with slowing down enough to see what is
already there.
As this new year unfolds, may we trust that God is with us, still present, still faithful,
and is coming again. And may that quiet assurance shape how we live each ordinary
day.
Prayerfully,
JVarghese Achen
6
Area Date Location
Manhattan/
New Jersey
Sat, Jan 3
No Prayer
Bronx /
Yonkers
South / West
Sun, Jan 4
6:30 PM
via Zoom
Meeting ID: 935 0649 9316
Passcode: 703734
Upper
Westchester/
Connecticut
Sat, Jan 10
4:00 PM
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Vaidyan
131 Harvard Dr
Hartsdale, NY 10530
Queens/
Long Island
Sun, Jan 11
6:00 PM
via Zoom
Meeting ID: 935 0649 9316
Passcode: 703734
Yonkers East
Sat, Jan 17
6:30 PM
via Zoom
Meeting ID: 935 0649 9316
Passcode: 703734
Rockland
Sun, Jan 18
6:30 PM
Mr. & Mrs. Jerry John
7 Oak Lane, Nanuet, NY 10954
Yonkers
North
Sun, Jan 25
No Prayer
Area Prayer Meetings
Message from the Trustees
Please submit subscription dues and other contributions.
Send money via
Zelle
to:
stmtctr[email protected]m
Trustees
7
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
Date Location
Thu, Jan 15
6:30 PM
Via Zoom
Zoom Meeting ID: 935 0649 9316
Passcode: 703734
Program / Location
Sunday School Every Sunday after Worship Service!
Young Family Fellowship
Date Location
Fri, Jan 16 OR
Fri, Jan 23
To be Announced
Yuvajana Sakhyam
Date Location
Sat, Jan 10
4:00 PM
Vinnin Eeshal Christmas Program
Staten Island Mar Thoma Church
134 Faber St, Staten Island, NY 10302
8
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 details. Let’s
make the most of these gatherings!
Youth Fellowship Bible Study
When: Wednesday, January 7 and 21, 2026, at 7:30-8:30 pm
Where: Youth Chaplain’s Parsonage
These evenings continue to provide a space for reflection, prayer, and conversa-
tion as we explore how Scripture speaks into our daily lives.
NERYF Young Adults Retreat 2026 – Authenticity
When: Thursday, May 28 thru 31, 2026, 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 Varghese
and Roshin Kochamma.
9
Bible Quiz Answers
1. Zerahites (
2. Two thousand cubits (3:4)
3. Commander of the army of the
Lord with a drawn sword in his
hand (5:13)
4. The men of Reuben, Gad and the
half -tribe of Manasseh (4:12)
5. Joshua (10:12,13)
6. From Shittim (2:1)
7. Gilgal (4:20)
8. Gibeath Haaraloth (
9. Under the stalks of flax (2:6)
10. Gibeonites (9:3-27)
Joshua 1-10
Bible Quiz Winners
1. Thankamma John
2. Sosamma Varghese
3. Sherly Vaidyan
4. Saramma Thomas
5. Mariamma Thomas
6. Sosamma Abraham (Yonkers)
7. Susan John
8. Saramma Thankachan
9. Mercy Rajan
Obituary
Mr. Thomas P. Varghese (78), uncle of our member Mr. Lenny Thomas
residing at 68 Linn Ave, Yonkers, NY, went to be with the Lord on Fri,
Dec 12, 2025. Funeral Services were held in Atlanta on Dec 19, 2025.
On behalf of the Parish, we extend our deepest condolences and prayers
to the bereaving families. May the peace of Christ provide strength and
comfort during this difficult time.
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
Psalm 34:18
10
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
1. Who did Othniel, the son of Kenaz, marry?
2. Who was Balaam, the son of Beor, whom the Israelites killed?
3. Who are the people live among the Ephraimites but are required to do forced
labor?
4. What was given to Caleb as an inheritance?
5. What are the two cities in Bashan?
6. How many daughters did Zelophehad have?
7. Who was the greatest of the Anakites?
8. What was the portion of Makir the great soldier?
9. Who made a treaty of peace with the Israelites?
10. Who were the five Philistine rulers?
Bible Quiz
Joshua 11-17
11
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 24 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
Leah Maria Philip 871 Abbott Street 5
Mr. Jobby Thomas 8 Locust Lane 13
Mr. Ian Thomas Jacob 49 Gary Road 16
Alexandria Mathew 930 Tooker Ave, 21
Mr. Kuruvilla T. Abraham 1421 Alpha Street 23
Rockland
Mr. Aaron Thomas Cherian 27 Hemptor Rd 2
Mr. Saju V. Mathew 79 Eagle Ridge Way 5
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 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
January Birthdays
12
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
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
Mr. Kevin Cheriyan 5 Via Trenta Court 21
Mr. Melvin C. Tom 45 Sandrock Ave 25
January Birthdays
13
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
24 Leroy Place
Rockland
Mr. Jerry John & Mrs. Ancy Andrews 1
7 Oak Lane
Mr. Sabu Joseph & Mrs. Smitha Sara Zachariah 4
105 N Harrison Ave
Mr. Abhilash Abraham & Mrs. Shyja Oommen 15
104 W Erie St
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 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 Mony- 21
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
January Wedding Anniversary
14
Yonkers East
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.
January Wedding Anniversary
15
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 Sun, Nov 30th
Christmas Carol
Service
Shirley Thomas,
Sean Thannickal,
Shyju Varughese
Sat, Dec 20th
Christmas House
Caroling
Sunny P. Ninan Dec 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14
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
16
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
17
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 (until March 31, 2026)
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. 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
18
19
20
St Thomas Mar Thoma Church, NY
34 Morris Street
Yonkers, NY 10705
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