Messenger Aug 2011

Thomas said to him, “My Lord and My God”. (St. John 20:28)

Issue No. 08 Vol. V

August 2011

A Monthly publication for the St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church, Kuwait

INDEPENDENCE DAY – 15TH august Meet the young India Emerging with flying colors dynamic & versatile in every manner.

Birthday Wishes to our Diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev Dr. Abraham Mar Paulose

Let the world know we are back with a bang

Our Prayers to Lord God Almighty to shower His blessings on Thirumeni as we join in prayers for the 58th birthday on 16 Aug 11 P.O. Box 25562 Safat 13116 Kuwait Tel : 2563 5253 (Res.) Mob : 6603 0775 St. Thomas Centre Tel: 2564 7060 E-mail: st.thomasmtcq8@gmail.com www.st-thomasmtckuwait.com

Rev. Thomas Koshy Panachamoottil Vicar fatherpanachi@gmail.com

(For Private Circulation only)

Parsonage Location Salmiya, Street 10, Bldg No. 20 1st Floor, Flat No. 14 Al-Dhahok Bin Qays Street Opp. Bestow Super Market

From the Vicar Freedom is a most precious possession. Every creature desires and enjoys its freedom. Jesus said to the Jews who believed in Him, “If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” John 8:31,32. The key to genuine freedom is found in the phrase; “continue in my word”. Jesus says, when we continue to abide in His teachings we will be filled with the divine truth which will liberate us from evil and help us endure the pains and struggles of life. The truth here means Christ.

The doctrines of Christ shall set us free from the bondage of sin and Satan. When we live by the principles of truth we are not bound by Satan.

The application of truth will eliminate social as well as moral evils. Sin alone leads man to myriad destructive vices and other forms of immorality. Drunkenness, fornication, adultery, terrorism, violence, corruption, & oppression are just a few to spell.

personification of truth, and He spoke of Himself as “the Way, The Truth, and the Life.” (John 14:6) Then He affirmed that no one can come to the Father but by Him. Jesus made it evident that the truth he taught and practiced is the sole means for our soul's salvation.

Truth is even more vital in moulding our souls to goodness. Beware that only the truth of God can set us free and lead us to Sanctification, ie, subduing the self-will to God and His service.

Jesus prayed: “Sanctify them in Thy truth; Thy word is truth.” (John 17:17) Christ Himself is the

God bless you all.

In spite of the sixty four long years since India attained Independence from British rule, (ie. from 15 Aug 1947), the sad reality remains that our nation is yet to be freed from certain bondages.

While thanking Almighty for the Political freedom achieved, the question of the hour is how can one enjoy the Inner freedom. The answer is though not simple but the truth is ; Spiritual wisdom and Knowledge ie, educating oneself, are Instrumental in redeeming our Nation from the chains of misery. Therefore, let us strive hard in upholding our Nation & Churches in prayer.

Lord, help us to participate in the mission of ‘eradication of evils’ from our Nation. Amen.

Yours in Christ

Panachamoottil Achen

HOMELAND FELLOWSHIP 2011, Phase - I - WAYANAD

ABRAHAM MAR THOMA AND INDIA’S FREEDOM MOVEMENT Abraham Mar Thoma and Titus II are the two names that lighted the pages of memory and etched in the hearts of the Central Travancore faithful for their undaunted leadership during the Independent struggle both at local and national levels. This stormed a wave of conflict with the State administration of Sir C.P. Rama Swami Iyer, Sir.C.P as widely known, Divan (Chief Executive) to the Maharaja of Travancore, to keep us at bay from being a part of a unified Independent India. In rage, his plan to arrest Abraham Mar Thoma was viewed with intense fear by his own administration owing to Thirumeni’s widespread popular support. Using the Caste Card, Sir C.P even tried his hand in exploiting the disparity prevailed among Christian denominations.

In this context Abraham Mar Thoma’s speech at the centenary celebration of the reformation of the Mar Thoma Church in Trivandrum in 1938 was significant. He opened his speech by quoting the verse; “Father, as we are one they should be one as well” thereby expressing the need of unity as the desire of our Lord Jesus Christ, the head of the Universal Church. “Unity is not limited to a few but essential among the common brotherhood of man irrespective of caste, creed or religion. “ His Grace Continued…

“If any one is trying to split us for political expediency, it is unfortunate. Christians should take a leading role for religious harmony and understanding. We should make everyone, irrespective of the faith one follows, understand that we have no hidden political motives in our spiritual activities and evangelistic work. It is because of our failure that they misunderstand us, and it is our responsibility to put it right. If any one spreads the rumor that Christians are interested in mass conversion for giving them an advantage over others, it is just a wicked propaganda. It is our Christian duty to expose the falsehood of allegations of any nature by demonstrating our traditional loyalty, reverence and patriotism to our royal family. Only an undivided & unselfish service with endurance towards others in our country can achieve this. Let us uphold our mission to share the Love of Christ and make the world a better place for all inhabitants.”

Abraham Mar Thoma gave another politically sensitive speech in 1943. It was a time when Sir C.P. using his caste card accused Christians of their disloyalty to Maharaja by maintaining a close allegiance to a foreign Christian Emperor in England. In his reply to the felicitation address on the occasion of his silver

jubilee as the Bishop of Mar Thoma Church, Abraham Mar Thoma quoted the late Maharaja of Travancore, Vishakam Thirunal, who had endeared into the hearts of all, on the selfless Christian loyalty of his kingdom.

Maharaja, while addressing an audience in Kottayam stated that even if Parasuraman, the Hindu God, were to return, he would fail to see a community more patriotic & loyal to royalty than the Christian community of Travancore. Metropolitan also pointed out that Christians in Travancore for generations had been loyal to the royal personage with no expectation of any reward or privilege but out of their Christian duty and obligation as laid down in the scriptures. Nevertheless, Thirumeni reiterated the fact that Christians, by subjugating to the supreme power & dominion of an Universal Ruler, The King of Kings, were duty bound to respect the will of our Father in Heaven. People like him were expected to remind them of this universal truth.

Abraham Mar Thoma saw no conflict between our patriotic duties and Christian obligations. Whenever there is a conflict of interest we are duty bound to be obedient to our heavenly king. This was a simple but clear-cut instruction to Christians on the question of dividend loyalties between a secular and religious authority. The benevolent Hindu kings of Travancore were considered to be humble servants of their deity Ananthapadmanabhan.

They were ruling the kingdom on behalf of their God and were very devout Hindus. He continued, “Christians all through history had to face difficulties and challenges from Roman emperors to the present times. But none of them could destroy the Church; Christians came out of each of this period with renewed strength and determination. Please remember that martyr’s blood is the seed of the Church. If ever we are put through such trials and tribulations we should have the courage to face such challenges boldly; I am sure the young people of our land will volunteer for such an eventuality. These are challenges affecting the members of all religions. And we should fight together. Although I am getting old and am not all that well, you can be rest assured that I will be in the forefront with you to fight any divisive action against religious freedom, which we have been enjoying in this land for generations.” This clarion call to all freedom loving people was delivered in the capital city of the state before tens of thousands including the secret agents of the government. His was indeed a bold and dynamic leadership; many lay people of the Mar Thoma Church were at the forefront of the freedom struggle. Thirumeni’s relentless support and sure footed steps continued to brighten the spirits of the faithful throughout.

Birthdays in august Date 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 9 11 11 11 12 12 13 14 14 14 14 15 15 15 16 16 16 17 17 17 17 18 18

Name JOSHUA ABRAHAM JACOB ALEENA RACHEL TIJU ANDREWS JOHN MULLASSERY ALEXANDER VAIDYAN P. K. ALICE KURIAN (DR.) DEEPU THOMAS PHILIP EVELYN SARA SUNLEY SUSAN JOHN MATHEW TIA ANILA SARI SANJAY JACOB CHACKO MATHEW PARAPPATTU KEVIN VARUGHESE T. REBEKAH ELIZABETH SUNIL MARIAMMA OOMMEN MATHEW ABRAHAM ANU ALICE ANDREWS THOMAS VARGHESE K. RACHEL ALEXANDER TINU TITUS SHARON I. CHEERAN SUNLEY P. VARGHESE CHERIYAN T. CHERIYAN ABIYA ANN SUBIN JACOB MATHEW SHEENA ELIZABETH MATHEW SARAH PHILIP ALEN VARUGHESE ABRAHAM KRISTEF VARKEY CHACKO ANDREA ANN ABRAHAM RAHALAMMA THOMAS JERIN ANIL ANOOP K. ALEX JESSY KOSHY SHARON C. MATHEW CARMEL C. MATHEW GEOL ABRAHAM ALVIN ROY JOHN NISSY SARA GEORGE HANNAH SHAJI JOSEPH JOBY GEORGE CHERIAN SAMSON MANOJ ABRAHAM MATHEW ALAN K. EBY KESIA ANN JAMES ASHISH JACOB GEORGE SHERIN VARGHESE GEORGE MATHEW. K JOVIN MATHEW

Prayer Group KADESH MIZPAH MIZPAH EPHRAIM CANAAN EMMAUS ARARAT EMMAUS EMMAUS EPHRAIM OLIVET EMMAUS GEEHON EPHRAIM OLIVET OLIVET OLIVET EPHRAIM KADESH ARARAT ARARAT MAHANAIM ARARAT EPHRATH KADESH CANAAN EPHRAIM SHEKAM EPHRAIM EDEN EDEN EPHRATH EPHRATH EPHRATH EPHRATH KADESH KADESH MIZPAH KADESH EPHRAIM MIZPAH GEEHON OLIVET ARARAT EDEN KADESH EPHRAIM OLIVET

Birthdays in august Telephone

Mobile

Date

25617209

99228448 66751937 66782239 97205846 99468253 99596858 99105702 66711102 67766034 97216460 97839101 99112919 66197107 66295483 99550996 66396367 55861204 97205846 94014907 97765456 99105702 66403712 99362892 97208353 99291895 99796536 66295483 99331738 66295483 99727126 99682433 99436077 97201070 66760075 66760075 66588150 99740830 66552969 94063161 99662437 66599269 66935777 99985373 97287546 66512291 66391082 97100727 99426691

19 19 19 19 20 20 20 20 21 22 22 23 23 23 24 25 25 25 26 26 26 27 27 27 28 29 30 30 31 31 31 31 31 31

25616795 24318176 25643019 24318939 25642194 23727529 24337438 25661536 25619683 25349052 25615203 25646983 25616048 24318176 25649403 24318939 25648202 24341694 24338098 25613750 25629665 24745215 25644965 25625837 24342128 24314590 24314590 25621963 25613051 25659639 25612248 24316910 25612452 25341972 25639980 24315306 25659514 25650623 24316340 25617268

Name SEBINA THOMAS ANGELA SUSAN ALEX JOSHUA SHOBIN MATHEWS ELIZABETH ZACHARIAH SHAJU K. ABRAHAM NANCY WILSON JOHN MATHEW SUBY M. VARGHESE GIBI SKARIA VILAS VARGHESE ALLAN VINCE VARGHESE JAIRO NANTHIYATTU SAM MATHEW P. JACOB JERAMI NANTHIYATTU SAM BEN GEORGE THOMAS SAM GEORGE ABHILASH A. ABRAHAM LEELAMMA PHILIP MANU ABRAHAM C. JOHN SUSAN KOSHY SUSAN KOSHY REEVES THOMAS GEORGE BINU JOB SIBU THOMAS ANI ISNARENI SATEMAN ANSLY SUSAN REJI RIA KRISTINE GEOL LINCY SOSA VARGHESE BLESSON DANIEL PHILIP MATHEW C. M. SANTHOSH JOHN VARUGHESE RAJU PHILIP SHINY NISHA ELSY JOSEPH GEORGE

Prayer Group EDEN EPHRATH OLIVET KADESH ARARAT OLIVET EMMAUS KADESH SHEKAM GEEHON OLIVET EPHRATH CANAAN EPHRATH ARARAT OLIVET OLIVET MIZPAH OLIVET ARARAT ARARAT ARARAT EDEN EMMAUS EMMAUS ARARAT KADESH GEEHON EMMAUS SHEKAM MAHANAIM MIZPAH EPHRATH MAHANAIM

Telephone

Mobile

66761362 24330564 25638289 25668263

99138548 67096465 65010514 66543990 99281665 55108344 66711102 99228448 55150583 99899379 55108344 97104307 97692934 97104307 99381691 66290253 99416554 99598570 66224249 66189526 66735828 66044008 99691730 60631272 67766034 97219433 66588150 97910385 66035539 99438263 94465675 99598570 99420168 66632157

25642194 25617209

24348036 25627036 24348036 24330423 25616048 25648067 25640337 25643756 24335198 24335198 24335198 25629186 23727529 24344521 25621963 25652543 25638325 24885372 25640337 24334581 25636722

Thanks to God Almighty for his mercy that kept you safe and sound during the past year. Praying to Lord God to shower his Blessings, on each of you, all through the year ahead. "Happy Birthday"

SargoLsavam - 2011 Our “Sargolsavan -2011” is scheduled to be held on Thursday, 22nd Sept. 2011. An array of programmes, to exhibit the inherent yet dormant talent, will be staged in this connection. Those wishing to participate as individuals to join a group, may contact : Convener - Abraham Stephen (Sunny) Tel - 66284427/25624177 or Joint Convener - Shibu Cherian Tel-99891450/25649403 on or before September 5th 2011. List of proposed programs are available with the convener.

RETREAT FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS A retreat for Medical Professionals ( Doctors, Nurses, Para-Med) will be held on Friday, 23rd September,2011 at St. Thomas Center immediately after the Service . This will be a fellowship to enhance the spiritual growth, bringing up oneness among the members who are in the medical field and to show their Love by serving the society and help the needy.

For details please Contact : Convener Mr. Vijoy M Alexander – Cell: 97100853.

HOME LAND FELLOWSHIP & PICNIC - PHASE - II Date: August 27&28 Location – Munnar & Thekkady For Details contact : Conveners Abraham Mathew Tel.: 66565496 / 25630521 or Christy Thomas 97867814/25663520

hearty Congratulations to the newly wedded couple

Mr. Kevin George Sam (S/o Mrs. & Mr. George Sam, Palakothupeedikail, Thalachira, Pathanamthitta (Emmaus P.G.) and Ms. Anna Mathew D/oMrs. & Mr. M.A. Mathew, Mulamoottil, Kozhencherry were married on 09/06/2011 at St. Thomas Marthoma Church, Pattoor,Trivandrum.

Mr. Philip Alexander Vaidyan (S/o Mrs. & Mr. Alexander Vaidyan, Kaithavilayil, Cheppad, Karthikapally (Ephraim P.G.) and Ms. Sherene George D/o Mrs. & Mr. V.P. George Vazhethu house,Vadakkancherry,Trishur were married on 27/06/2011 at Thazakara Marthoma Church, Mavelikara.

Wedding Anniversaries in august We wish the following couples a Happy Wedding Anniversary. Please attend and partake in the thanksgiving prayer during the Holy Communion Service.

Date

Tel. Res.

Mobile

1

KOSHY K. CHERIAN & SUNI K. KOSHY

Name

MAHANAIM

25629583

97942893

1

VARAMANNIL CHACKO JOB & MARY JOB

MIZPAH

25723436

3

SIMMY VARGHESE & SOJI JOHN

OLIVET

3

JACOB P. JABBU KOSHY & RACHEL JACOB

MAHANAIM

25623596

99056031

4

SUNLEY P. VARGHESE & JULIE ELSA JACOB

ARARAT

24318939

99105702

4

BYJU P. MATHEWS & LENA MARIUM THOMAS

OLIVET

25661536

97839101

4

MANOJ K. VARGHESE & RAKHEE ELIZABETH MATHEW EPHRAIM

8

VARGHESE I. CHEERAN & LEENA VARGHESE

We, The St. Thomas family express our deepest condolence to Rev.Chacko Thomas & family, Vicar St.Peters Mar Thoma Church Kuwait on the sad demise of his mother Mrs. Sarama (88), Thundiparampil Sahin villa , Punnakadu Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Kozenchery.

St. Thomas family joins in conveying our heartfelt condolence to the bereaving members of Mr.Thomas C. George & family, Mem # 333 Ephraim prayer group at the loss of his beloved father Mr. C.George (92), Changekizhakkathil , Bedari Mar Thoma Church Wayanad, who has been called to the heavenly abode.

May The Peace that passeth all understanding abide with both the families.

66922797 97242359

24346703

ARARAT

97153151 97765456

9

JOBY C. GEORGE & BINCILY K. IDICULLA

ARARAT

9

THOMAS MATHEW & SHEEJA SUSAN THOMAS

CANAAN

25660857

99398297

10

CHACKO PHILIP & SHEENA KOSHY

ARARAT

24348934

97213522

13

MATHEW VARGHESE & GIGI OOMMEN

KADESH

25659976

66232678

14

FEBY MANI MATHEW & CISAL GEO

MAHANAIM

66194291

94445645

16

THOMAS C. GEORGE & LALIAMMA THOMAS

ARARAT

24330423

16

SUNIL C. JOSE & ANCEY ANIYAN

KADESH

17

SHAJU K. ABRAHAM & ANPU ANN ZACHARIAH

ARARAT

19

SHIBU PHILIP MATHAI & NEETHA MARIAM ABRAHAM

EDEN

25636526

99615724

19

CHERIYAN T. CHERIYAN & SUNITHA ANNIE CHERIAN

MAHANAIM

25648202

66403712

20

RAJAN DANIEL. N. & SUSY RAJAN

CANAAN

25629747

21

DANNY VARGHESE MATHEW & SMITHA JOSEPH

SHEKAM

21

BINU THOMAS KUREEKKATTIL & BIJINU K. BINU

MAHANAIM

25658460

66180986

21

GEORGE CHERIAN K. & SUJA GEORGE CHERIAN

EPHRAIM

24316910

99662437

23

DANY V. JACOB & NINI ELSA MATHEW

OLIVET

55479452

99381676

24

MATHEWS KOSHY & SICY MATHEW

CANAAN

25641766

66511065

24

CHERIAN MATHEW & GRACE CHERIAN

MAHANAIM

25629583

66087509

24

JOSE V. MATHEW & SHEILA SUSAN JOSE

CANAAN

24

VIJI VARGHESE & JILSA V. VARGHESE

CANAAN

26

SATISH MATHEW KAITHOTTA & JASMINE SATISH

OLIVET

26

JOHN MATHAI M. & ANNIE JOHN MATHAI

EPHRATH

26

SAM MATHEWS & MOLLY SAM

EMMAUS

28

JOJU JOSE & TEENA SARA JOHN

ARARAT

29

MATHEW JOHN & SHERLY MATHEW

EPHRAIM

May Heaven’s choicest blessings be showered upon the cheerful couples.

Condolence

Prayer Grp.

99802172

99381691 99228639 99281665

99068514 99860724

66481465 97541288 25667847

97220734 99280938

24338529

66660764 66808735

REGULAR PROGRAMS AT ST.THOMAS CENTRE Sunday School

Summer Vacation

Junior Choir

Every Thursday at 6.00 TO 7.30 PM

Senior Choir

Every Thursday at 7.30 TO 9.30 PM

Yuvajana Sakhyam

Every 1st Friday at Centre after the Worship service And 3rd Sunday at Abbasiya

Sevika Sanghom

Summer Vacation

Edavaka Mission

All Saturdays at 7.30 PM

WORSHIP SCHEDULE FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST 2011 DATE

TIME

VENUE

2

07:30 PM

HALL OF PEACE

5

7:30 AM

ST. THOMAS CENTRE

9

07:30 PM

HALL OF PEACE

12

7:30 AM

ST. THOMAS CENTRE

16

07:30 PM

HALL OF PEACE

19

7:30 AM

ST. THOMAS CENTRE

23

07:30 PM

HALL OF PEACE

26

7:30 AM

ST. THOMAS CENTRE

30

07:30 PM

HALL OF PEACE

THEME

PROGRAMME

ANOINTING THE SICK HEALING OF THE BODY HOLY COMMUNION MIND AND SPIRIT CALL FOR MISSION (MISSION SUNDAY)

HOLY COMMUNION

NAVODHANA DAY LIVING ACCORDING TO THE GOSPEL

HOLY COMMUNION

THRU THE WORD OF GOD

HOLY COMMUNION

HOLY COMMUNION

EPISTLE

GOSPEL

FIRST LESSON

SECOND LESSON

ASSISTANCE BY (Laymen, Lesson Reading & Offertory collection)

JAMES 5: 13-19

ST. MATT 10: 1-10

2 KINGS 20: 1-11

ACTS 4: 5-12

EDEN

ROMANS 1: 8-17

ST. LUKE 24: 44-49

JOSH 24: 14-25

REVELATION 3: 14-22

KADESH

ROMANS 12:1-22

ST.LUKE 3:1-14

2 KINGS 23:1-11

1PETER 4:1-11

OLIVET

MIZPAH

GEEHON

FASTING PRAYER HOLY COMMUNION

SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE “WHAT GOD HAS JOINED TOGETHER, LET MAN NOT SEPARATE”

HOLY COMMUNION WORSHIP SERVICE

EDAVAKA MISSION 1 JOHN 2:3-15

ST.MATT 7:24-29

2 CHRONIC 34:29-33

HEBREWS 8:1-13

EPHESIAN 5: 21-32

ST. MARK 10: 1-9

GENSUS 1: 26-31

REVELATION 19: 1-10

ARARAT CANAAN WILL BE ASSIGNED

Prayer Groups are requested to select and assign appropriate persons as Laymen to assist, Lesson Readers and to collect offertory at Worship and Holy Communion services, both at St. Thomas Center and Hall of Peace. Please co-ordinate with Lay Readers.

This Messenger is sponsored by Alexander Vaidyan P.K. & Family. St.Thomas Family takes this opportunity to thank them.

Sponsership For ST. THOMAS MESSENGER Sponsorship for “MESSENGER” is solicited from individuals, families (share the special occasions), organizations, prayer groups.

For details please contact the office bearers in advance.

ST.THOMAS OFFICE BEARERS 2011-2012 John Alexander

John Varghese (Reji)

Christy Thomas

Vijoy Alexander

Mathew P Alexander

Abraham Stephen

Vice President

Secretary

Trustee

Trustee Accounts

Lay Ministrant

Lay Ministrant

66249240 / 25610139

99086449 / 25627036

97867814 / 25663520

97100853 / 22623051

97835292 / 25650273

66284427 / 25624177