May  2003

Dearly beloved in Christ,

Greetings in the precious name of our Lord

Dearly beloved in Christ,

Greetings in the precious name of our Lord On May 29 the Church celebrates the Ascension of our Lord and on June 8 the Pentecost. Both these events are deeply interwoven. Jesus as a historical human being functioned within the limitations of time and space. He had linguistic, cultural and geographical limitations. How can this historical human being become the Lord and redeemer of all? The answer is found in the ascension of Jesus. Through his glorious ascension on the 40th day after the resurrection, he transcends all the limitations so that he can be with us always. In other words, ascension means the eternal availability of God in Jesus Christ. The event of Pentecost and the Pentecost life style of the early church are mentioned in Acts.2.We have here the nucleus of the church- the new community in the power of the Spirit .The miracle of Pentecost is the miracle of communication. Though the Holy Spirit has been present in the world ever since the creation of the world, the church receives the Spirit in a special way on the day of Pentecost to inculcate the values of the Kingdom of God as taught and lived by Jesus Christ. The Spirit gives us conviction about sin, righteousness and judgment (Jn.16:8). Metaphors such as 'water', 'fire', 'wind', 'dove' and 'oil ' are used in the Bible to describe the Spirit. These refer to the different operative dimensions of the Holy Spirit .The gifts of the spirit are given to the believers for the edification of the community of faith (I Cor. 12:7) .It is our task to rekindle the work of the Spirit within us through incessant prayer, meditation and participation in the saving deeds of God in the world. Let us constantly remind ourselves that the Holy Spirit gives us the divine energy for an authentic life in the world. Rather than making exclusive truth claims about the power and gifts of the Spirit, the challenge before us is to live a Spirit-filled life a life of witness wherever we are. With prayerful regards

Yours in His ministry,

Abraham Achen

Rev. Dr. K. A. Abraham Achen

Dr. K. A. Abraham Achen is from Anicad and Annis Kochamma is from Pullad. They have two children, daughter, Roshin, who is 20 and currently doing her BS in Psychology at Women’s Christian College in Madras. Achen and Kochammas’ Son Christy is 18, and is currently working towards an Engineering Degree in Kerala.

Achen is a very educated in God’s words and has also taught in Seminary. Achen has done his Bachelors in Divinity, Masters in Theology, and Doctorate in Theology from Serampore University in Calcutta. Kochamma has done her diploma in Christian Service at United Theological College in Bangalore.

Achen has served as Vicar for a number of churches including at Neyyatinkara in South Kerala, Bhilai in Madhya Pradesh, New Delhi, Maramon, Kutapuzha in Thiruvilla. Abraham Achen has served one term on the full time faculty of the Mar Thoma Seminary in Kottayam. Achen also served as manager of schools while at Maramon.

Achen also serves on the governing board of Bossey Ecumenical Institute, which is part of the WCC. Achen was a member of the Sabha Council for one term, then member of CSI-CNI joint council, member of Mar Thoma Theological Commission, and also member of Mar Thoma- Lutheran Dialogue Commission in India.

Achen is well known as a great Orator and dynamic Bible Teacher. Achen has led many sessions during clergy and organizational conferences. Achen has published two books featuring a series of Bible Studies, Pentecost, and Mission published by CSS Thiruvalla and has edited a book on Family published by the Niranam-Maramon Diocese.

email Achen at
kaabrahamachen@yahoo.com 

Vicars of the Past Quarter Century
(including Vicars of the Mar Thoma Congregation of Greater New York)