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August 2004
Dearly beloved in Christ, Greetings to you all in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are on the threshold of our Family Conference. At this Juncture, I am very happy that majority of our members are active, responsible and dedicated in the activities of Family Conference. I thank God for them. My concern is, all our programs does not become nobodies job but becomes everybody’s responsibility. By analyzing the present world scenario, I have a feeling that in the coming days, events and challenging changes will have a great significance and impact upon our lives. National calamities – terrorism – war – famine, kills thousands of innocent lives. The world is filled with powers of darkness. People are moving with a mind of hatred, cruelty, and intolerance. What has happened to our world? Unbelievable and shocking things are happening in every aspect of human life. People with expertise in different areas of life are trying to find solutions for these crises. But these answers and solutions are vague. Here in this situation, our theme for Family Conference is very relevant, “Arise, shine for your light has come”. The true light eradicates all forces of darkness there by creating complete harmony in the world – that light is Jesus Christ. He is challenging us to have a new life style, a new society and a new moral order based on the values of the Kingdom of God. It is not good to blame darkness; rather light a candle in the darkness. The lighted candle is a protest against darkness. So let us arise and shine. I hope that we will enjoy the programs of our Family Conference and let us engage in our work. Let us always be happy with the Lord. Yours in Christ love, Jojan Achen. |
Rev. Jojan Mathews John (Vicar)
We are blessed to be under the pastoral guidance and leadership of Rev. Jojan Mathew John as Vicar of St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church NY. Achen's mother parish in India is Kuttapuzha Varicadu Sehion Mar Thoma Church located inThiruvalla. Achen attended college at Mar Thoma College, Thiruvalla; completed his M. Phil. from Bombay and received a Bachelors in Divinity from Mar Thoma Theological Seminary, Kottayam. Rev. Jojan M. John was ordained as a priest in the Mar Thoma Church on July 6, 1994 and has served as Vicar previously at Trivandram Quillon Diocese (Kovilloor , Mezhacodu, Melpalai and Kuttamala[Kulasekharam Center] ) for five years and Mar Thoma Church Thane, Mumbai for five years. Jojan Achen was the convener for Land for Landless project and council member of the Trivadram Quilon Diocese. He served also as the president of the 35th Western India Youth Conference in 2001, Mumbai. In his many roles Achen has served very well as an administrator, organizer, and is also a talented singer. Achen's wife is Mrs. Susan Mathews John BSc, BEd, and children, Vishakh John Mathews, age 5, and Vrindha Chinnu Mathews, age 2. Achen's father, Rev. V. K. John, is a senior priest of the Mar Thoma Church.
Jojan Achen's Address in India is: Varikkamakkal House Chumathra P.O. Kuttapuzha, Thiruvalla 689103 Phone: 0469-2601424
email Jojan Achen at |
