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March 2005 Dearly Beloved in Christ, Greetings to you all in the precious name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. “Valiya Nombu” (Great Lent) began from February 6th. On March 2nd “pakuthi nombu” (mid-lent) or twenty five days of “Valiya nombu” are over. What is the purpose of observing Lent? “It is a celebration of sacrifice and redemption, which should lead to a repentance and renewal, a time to look back, take stock of the present and look forward to the future with renewed hope” (“Cross - Hope of Suffering Humanity” by Rev. Dr. P. G. George) This is a time for us to meditate on the important events which happened in the life of Jesus Christ. Jesus had to perform faithfully his duties to his home before he began on his duty to the world, that he had to show himself faithful in the smaller task before God gave to him the greatest task, in all the world. During the “Lent” season, we should be faithful in the duties and responsibilities before God. In the last week of “Valia Nombu”, the world wide Christians are paying attention to the last days and last hours of Jesus of Nazareth. Millions of minds will be focused upon the cross and passion. His passion and resurrection are a crucial affirmation of the faith of a Christian. Our parish will conduct a special Qurbana on 18th Friday morning of the month, which is Nalpathamvelli” or 40th Friday of Great Lent. We remember that Jesus who overcomes temptation. In psalm 16:11, the psalmist prays that “you show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of Joy; in your right hand are pleasures forever more”. Placing God first in our lives is the best protection. God’s protection does not end when life ends, God’s power reaches beyond life. I pray that this Lenten Season will help us to enter into a life of commitment, obedience and devotion. Let us always be happy with the Lord Yours in Christ’s 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 |
