May 2008

 

Dearly Beloved in Christ,

We have entered into a new month and the weather is entirely different. The barren trees are sprouting out with new buds and colorful flowers. People have come out of the blankets and sweaters of the physical coolness. The daytime has increased and the streets are crowded with people. Let us also put off the blanket and come out from our spiritual coolness. Our family conference is fast approaching (July24-27). Let us continue our spirit in attending the conference. Our Biju Achen is taking charge as the new Diocesan Secretary, and a new Biju Achen is taking charge as the youth chaplain. Let us uphold them in our prayers as they take on their new responsibilities. Also pray for Coorilos Thirumeni as he is taking rest after the surgery.

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.” (Matt. 5:14a). That is one of the beautiful statements that makes us realize what glorious is to be a Christian. “For you were once in darkness but now you are light in the world. Walk as children of light” (Eph. 5:8).

We not only have received the light and called out to walk in the light, but we have become transmitters of light. We are a community called by God and lighten by His gospel to lighten others and bring them to the Lord. As a parish our responsibility is great. We live in a time when powers of darkness are dominating. We are living in the midst of people who dwell in spiritual darkness. As Christians and members of the church we have the great responsibility to show them the real light and help them to be delivered from the power of darkness and sin. First: How our light must shine (v: 16a) - by doing such good works as others may see. We must do good works that may be seen to the edifications of others, but not that they may be seen to attract our own attention. Those who are around us must not only hear our good works, but see our good works. Secondly: for what extent our light must shine? That those who see your good works may be brought, not to glorify you but to glorify your Father in heaven (v: 16b). The glory of the Father is the great thing we must aim at in everything we do. We must do all we can to bring others to glorify Him. So let us commit ourselves as a parish to accomplish His mission today and the days to come. May the Almighty God be with us in the days to come.

Yours in His service,

Babu Achen

 

Rev. P. E. Mathew

 

Rev. P. E. Mathew (Vicar)

We are blessed to be under the pastoral guidance and leadership of Rev. P. E. Mathew as Vicar of St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church NY. Achen's native place is Kallooppara and Laly Kochmma is from Varikkadu, Tiruvalla. They have one son, Eby, who is finishing his BSc in Mangalore.

Achen and family had been in the Karnataka Missions Field (Hoskote, Mundugod, Sirsi Sankeshwar, Kunta) for several years and then served in Kerala. The last parish they ministered at was in the Sultan Bathery and Nilambur area.

 

email Rev. P. E. Mathew at
babuachen@yahoo.com
 

 

 

 

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


Mar Thoma Congregation of Greater New York

Rev. Oommen Koruthu

(Student Achen later elevated as 
Bishop Zacharias Mar Theophilus)

May 1975 — Aug. 1975

Rev. K. S. Mathew 

(Student Achen)

Sept. 1975 – Sept. 1977

Rev. Thomas P. George  

(Student Achen)

Sept. 1977 – Aug. 1979

(Late) Rev. M. V. Benjamin  

 

Sept. 1979 – May 1981


St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church, New York

(Late) Rev. M. V. Benjamin

Co-Chairman Ad-hoc Committee Church in formation   

Oct. 1980 - Jan. 1981

 

Vicar                                     

 Jan. 1981 - May 1981

(Late) Rev. K. J. Philip

Co-Chairman  Ad-hoc Committee Church in formation

 Oct. 1980 - Jan. 1981

 

Associate Vicar                    

Jan. 1981 - Aug. 1981

Rev. N. M. Cherian

Vicar of all Mar  Thoma Congregations in New York

May 1981 - June 1983

Rev. Dr. T. Jacob Thomas    

(Student Achen)

 

 

Assistant Vicar

July 1981 - May 1983

 

Vicar   

June 1983 - Mar. 1985

Rev. George Varghese

 

Mar. 1985 - April 1989

Rev. Johnson Varghese      

 

June 1989 - May 1992

Rev. Dr. T. P. Abraham  

 

June 1992 - May 1995

Rev. P. M.  Thomas

 

May 1995 - April 1999

Rev. K. Y. Jacob         

 

May 1999 - June 1999

Rev. Thomas P. Chandy   

 

June 1999 – May 2002

Rev. Dr. K. A. Abraham     

 

May 2002 - August 2004

Rev. Jojan Mathews John

 

May 2004 - April 2007

Rev. P. E. Mathew   May 2007 - Present