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October 2010
Dearly beloved in Christ,
We have already celebrated Senior Citizen’s day last month. “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a rather righteous life.”(Prov.16:31).According to the Bible, old age is a blessedness rather than a burden, a challenge than a crisis. Aging is an unavoidable and inevitable phase of human life, yet it is another phase just like childhood, adolescent and young age. As a faith community we have to address this phenomenon, and trust in the promises of God. We are familiar with a system in which the elderly were honored and respected. They were the highest authority in every decision making and considered with high esteem everywhere. Nevertheless we witness radical and unbelievable changes in every sphere of our social life. The position and pivotal role that our elderly people hither to enjoyed and played have been dramatically thwarted. Many people are undergoing so many emotional and psychological upheavals in life. Many are happy and pleasant outside, but deep down in their life they are leading lives of quiet desperation. Anxiety over the changes in the senses, fear of deprivation by the dear ones in times of desperate need, loneliness after the unexpected demise of life partner, financial problem arising out of expensive medication and a host of other anticipated and unwanted anxieties make life miserable, especially during old age.
Amidst all this we can make a difference.
As a faith community, we have cardinal responsibility to support and extend fellowship to those who are feeling lonely and estranged. “Honor your father and mother as I the Lord your God, command you, so that all may go well with you and so that you may live a long time in the land that I am giving you," Let us make a difference! Yes, together we can make the difference!
With Love and Prayers,
Johnny Achen |
We are blessed to be under the pastoral guidance and leadership of Rev. Joseph Johnny as our new Vicar of St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church NY. Achen's native place is Chengannur and Pretha Kochmma is from Thumpamon. They have two sons, Eben and Reuben, who are in seventh and fourth grades respectively. Achen is in his 15th year of ministry for the Lord as a priest of the Mar Thoma Church. He had the privilege to serve in different parishes in India such as Jamshedpur, Asansol, Durgapur, Bilaspur, Korba and Ambikapur in Northern India; Edamuri(Ranni), Kothamangalam, Kolenchery,Mamala and finally Keezhvaipur in the Kottayam- Kochi Diocese. Each parish experiences were vivid and varied and was really enriching.
email Rev. Joseph Johnny at |
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Vicars of the Past
Quarter Century |
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Rev. Oommen Koruthu |
(Student
Achen later elevated as |
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 |
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Sept. 1979 – May 1981 |
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(Late)
Rev. M. V. Benjamin |
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Oct. 1980 - Jan. 1981 |
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Vicar |
Jan. 1981 - May 1981 |
(Late) Rev. K. J. Philip |
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Oct. 1980 - Jan. 1981 |
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Associate Vicar |
Jan. 1981 - Aug. 1981 |
Rev. N. M. Cherian |
Vicar of
all Mar Thoma Congregations in
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May 1981 - June 1983 |
Rev. Dr. T. Jacob Thomas |
(Student Achen) |
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Assistant Vicar |
July 1981 - May 1983 |
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Vicar |
June 1983 - Mar. 1985 |
Rev. Dr. G. Varghese |
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Mar. 1985 - April 1989 |
Rev. Johnson Varghese |
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June 1989 - May 1992 |
Rev. Dr. T. P. Abraham |
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June 1992 - May 1995 |
Rev. P. M. Thomas |
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May 1995 - April 1999 |
Rev. K. Y. Jacob |
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May 1999 - June 1999 |
Rev. Thomas P. Chandy |
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June 1999 – May 2002 |
Rev. Dr. K. A. Abraham |
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May 2002 - August 2004 |
Rev. Jojan Mathews John |
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May 2004 - April 2007 |
Rev. P. E. Mathew | May 2007 - April 2010 | |
Rev. Joseph Johnny | May 2010 - Present |