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P.O. Box 25562 Safat 13116 KuwaitTel : 2563 5253 (Res.) Mob : 6603 0775 St. Thomas Centre Tel: 2564 7060E-mail: st.thomasmtcq8@gmail.comwww.st-thomasmtckuwait.com

Rev. Thomas Koshy PanachamoottilVicar

fatherpanachi@gmail.com

Parsonage Location Salmiya, Street 10, Bldg No. 20

1st Floor, Flat No. 14 Al-Dhahok Bin Qays StreetOpp. Bestow Super Market

(For Private Circulation only)

Thomas said to him, “My Lord and My God”. (St. John 20:28)

Issue No. 08 Vol. V August 2011

A Monthly publication for the St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church, Kuwait

INDEPENDENCE DAY – 15TH AugusT

Birthday Wishes to our Diocesan Bishop

Rt. Rev Dr. Abraham Mar Paulose

Our Prayers to Lord God Almighty to shower His blessings on Thirumeni as we join in prayers

for the 58th birthday on 16 Aug 11

From the VicarFreedom is a most precious possession. Every creature desires and enjoys its freedom. Jesus said to the Jews who believed in Him, “If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” John 8:31,32. The key to genuine freedom is found in the phrase; “continue in my word”. Jesus says, when we continue to abide in His teachings we will be filled with the divine truth which will liberate us from evil and help us endure the pains and struggles of life. The truth here means Christ. The doctrines of Christ shall set us free from the bondage of sin and Satan. When we live by the principles of truth we are not bound by Satan. The application of truth will eliminate social as well as moral evils. Sin alone leads man to myriad destructive vices and other forms of immorality. Drunkenness, fornication, adultery, terrorism, violence, corruption, & oppression are just a few to spell.

Truth is even more vital in moulding our souls to goodness. Beware that only the truth of God can set us free and lead us to Sanctification, ie, subduing the self-will to God and His service. Jesus prayed: “Sanctify them in Thy truth; Thy word is truth.” (John 17:17) Christ Himself is the

ABRAHAM MAR THOMA AND INDIA’S FREEDOM MOVEMENTpersonification of truth, and He spoke of Himself

as “the Way, The Truth, and the Life.” (John 14:6) Then He affirmed that no one can come to the Father but by Him. Jesus made it evident that the truth he taught and practiced is the sole means for our soul's salvation.

In spite of the sixty four long years since India attained Independence from British rule, (ie. from 15 Aug 1947), the sad reality remains that our nation is yet to be freed from certain bondages. While thanking Almighty for the Political freedom achieved, the question of the hour is how can one enjoy the Inner freedom. The answer is though not simple but the truth is ; Spiritual wisdom and Knowledge ie, educating oneself, are Instrumental in redeeming our Nation from the chains of misery. Therefore, let us strive hard in upholding our Nation & Churches in prayer.

Lord, help us to participate in the mission of ‘eradication of evils’ from our Nation. Amen.

God bless you all.

Yours in Christ

Panachamoottil Achen

Abraham Mar Thoma and Titus II are the two names that lighted the pages of memory and etched in the hearts of the Central Travancore faithful for their undaunted leadership during the Independent struggle both at local and national levels. This stormed a wave of conflict with the State administration

of Sir C.P. Rama Swami Iyer, Sir.C.P as widely known, Divan (Chief Executive) to the Maharaja of Travancore, to keep us at bay from being a part of a unified Independent India. In rage, his plan to arrest Abraham Mar Thoma was viewed with intense fear by his own administration owing to Thirumeni’s widespread popular support. Using the Caste Card, Sir C.P even tried his hand in exploiting the disparity prevailed among Christian denominations. In this context Abraham Mar Thoma’s speech at the centenary celebration of the reformation of the Mar Thoma Church in Trivandrum in 1938 was significant. He opened his speech by quoting the verse; “Father, as we are one they should be one as well” thereby expressing the need of unity as the desire of our Lord Jesus Christ, the head of the Universal Church. “Unity is not limited to a few but essential among the common brotherhood of man irrespective of caste, creed or religion. “

His Grace Continued…

“If any one is trying to split us for political expediency, it is unfortunate. Christians should take a leading role for religious harmony and understanding. We should make everyone, irrespective of the faith one follows, understand that we have no hidden political motives in our spiritual activities and evangelistic work. It is because of our failure that they misunderstand us, and it is our responsibility to put it right. If any one spreads the rumor that Christians are interested in mass conversion for giving them an advantage over others, it is just a wicked propaganda. It is our Christian duty to expose the falsehood of allegations of any nature by demonstrating our traditional loyalty, reverence and patriotism to our royal family. Only an undivided & unselfish service with endurance towards others in our country can achieve this. Let us uphold our mission to share the Love of Christ and make the world a better place for all inhabitants.”

Abraham Mar Thoma gave another politically sensitive speech in 1943. It was a time when Sir C.P. using his caste card accused Christians of their disloyalty to Maharaja by maintaining a close allegiance to a foreign Christian Emperor in England. In his reply to the felicitation address on the occasion of his silver

jubilee as the Bishop of Mar Thoma Church, Abraham Mar Thoma quoted the late Maharaja of Travancore, Vishakam Thirunal, who had endeared into the hearts of all, on the selfless Christian loyalty of his kingdom. Maharaja, while addressing an audience in Kottayam stated that even if Parasuraman, the Hindu God, were to return, he would fail to see a community more patriotic & loyal to royalty than the Christian community of Travancore. Metropolitan also pointed out that Christians in Travancore for generations had been loyal to the royal personage with no expectation of any reward or privilege but out of their Christian duty and obligation as laid down in the scriptures. Nevertheless, Thirumeni reiterated the fact that Christians, by subjugating to the supreme power & dominion of an Universal Ruler, The King of Kings, were duty bound to respect the will of our Father in Heaven. People like him were expected to remind them of this universal truth.

Abraham Mar Thoma saw no conflict between our patriotic duties and Christian obligations. Whenever there is a conflict of interest we are duty bound to be obedient to our heavenly king. This was a simple but clear-cut instruction to Christians on the question of dividend loyalties between a secular and religious authority. The benevolent Hindu kings of Travancore were considered to be humble servants of their deity Ananthapadmanabhan. They were ruling the kingdom on behalf of their God and were very devout Hindus. He continued, “Christians all through history had to face difficulties and challenges from Roman emperors to the present times. But none of them could destroy the Church; Christians came out of each of this period with renewed strength and determination. Please remember that martyr’s blood is the seed of the Church. If ever we are put through such trials and tribulations we should have the courage to face such challenges boldly; I am sure the young people of our land will volunteer for such an eventuality. These are challenges affecting the members of all religions. And we should fight together. Although I am getting old and am not all that well, you can be rest assured that I will be in the forefront with you to fight any divisive action against religious freedom, which we have been enjoying in this land for generations.” This clarion call to all freedom loving people was delivered in the capital city of the state before tens of thousands including the secret agents of the government. His was indeed a bold and dynamic leadership; many lay people of the Mar Thoma Church were at the forefront of the freedom struggle. Thirumeni’s relentless support and sure footed steps continued to brighten the spirits of the faithful throughout.

HOMELAND FELLOWSHIP 2011, PHASE - I - WAYANAD

Birthdays in augustDATE NAME PRAYER GROuP TELEPHONE MOBILE

1 JOSHUA ABRAHAM JACOB KADESH 25617209 992284481 ALEENA RACHEL TIJU MIZPAH 667519371 ANDREWS JOHN MULLASSERY MIZPAH 25616795 667822391 ALEXANDER VAIDYAN P. K. EPHRAIM 24318176 972058461 ALICE KURIAN (DR.) CANAAN 994682532 DEEPU THOMAS PHILIP EMMAUS 25643019 995968582 EVELYN SARA SUNLEY ARARAT 24318939 991057023 SUSAN JOHN MATHEW EMMAUS 25642194 667111023 TIA ANILA SARI SANJAY EMMAUS 23727529 677660344 JACOB CHACKO EPHRAIM 24337438 972164604 MATHEW PARAPPATTU OLIVET 25661536 978391014 KEVIN VARUGHESE T. EMMAUS 25619683 991129194 REBEKAH ELIZABETH SUNIL GEEHON 25349052 661971074 MARIAMMA OOMMEN EPHRAIM 662954835 MATHEW ABRAHAM OLIVET 25615203 995509965 ANU ALICE ANDREWS OLIVET 25646983 663963675 THOMAS VARGHESE K. OLIVET 25616048 558612045 RACHEL ALEXANDER EPHRAIM 24318176 972058466 TINU TITUS KADESH 25649403 940149077 SHARON I. CHEERAN ARARAT 977654567 SUNLEY P. VARGHESE ARARAT 24318939 991057028 CHERIYAN T. CHERIYAN MAHANAIM 25648202 664037128 ABIYA ANN SUBIN ARARAT 24341694 993628929 JACOB MATHEW EPHRATH 24338098 972083539 SHEENA ELIZABETH MATHEW KADESH 25613750 992918959 SARAH PHILIP CANAAN 25629665 9979653611 ALEN VARUGHESE ABRAHAM EPHRAIM 6629548311 KRISTEF VARKEY CHACKO SHEKAM 24745215 9933173811 ANDREA ANN ABRAHAM EPHRAIM 6629548312 RAHALAMMA THOMAS EDEN 25644965 9972712612 JERIN ANIL EDEN 25625837 9968243313 ANOOP K. ALEX EPHRATH 9943607714 JESSY KOSHY EPHRATH 24342128 9720107014 SHARON C. MATHEW EPHRATH 24314590 6676007514 CARMEL C. MATHEW EPHRATH 24314590 6676007514 GEOL ABRAHAM KADESH 25621963 6658815015 ALVIN ROY JOHN KADESH 25613051 9974083015 NISSY SARA GEORGE MIZPAH 25659639 6655296915 HANNAH SHAJI JOSEPH KADESH 25612248 9406316116 JOBY GEORGE CHERIAN EPHRAIM 24316910 9966243716 SAMSON MANOJ MIZPAH 25612452 6659926916 ABRAHAM MATHEW GEEHON 25341972 6693577717 ALAN K. EBY OLIVET 25639980 9998537317 KESIA ANN JAMES ARARAT 24315306 9728754617 ASHISH JACOB GEORGE EDEN 25659514 6651229117 SHERIN VARGHESE KADESH 25650623 6639108218 GEORGE MATHEW. K EPHRAIM 24316340 9710072718 JOVIN MATHEW OLIVET 25617268 99426691

Birthdays in augustDATE NAME PRAYER GROuP TELEPHONE MOBILE

19 SEBINA THOMAS EDEN 66761362 9913854819 ANGELA SUSAN ALEX EPHRATH 24330564 6709646519 JOSHUA SHOBIN MATHEWS OLIVET 25638289 6501051419 ELIZABETH ZACHARIAH KADESH 25668263 6654399020 SHAJU K. ABRAHAM ARARAT 9928166520 NANCY WILSON OLIVET 5510834420 JOHN MATHEW EMMAUS 25642194 6671110220 SUBY M. VARGHESE KADESH 25617209 9922844821 GIBI SKARIA SHEKAM 5515058322 VILAS VARGHESE GEEHON 9989937922 ALLAN VINCE VARGHESE OLIVET 5510834423 JAIRO NANTHIYATTU SAM EPHRATH 24348036 9710430723 MATHEW P. JACOB CANAAN 25627036 9769293423 JERAMI NANTHIYATTU SAM EPHRATH 24348036 9710430724 BEN GEORGE THOMAS ARARAT 24330423 9938169125 SAM GEORGE OLIVET 25616048 6629025325 ABHILASH A. ABRAHAM OLIVET 25648067 9941655425 LEELAMMA PHILIP MIZPAH 25640337 9959857026 MANU ABRAHAM C. JOHN OLIVET 25643756 6622424926 SUSAN KOSHY ARARAT 24335198 6618952626 SUSAN KOSHY ARARAT 24335198 6673582827 REEVES THOMAS GEORGE ARARAT 24335198 6604400827 BINU JOB EDEN 9969173027 SIBU THOMAS EMMAUS 25629186 6063127228 ANI ISNARENI SATEMAN EMMAUS 23727529 6776603429 ANSLY SUSAN REJI ARARAT 24344521 9721943330 RIA KRISTINE GEOL KADESH 25621963 6658815030 LINCY SOSA VARGHESE GEEHON 25652543 9791038531 BLESSON DANIEL PHILIP EMMAUS 25638325 6603553931 MATHEW C. M. SHEKAM 24885372 9943826331 SANTHOSH JOHN VARUGHESE MAHANAIM 9446567531 RAJU PHILIP MIZPAH 25640337 9959857031 SHINY NISHA EPHRATH 24334581 9942016831 ELSY JOSEPH GEORGE MAHANAIM 25636722 66632157

Thanks to God Almighty for his mercy that kept you safe and sound during the past year. Praying to Lord God to shower his Blessings, on each of you, all through the

year ahead. "Happy Birthday"

Our “Sargolsavan -2011” is scheduled to be held on Thursday, 22nd Sept. 2011. An array of programmes, to exhibit the inherent yet dormant talent, will be staged in this connection. Those wishing to participate as individuals to join a group, may contact : Convener - Abraham Stephen (Sunny) Tel - 66284427/25624177 or Joint Convener - Shibu Cherian Tel-99891450/25649403 on or before September 5th 2011. List of proposed programs are available with the convener.

SargoLSavam - 2011

Wedding anniversaries in augustWe wish the following couples a Happy Wedding Anniversary. Please attend and partake in the

thanksgiving prayer during the Holy Communion Service.DATE NAME PRAYER GRP. TEL. RES. MOBILE

1 KOSHY K. CHERIAN & SUNI K. KOSHY MAHANAIM 25629583 979428931 VARAMANNIL CHACKO JOB & MARY JOB MIZPAH 25723436 669227973 SIMMY VARGHESE & SOJI JOHN OLIVET 972423593 JACOB P. JABBU KOSHY & RACHEL JACOB MAHANAIM 25623596 990560314 SUNLEY P. VARGHESE & JULIE ELSA JACOB ARARAT 24318939 991057024 BYJU P. MATHEWS & LENA MARIUM THOMAS OLIVET 25661536 978391014 MANOJ K. VARGHESE & RAKHEE ELIZABETH MATHEW EPHRAIM 24346703 971531518 VARGHESE I. CHEERAN & LEENA VARGHESE ARARAT 977654569 JOBY C. GEORGE & BINCILY K. IDICULLA ARARAT 998021729 THOMAS MATHEW & SHEEJA SUSAN THOMAS CANAAN 25660857 9939829710 CHACKO PHILIP & SHEENA KOSHY ARARAT 24348934 9721352213 MATHEW VARGHESE & GIGI OOMMEN KADESH 25659976 6623267814 FEBY MANI MATHEW & CISAL GEO MAHANAIM 66194291 9444564516 THOMAS C. GEORGE & LALIAMMA THOMAS ARARAT 24330423 9938169116 SUNIL C. JOSE & ANCEY ANIYAN KADESH 9922863917 SHAJU K. ABRAHAM & ANPU ANN ZACHARIAH ARARAT 9928166519 SHIBU PHILIP MATHAI & NEETHA MARIAM ABRAHAM EDEN 25636526 9961572419 CHERIYAN T. CHERIYAN & SUNITHA ANNIE CHERIAN MAHANAIM 25648202 6640371220 RAJAN DANIEL. N. & SUSY RAJAN CANAAN 25629747 9906851421 DANNY VARGHESE MATHEW & SMITHA JOSEPH SHEKAM 9986072421 BINU THOMAS KUREEKKATTIL & BIJINU K. BINU MAHANAIM 25658460 6618098621 GEORGE CHERIAN K. & SUJA GEORGE CHERIAN EPHRAIM 24316910 9966243723 DANY V. JACOB & NINI ELSA MATHEW OLIVET 55479452 9938167624 MATHEWS KOSHY & SICY MATHEW CANAAN 25641766 6651106524 CHERIAN MATHEW & GRACE CHERIAN MAHANAIM 25629583 6608750924 JOSE V. MATHEW & SHEILA SUSAN JOSE CANAAN 6648146524 VIJI VARGHESE & JILSA V. VARGHESE CANAAN 9754128826 SATISH MATHEW KAITHOTTA & JASMINE SATISH OLIVET 25667847 9722073426 JOHN MATHAI M. & ANNIE JOHN MATHAI EPHRATH26 SAM MATHEWS & MOLLY SAM EMMAUS 9928093828 JOJU JOSE & TEENA SARA JOHN ARARAT 24338529 6666076429 MATHEW JOHN & SHERLY MATHEW EPHRAIM 66808735

HOME LAND FELLOWSHIP & PICNIC - PHASE - IIDate: August 27&28

Location – Munnar & ThekkadyFor Details contact : Conveners

Abraham Mathew Tel.: 66565496 / 25630521 or Christy Thomas 97867814/25663520

CONDOLENCEWe, The St. Thomas family express our deepest condolence to Rev.Chacko Thomas & family, Vicar St.Peters Mar Thoma Church Kuwait on the sad demise of his mother Mrs. Sarama (88), Thundiparampil Sahin villa , Punnakadu Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Kozenchery.St. Thomas family joins in conveying our heartfelt condolence to the bereaving members of Mr.Thomas C. George & family, Mem # 333 Ephraim prayer group at the loss of his beloved father Mr. C.George (92), Changekizhakkathil , Bedari Mar Thoma Church Wayanad, who has been called to the heavenly abode. May The Peace that passeth all understanding abide with both the families.

REGULAR PROGRAMS AT ST.THOMAS CENTRE

Sunday School Summer Vacation

Junior Choir Every Thursday at 6.00 TO 7.30 PM

Senior Choir Every Thursday at 7.30 TO 9.30 PM

Yuvajana Sakhyam Every 1st Friday at Centre after the Worship service

And 3rd Sunday at Abbasiya

Sevika Sanghom Summer Vacation

Edavaka Mission All Saturdays at 7.30 PM

Mr. Kevin George Sam (S/o Mrs. & Mr. George Sam,

Palakothupeedikail, Thalachira, Pathanamthitta (Emmaus P.G.) and Ms. Anna Mathew D/oMrs. & Mr. M.A. Mathew, Mulamoottil,

Kozhencherry were married on 09/06/2011 at St. Thomas Marthoma Church,

Pattoor,Trivandrum.

Mr. Philip Alexander Vaidyan (S/o Mrs. & Mr. Alexander Vaidyan, Kaithavilayil,

Cheppad, Karthikapally (Ephraim P.G.) and Ms. Sherene George

D/o Mrs. & Mr. V.P. George Vazhethu house,Vadakkancherry,Trishur were married

on 27/06/2011 at Thazakara Marthoma Church, Mavelikara.

HEARTY CONGRATuLATIONS TO THE NEWLY WEDDED COuPLE

May Heaven’s choicest blessings be showered upon the cheerful couples.

RETREAT FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALSA retreat for Medical Professionals ( Doctors, Nurses, Para-Med) will be held on Friday, 23rd September,2011 at St. Thomas Center immediately after the Service . This will be a fellowship to enhance the spiritual growth, bringing up oneness among the members who are in the medical field and to show their Love by serving the society and help the needy.

For details please Contact : Convener Mr. Vijoy M Alexander – Cell: 97100853.

2 07:30 PM HALL OF PEACEANOINTING THE SICK

HEALING OF THE BODY MIND AND SPIRIT

HOLY COMMUNION JAMES 5: 13-19

ST. MATT 10: 1-10

2 KINGS 20: 1-11

ACTS 4: 5-12 EDEN

5 7:30 AM ST. THOMAS CENTRE

CALL FOR MISSION (MISSION SUNDAY)

HOLY COMMUNION ROMANS 1: 8-17

ST. LUKE 24: 44-49

JOSH 24: 14-25

REVELATION 3: 14-22

KADESH

9 07:30 PM HALL OF PEACE HOLY COMMUNION MIZPAH

12 7:30 AM ST. THOMAS CENTRE

NAVODHANA DAY LIVING ACCORDING

TO THE GOSPEL

HOLY COMMUNION ROMANS 12:1-22

ST.LUKE 3:1-14

2 KINGS 23:1-11

1PETER 4:1-11

OLIVET

16 07:30 PM HALL OF PEACE HOLY COMMUNION GEEHON

19 7:30 AM ST. THOMAS CENTRE THRU THE

WORD OF GOD

FASTING PRAYER EDAVAKA MISSION

23 07:30 PM HALL OF PEACE HOLY COMMUNION 1 JOHN 2:3-15

ST.MATT 7:24-29

2 CHRONIC 34:29-33

HEBREWS 8:1-13 ARARAT

26 7:30 AM ST. THOMAS CENTRE

SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE “WHAT GOD

HAS JOINED TOGETHER, LET MAN NOT SEPARATE”

HOLY COMMUNION EPHESIAN

5: 21-32ST. MARK

10: 1-9GENSUS 1: 26-31

REVELATION 19: 1-10

CANAAN

30 07:30 PM HALL OF PEACE WORSHIP SERVICE WILL BE ASSIGNED

WOrshiP sCheduLe FOr the MOnth OF august 2011

Prayer Groups are requested to select and assign appropriate persons as Laymen to assist, Lesson Readers and to collect offertory at Worship and Holy Communion services, both at St. Thomas Center and Hall of Peace. Please co-ordinate with Lay Readers.

This Messenger is sponsored by Alexander Vaidyan P.K. & Family. St.Thomas Family takes this opportunity to thank them.Sponsership For ST. THOMAS MESSENGER

Sponsorship for “MESSENGER” is solicited from individuals, families (share the special occasions), organizations, prayer groups. For details please contact the office bearers in advance.

John Alexander John Varghese (Reji) Christy Thomas Vijoy Alexander Mathew P Alexander Abraham Stephen

Vice President Secretary Trustee Trustee Accounts Lay Ministrant Lay Ministrant

66249240 / 25610139 99086449 / 25627036 97867814 / 25663520 97100853 / 22623051 97835292 / 25650273 66284427 / 25624177

ST.THOMAS OFFICE BEARERS 2011-2012

DATE TIME VENUE THEME PROGRAMME EPISTLE GOSPEL FIRST LESSON

SECOND LESSON

ASSISTANCE BY (Laymen, Lesson

Reading & Offertory collection)