M E L B O U R N E M A R T H O M A C H U R C H
J u n e 2 0 2 4
I N T H I S I S S U E
- Vicar message
- Lectionary
- General Body meeting
- June Services
- Sunday School
- Sevika Sangam
- Young Families
- Birthdays and Anniversary
- History of Church - Reformation
Vicar Message
Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up
your cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)
May the name of the Almighty God be exalted.
The Cost of Discipleship
What is the cost of discipleship? Simply put, it is giving up one’s own way and being ready to take up the
risk of the cross in our day-to-day life. The cross is not merely about sufferings; it signifies our willingness
to suffer for a divine cause. It is for the Kingdom of God and its glory. The nature of the cross may differ
from person to person, but the ultimate goal remains the same: the glorification of God. Jesus went
through a path of sufferings; He was targeted, isolated, marginalized, beaten, judged, and finally
murdered. This murder turned into the divine sacrifice of the Son of God for the salvation of all humanity.
Until that moment, the truth was hidden and interpreted by others for their convenience. But the truth
revealed on the cross has set everyone free. The time between the cry of “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” and
the chorus of resurrection, “He is risen,” is the most painful and darkest time in human history. This may
repeat and reflect in each individual’s life.
Once again, we enter into a period of Apostolic Lent. The theme for this period is ‘Discipleship: The Call
to Bear the Cross.’ This season reminds us that the cross is not the end; resurrection and glorious
appearances will follow.
The month of May was enriched with the Feast of Ascension, Pentecost, and the teachings of the Trinity
and the Holy Spirit. The nature, gifts, manifestations, fruits, and roles of the Holy Spirit were discussed.
This year, Choir Sunday will be celebrated on the first Sunday of June. We acknowledge the dedicated
leadership and participation of our choir members in regular services and other events of the parish. I
pray that their efforts to grow further in a more systematic and well-ordered manner may reach their goal
through the collective efforts of all members.
During the last general body meeting, we discussed overcoming the space constraints of our parish and
encouraged starting one or two satellite services based on members' interest in each area. If our
members living in the north and northwest zones are interested in having worship services and starting
Sunday School, please let me know your concerns. These will be brought to the executive committee for
planning without burdening families in any particular area. These initiatives will always be part of our
parish and its ministry, and all members will remain part of the same parish and administrative structure. I
hope the discussions within the concerned prayer groups will result in good proposals.
We are in the process of electing our office bearers, prayer group leaders, and organization committees.
The parish congratulates all those elected in the general body meeting held on May 26, 2024: Mr.
Mathew Thomas, Mr. Subi John Abraham, Mrs. Roshan Elizabeth John, Mr. Abraham Mathew, and Mr.
Philip Easaw as trustees, assistant secretary, and auditors, respectively. The election for all other
positions will be arranged within one month and will be published with the guidance of our executive
committee. I request you to continue to uphold everything in your prayers.
A warm welcome to our new members: Monu Philip Mathew, Sony Chacko & Family, Jicky
Chakkalamannil Joseph & Family, Merlin Ann Saju, and Michael Thomas (S/o Deepu & Ninu). May their
journey with us be abundantly blessed as they become part of our community.
We offer our heartfelt prayers for the bereaved families who have lost their beloved members, especially
the families of Jones & Jessy and Aby & Tincy. Our thoughts and support are with them during this
challenging time of loss. We also extend our prayers to all those facing difficult situations, particularly
those with family members suffering from serious illness. May the healing hand of our Lord Jesus bring
comfort, strength, and peace to them in their time of need.
Discipleship calls us to give up our own ways and embrace the path of the cross, reflecting the sacrifice
and love of Jesus in our daily lives. As we journey together as a parish, let us support one another in our
spiritual growth, fostering a community rooted in faith, compassion, and service. May we continue to
uphold each other in prayer, striving to glorify God through our collective efforts and individual
commitments to His Kingdom.
Shalom,
Shoji Varghese Kasseessa
June Services
* Changes to any of the above schedule will be intimated closer to the date of each service.
Please contact Assistant Secretary if you wish to bring Altar Flowers
Sunday School
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
Proverbs 22:6
The month that is June
2
nd
June 2024:
Regular Classes
9
th
June 2024:
Regular Classes (SS starting at 8 am)
16
th
June 2024:
Regular Classes
23
rd
June 2024:
Regular Classes
30
th
June 2024:
Term 2 Holidays (No classes)
Satellite Service - Sunday School - Expression of Interest
We are inviting expressions of interest in attending the Sunday School at South Eastern Suburbs Satellite
service of the Melbourne Mar Thoma Church.
We are expecting to commence classes in July at Satellite Service. All those who have registered so far
will be contacted in due course on next steps.
Register interest - Click here to register
Subash & Shalu
9C Joyce Ave, Glen Waverley Vic 3150
Birthdays
Mr.Biju John Master.Shaun Thomas George
Mr.Justin Mr.Joshua Binu Samuel
Mr.Mammen Mammen Mrs.Shobha Philip
Mrs.Neetu Abraham Mrs.Susan Abraham
Mrs.Susan Thomas Mrs.Leena Smitha Borgavi
Master.Aaron Nomis Mr.Koshy Mathew
Miss.Emily Mary Thomas Miss.Catherine Blessy Samuel
Mrs.Annamma Abraham Mrs.Betty Thomas
Mr.Boby Thomas George Mrs.Sini George
Mr.Amal John Varghese Mrs.Irene Alisha Abraham
Miss.Evelyn Ann Varughese Mrs.Sheena Jacob
Mrs.Shalin Mary George Mr.P M John
Mrs.Sneha M Kuriyakose Miss.Jaclyn Binu Samuel
Mr.Aswin Kurian Korah Master.Immanuel Alan George
Miss.Emily Mary Thomas Mr.Ajith George Jacob
Mrs.Neethu Ann Joseph Mr.John Simon
Dr.Ashwin George Koshy Mrs.Blessy Mathew
Mrs.Jerin C Varghese Mr.Varghese David Kolath
Mr.Mohan Varkey Mrs.Anu Koshy
Miss.Abigail Mariam John Mr.Jomy Jose
Miss.Ava Paulose Master.Sean Samuel Varghese
Mr.Sony Abraham Mrs.Veena Varghese
Master.Brian K Linu Miss.Amy Maria Benny
Mrs.Simi Abraham Mr.Praveen George Thampi
Mrs.Anuja Mr.Justin Jubert
Mrs.Jisha Christopher Miss.Eva Mary Joseph
Mr.Joseph George Mr.Roney Varughese
Mr.Raji Thomas Mrs.Susan Abraham
Mrs.Constance Varughese Miss.Rebecca Thankam Varughese
Mr.Alexander George Dr.Vidya Susan Jacob
Mrs.Gethi George Master.Jeremy George Koshy
Miss.Sharon Ann Mathew Mr.Jacob George
Mrs.Ashlyn Subin Tom Mrs.Seena Joseph
Mr.Binosh V Thomas Mr.Abraham C Abraham
Mrs.Susan George Miss.Merlin Ann Saju
Mrs.Joby George Mrs.Susan Mathew
Master.Sachin Thomas Mathews Master.Edwin Rejoy
Mr.Jackson Thomas Miss.Elisha Vini Alexander
Miss.Rhea Mariam Koshy Miss.Michelle Mary Edel
Mr.Manu Sam Mr.Shiju Varughese
Mr.Thomas K Leem Miss.Aniyah Abraham Mathew
Mrs.Akshatha Nyarse Parashuram Mr.Thomas Mathew
Mr.Roshi Thomas Thariyan Master.Joel Aby Mathew
Dr Mrs.Annie Bobby Mr.Eric Thomas Leem
Mr.Johny Valiyaveettil Thomas Mrs.Tara Maria Alexander
Mr.Jacob Varghese Mrs.Tincy Annie Thomas
Miss.Jesslyn Sara James
Wedding Anniversary
Selex & Anju
Biju & Ambily
Raju & Suja - Bentleigh
Biju & Neethu
Kurian & Sumitha
Stani & Anuja
Sajan & Lini
Jeevan &Chinnu
Jerry & Roshni
Bobby & Alina
Renin & Mareena
George & Joby
Happy & Pinkle
Sen & Reena
Binu & Anu
Zac & Finu
Shaji & Beena
Circulars & Notices
Reply Letter from Diocesan Bishop for the letter sent as per AGM Decision
Minutes of the AGM on 26 May 2024
The History of the Mar Thoma Church
Reformation Period
The history of the Mar Thoma Church is divided into three main eras:
1. Pre-Reformation
2. Reformation
3. Post Reformation
Palakkunnathu Abraham Malpan from Maramon and Kaithayil Geevarghese Malpan from Kottayam who
spearheaded this movement, never wanted to start a separate Church. They wanted the reformation,
staying within the Church. This group gradually became vocal and approached Col. Fraser, the British
Resident, with a memorandum in 1836 . But since nothing came of it, Abraham Malpan decided to take
action in his own parish of Maramon which was sympathetic towards his ideas of reform. He translated
the liturgy of the Holy Qurbana into local language Malayalam from Syriac and also eliminated from it the
prayers for the dead and invocation of saints etc. He celebrated Holy Qurbana in his church using the
revised St.James liturgy on a Sunday in 1836. This was tantamount to firing the first shot of the
reformation. He later on removed from the church the wooden image of a saint reputed to have
miraculous powers, and in whose honor an annual festival was held that brought in huge income to the
Parish. Both at Maramon and at the Syrian Seminary at Kottayam, and in the neighboring Parishes of
Pallom and Kollad, Abraham Malpan popularized Bible teaching and preaching. Abraham Malpan and
Geevarghese Malpan had to give up their service in the Seminary, in 1840. Since then Abraham Malpan
concentrated his attention on the work of reform, holding Bible classes and prayer meetings and
instructing the deacons who were loyal to him.
Most prominent elements in the Reformation were:
Return to the gospel message of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ;
Cleansing of wrong ways of life, and
Taking up responsibility to be witnesses of Jesus Christ to other;
All importance be given to the primacy of the Word of God.
Thus the reformation movement was started. It was a return to the purity of the life and practice of the
early Church. The emphasis on preaching the word of God led to revival meetings, which were led both
by the clergy and laymen. The domination of the clergy as custodians of grace became a thing of the
past. Emphasis was given to the sole mediation of Christ, importance of laity and priesthood of all
believers. More and more groups were formed for Bible study; and conventions for preaching and
hearing the Word of God became common.
Metropolitan Chepat Mar Dionysius was not prepared to accept such changes. So he refused to ordain
the deacons who had undergone training with Abraham Malpan. He also excommunicated Abraham
Malpan. So Abraham Malpan went to his mother-parish at Maramon. He stood strong in faith and
convictions when faced with serious challenges and great difficulties. However the whole parish stood
with him. Others who favoured the reforms went to hear his preaching and were strengthed by his
exhortations. Some other parishes also decided to adopt the programme of reformation. Abraham
Malpan realized that unless he had the support of a bishop who was sympathetic towards his reforms,
there was little prospect of the movement gaining ground. So he sent his nephew Deacon Mathew, who
was then studying in Madras, to the Patriarch at Mardin in Syria. The Patriarch, being impressed with the
character and ability of the deacon, in due course ordained him as priest and consecrated him as
Metropolitan, with the name Mathews Mar Athanasius. The new Bishop arrived in Cochin in 1843 with
credentials received from the Patriarch.
The new Metropolitan went to Trivandrum and tried to obtain the Royal proclamation declaring him as the
Metropolitan of the Malankara Church. Chepat Mar Dionysius opposed this. Mathews Mar Athanasius got
the royal proclamation in 1852 declaring him as the Metropolitan of the Malankara Church. Abraham
Malpan died at the early age of 49 years in 1845. Having received the Royal proclamation, Mathews Mar
Athanasius made himself more active and involved in the cause of reformation. Years later a group led by
Pulikottil Joseph Mar Dionysius who was consecrated by the Patriarch of Antioch worked vigorously
against him and his attempts to continue reformation. Mathews Mar Athanasius, consecratd his cousin
Abraham Malpan’s son, as Thomas Mar Athanasius in 1868. The reformed party had possession of the
Syrian Seminary as Mathews Mar Athanasius had been declared as the Malankara Metropolitan. The
Partriarch of Antioch himself came to Kerala in 1875. A prolonged litigation followed, as to who was the
rightful Malankara Metropolitan. Mathews Mar Athanasius died in 1877 and Thomas Mar Athanasius had
to carry the burden of conducting the court cases, for the possession of the Syrian Seminary and Church
property. This case was decided in the royal court of appeal in Trivandrum, in 1889. Two judges decreed
that Joseph Mar Dionysius was the rightful Metropolitan of the Malankara Church as he expressed
allegiance to the Patriarch of Antioch. One Christian Judge gave the verdict in favour of Thomas Mar
Athanasius because of his conviction that the Malankara Church has been an independent Church from
the beginning. The majority view prevailed and Thomas Mar Athanasius had to leave the Syrian
Seminary and the properties there, because he upheld the autonomy of the Church. It was suggested
that Thomas Mar Athanasius would be recognized as Malankara Metropolitan, if he agreed that future
consecrations of Bishops should be by the Partriarch of Anticoh. He did not agree to this proposal as it
was against the autonomy of the Church.
Again, litigation continued for the possession of individual churches. The reform party got only Maramon
and Kozhencherry churches by court decision, and the Kottarakara church without contest. Five
churches were to be used by the two parties on alternate Sundays. They put up small sheds in other
places to hold worship services.
Maramon church
Even though the reform party lost their hereditary and rightful possession, it became the occasion for the
people to turn to God and to go forward in faith, trusting in the power of God. This led to a spiritual revival
and great joy in spite of difficulties. It was this spiritual fervour which sustained the people. The Maramon
Convention (Evangelistic Meeting) was started about this time in the year 1896. The famous Maramon
Convention which we have been holding annually for over a century, is a source of great spiritual power
and inspiration for innumerable people. The losses were forgotten in the zeal of spiritual fulfilment. The
concern for the spread of the Gospel gave momentum to the reformation movement. The successive
Metropolitans of the Church also continued in the same spirit, with the help of dedicated clergy whose
leadership and sacrificial lives have been deeply appreciated by the people in the Church.
(Source: https://marthoma.in/the-church/heritage/)
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