M E L B O U R N E M A R T H O M A C H U R C H
M a y 2 0 2 4
I N T H I S I S S U E
- Vicar message
- Lectionary
- General Body meeting
- May Services
- Sevika Sangam
- Sunday School
- Birthdays and Anniversary
- History of Church - Pre-Reformation
Vicar Message
“Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so
come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1.11)
May the name of the Almighty God be exalted.
From assassination to ascension : Ascension occurs on the fortieth day after Easter. Birth, death, and burial are
commonly understood aspects of human life. Though the beheading of truth and crucifixion of righteousness have
repeated throughout history, the resurrection of truth and righteousness is unique to Jesus. Not only does the resurrection
occur, but also the ascension to the throne of heaven, giving new hope and encouragement to all humanity eagerly
awaiting redemption and victory over sinful practices in the world. Though truth has been killed and buried in the tomb,
the same place can be transformed into a womb that generates life and birth. Jesus proved that the darkness of the tomb
can also function as the womb of a mother. The sealed tomb, which symbolizes the autocratic nature of religion and
authority, can also be transformed into a womb symbolizing the liberation and victory of truth and righteousness. We still
have hope for freedom, the existence of truth, and the unity of righteous in Christ.
As we joyously enter the fifth month of this year, 2024, we meditate on the peace of the resurrected Christ. This peace
does not entail fearful silence or complete surrender to dominating evil forces. Rather, it signifies the victory of life over
death and the willingness to accept challenges for the glory of God, experiencing inner healing in the process.
Compromises may bring about earthly peace, but it is often short-lived. Jesus bestowed upon us the peace from above,
motivating us to confront the consequences in the pursuit of righteousness.
We held two special general body meetings in the month of April 2024. I commend the parish for your patience and unity
in addressing the issues and needs of our growing community. We affirm that the church is primarily a worshiping
community, and all other activities are secondary. Celebrations without Christ at the centre can lead to chaos rather than
koinonia.
As the body of Christ, we must pray and seek God's guidance as we discuss the possibilities of extending our campus.
We need to take bold steps to overcome the limitations of time, space, finance, and boundaries that have constrained us
for years. The parish, as the body of Christ, should share a common dream with Christ and work together diligently.
Our decisions should not be influenced by who proposed them but should be driven by our vision for the future. Let us
move forward with faith and determination, keeping our focus on Christ and His mission for us. We cordially invite you to
our Annual General Meeting scheduled for May 26. Your participation and prayers for these meetings are deeply
appreciated. As we gather, let us pray for the election of capable leaders for the parish and all its associated
organizations. In our leadership selections, we aim to accommodate representatives from various demographics,
including youth, women, seniors, and young families, in appropriate proportions. We advocate for inclusivity and diversity
within our leadership teams. We propose that at least 40% of the executive committee members should be new. This
deliberate infusion of fresh perspectives alongside experienced individuals will enrich our decision-making processes and
foster innovation.
Our commitment is to ensure that all matters are addressed in a timely manner, with due respect and transparency. Your
support and engagement are invaluable as we navigate the path forward together.
A warm welcome to our new members: Nathan George (son of Sandeep & Stacy), Sony Chacko & Ligi Augustine, and
new couples Marcus & Divya and Job & Vimala. 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
Binu & Princy and Joe & Seena. 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.
In conclusion, let us hold onto the hope of ascension, remembering that just as Jesus ascended into heaven, He
promised to return. As we navigate life's challenges and joys, may we find strength and reassurance in the assurance of
His eventual return, bringing with Him everlasting peace and restoration. Amen.
Shalom,
Shojiachen
Vicar
Melbourne Mar Thoma Church
0401311688
Lectionary
General Body Meetings in May
12 May Sunday Special General Body MMDF
26 May Sunday Annual General Body Election of Office Bearers 2024-2025
May 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
Sevika Sanghom
Events When
Online intercessory prayer
8pm on Thursdays
Monthly catch up at church 3rd Sunday after 2nd service
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
5
th
May 2024: Regular Classes after service
12
th
May 2024: Regular Classes at 8am
19
th
May 2024: Regular Classes after service (Mothers’ Day Special Worship Session)
26
th
May 2024: Regular Classes at 8am
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.
Register interest - Click here to register
Melbourne Mar Thoma Cemetery Fund
MMCF, Melbourne Mar Thoma Cemetery Fund, has been advised by Bunurong Memorial Park, the provider of Cemetery
spots of “Melbourne Malankara Mar Thoma” area, that there is another price rise in July 2024. Prices have already increased
more than 44% since we purchased them.
If any of the Melbourne Mar Thoma Church members would like to reserve a cemetery spot in the exclusive “Melbourne
Malankara Mar Thoma Area”, please let the MMCF convenors Alex Sen Varughese or Biju George know before 31/05/2024.
Alex Sen Varughese (0418 369 020) & Biju George (0433 250 304)
Birthdays
Mrs.Anupa Thomas Master.Jayden Jobby Mathew Mr.Arun R
Mr.Bijin Abraham Idicula Mrs.Adhina Rachel Shaji Master.Zakea Easaw John
Master Alexander Thomas John Mr.Darren Sen Mrs.Roshni Anna Samu
Master.Jaiden Thomas Cherian Miss.Keziah Roy Master.Jeffin Laby Thomas
Miss.Kaelyn Suzan Mathews Mr.Alvin John Mrs.Reena Sen
Mr.Dennis Mathen Koshy Mr.Tony Varghese Kurian Mrs.Tinu Easo
Mrs.Savitha Abhilash Mr.Subin Abraham Mathew Mr.George T Mathew
Miss.Andrea Anna Selex Master.Joel Thekkattil Cijo Mr.Johnson Joseph Simson
Ms.Elaina Rachel Varghese Dr.Ranjith Rajasekharan Mr.George Kurian
Mr.Verghese George Mathew Miss.Jeana Eliza Rojy Mr.Binu Varughese
Master.Philip Alex Mrs.Rohini Koshy Mr.Albert John
Mr.Thomas George Master.Edan Abraham Joseph Mrs.Blessy Thomas
Miss.Jimi Thomas Miss.Evia Varghese Mrs.Jolly Achankunju
Master.Ryan Jino Cherian Mr.Steve Philip Miss.Nayana Alexander Kovoor
Miss.Niya Marium Mathew Mrs.Sobhana George Mr.Laby O Thomas
Mr.Sunil Mathew John Mr.Shiril Eapen Varughese Mr.Suraj Abraham
Mrs.Mary Verghese Mr.Subi John Abraham Mrs.Bini John
Mrs.Lovely Thomas Mr.Joshua Abraham Varughese Mrs.Jancy K John
Master.Johan Siju Master.Dean Jerin George Mr.Alwin Kurian Mathew
Mrs.Anpu Thankam Ebby Mr.Joby Mathew Mrs.Annie Thomas
Mrs.Kavitha Mr.Rajesh Chacko John Mr.Sajan P J
Mrs.Reena James Mr.Bobby Jacob Oommen Mr.Johnson K Varughese
Mrs.Annie Binu Varghese Master.Aaron Mathew Jogey Mr.Joby K Baby
Master.Izac J Mathews Miss.Jaimie Miriam George Mr.Nomis K S
Master.Daniel Jobson Mrs.Ponnamma Philip Mr.Allan Thomas
Master.Jayden Jacob Mrs.Mekha Rony Mr.Zen Thomas
Mrs.Melanie Elizabeth Biji Mr.Sunil Sunny Jaccob Mr.Thomas K Mathew
Mrs.Leela Thomas Mrs.Sneha Jacob Mr.Jerin P Abraham
Mr.Philip Mathew Mr.Bibi Oommen Abraham Miss.Ananya Sara Philips
Mr.Jeorly George Miss.Nikita Susan Pramode Mrs.Sindhu Shijo
Miss.Joanna J George Mrs.Anju Shine Koshy Mrs.Lini Elsa Abraham
Mrs.Shine Kurian Mr.Anit Sam George Mr.David Abraham
Mr.Anil Fred Miss.Ela Jane Kuttikattu Mr.George Philip
Master.Geevan George Thelamala Mrs.Reni Jophy Mrs.Aleyamma George
Mr.Thomas Mathew Mr.Ashok Jacob Miss.Joanna Varghese
Miss.Nila Mariam Mathew Mrs.Preethy N Jose Mr.Nithin Mathew Idiculla
Miss.Eva Lin Easow Mr.Mathew Vilaparampil Pappy Miss.Abigail Ann Zechariah
Msanaia Sara George Mr. Linumon Kunju Mrs.Janciamma Kuruvilla Asariparampil
Mr.T S Abraham Mr.Aji John Mrs.Sibin Thomas
Mrs.Diya Abraham Mr.Cijo Thekkattil Varghese Mr.Oommen Thomas
Miss.Evana Varghese
Wedding Anniversary
Mr. Jubin Aby Alex, Mrs. Susan Chandy
Mr. Joselin Varkey Jacob, Mrs. Neethu Roy Abraham
Mr. Shaji Varghese, Mrs. Grace Mathew
Mr. Suraj Abraham, Mrs. Anu Koshy
Mr. Ajan Joseph, Mrs. Manju Abraham
Mr. Joji John, Mrs. Rekha Mathew
Mr. Alvin John, Mrs. Menila Daniel Lukose
Mr. Deepu George Thomas, Mrs. Ninu Joseph
Mr. Martin Thomas John, Mrs. Rinju Martin
Mr. Cijo THekkattil Varghese, Mrs. Sini George
Mr. Jogey Mathew , Mrs. Sibin Thomas
Mr. Bibin Mathew Babu, Mrs. Marys Kunnath Thomson
Mr. Rajan P Thomas, Mrs. Betty Thomas
Mr. Rojy K Mathews, Mrs. Siji Varghese
Mr. Richin Mathew, Mrs. Annie Richin
Mr. Alexander Mathew Kovoor, Mrs. Anju Sara Kovoor
Mr. Santhosh George, Mrs. Lemya Anitha Kuruvilla
Mr. Gini Kodiat, Mrs. Blessy Thomas
Mr. Sunil P.P, Mrs. Vidhya Sunil
Mr. Verghese George , Mrs. Annie Verghese
Mr. Kevin P Alexander, Mrs. Akku Mathew Chirayil
Mr. Visal John, Mrs. Tinu Easo
Mr. Roshi Thomas Thariyan, Mrs. Anupama Mary Roshi
Mr. Jerin Jacob, Mrs. Merin Kochummen
Mr. Shaji Cherian, Mrs. Annie Joseph
Mr. Binsu Benny, Mrs. Anpu Thankam Ebby
h i f h h h h
The History of the Mar Thoma Church
Pre-Reformation
The history of the Mar Thoma Church is divided into three main eras:
1. Pre-Reformation
2. Reformation
3. Post Reformation
Pre-Reformation Era
St. Thomas, the Apostle of Jesus Christ, is believed to have landed in AD 52 in Cranganore near Cochin, Kerala, which
was an important seaport on the Malabar Coast at that time, with trade connections to the Middle East. Trade between
the Malabar Coast and Palestine included spices and luxury items like ivory. It's noteworthy that in the book of Kings,
there is a mention of articles brought to the court of King Solomon from India, indicating trade connections even before
the time of Christ.
Therefore, it was quite natural for Thomas to come to India with the Gospel as the disciples went to different parts of the
world in accordance with the commission given to them by Jesus Christ. In the true Apostolic tradition he preached first to
the Jewish settlers in and around Cochin, and then worked among the Hindus. Through the ministry of the Word and the
many miracles which tradition attributes to him, he brought many people from other faith to the Christianity. It is believed
that he organized 7 Christian communities for the use of these Christians, and ordained presbyters from four leading
families.
The seven churches were:
Cranganore (Malankara)
Chavakad (Palur)
Parur near Alwaye
Gokamangalam
Niranam
Nilakkal (Chayal)
Quilon (Kollam)
All these places except Nilakkal are near the sea coast. Nilakkal is in the ghat region near Sabarimala, the Hindu place of
pilgrimage. It is believed that Nilakkal was an important trading centre for export of spices and other items like ivory, and
the route extended to Tamil Nadu across the ghats. Remains of ancient human dwellings and places of worship are still
discernible among the ruins in this area, which is now covered with forests.
It is believed that St. Thomas proceeded to the East coast of India and died a martyr’s death at a place called St. Thomas
Mount, and was buried at Mylapore in Madras.
The History of the Christian Church in the first century does not depend entirely on historical documents. Tradition is often
more true and more compelling than plain historic proof. In this sense St. Peter’s founding of the Roman Church and St.
Thomas’ founding of the Malabar Church, may be said to stand on the same footing. Both are supported by traditions
which are sufficiently early and sufficiently strong.
Mention is made in the records of the Council of Nicea (AD 325), of the presence of a Bishop John of India. Jawaharlal
Nehru in his ‘Glimpses of World History’ (1934) commented as follows:-
“You may be surprised to learn that Christianity came to India long before it went to England or Western Europe, and
when even in Rome it was a despised and proscribed sect. Within 100 years or so of the death of Jesus, Christian
Missionaries came to South India by sea. They were received courteously and permitted to preach their new faith. They
converted a large number of people, and their descendants have lived there, with varying fortune, to this day. Most of
them belong to old Christian sects which have ceased to exist in Europe.”
The history of this ancient Church during 4th to 15th centuries reveals the fact that it was in friendly relations with the
Church in Persia. There is a tradition that a group of 400 immigrants from Persia arrived in Malabar in AD 345 under the
leadership of a merchant named Thomas of Cana, known as Knaye Thommen. Mention is made also of another
immigration from Persia in the year AD 825 under the leadership of a Persian merchant named Marwan Sabriso with two
Bishops named Mar Sapro and Mar Prodh. They landed in Quilon. King Cheraman Perumal gave them land and
extended to them special privileges, inscribed on two sets of Copper Plates (in Malayalam “Chepped”). Three of these are
still in the Old Seminary in Kottayam and two are at the Mar Thoma Church Head Quarters, Tiruvalla.
There was ecclesiastical connection between the Church in West Asia and the Church in Malabar till 16th century. The
Bishops who came from Babylonian Patriarchate were Nestorians. Even now there is a Nestorian Church in Trichur,
called the Chaldean Syrian Church. They are connected with the Nestorian Patriarch. Though there were such
ecclesiastical connections and ministrations, the Church in Malabar was independent in administration under its own
Archdeacons.
The Portuguese started settling in India with the coming of Vasco De Gama in AD 1498. They established their power in
the 16th & the 17th centuries. This was also a period, which witnessed far-reaching effects of the missionary adventures
of the Roman Catholic Church. At this time, the Portuguese were powerful in the eastern areas and had control of the sea
routes. The Roman Catholic Church wanted to use this opportunity to bring the Church in Malabar under the supremacy
of Rome. A powerful Archbishop Alexio-de-Menezes arrived in Goa in 1592. He then convened a Synod at
Udayamperoor, south of Ernakulam, in the year 1599, called the Synod of Diamper for commandeering obedience to the
supreme Bishop of Rome. The representatives sent from various congregations were forced to accept the decrees read
out by the Archbishop. Thus the Syrian Christians of Malabar, (the Malankara Church) were made part of the Roman
Catholic Church under the Pope. The Malankara Church was under Roman Empire for half a century. But many smarted
under the Roman Yoke. Gradually the power of the Portuguese empire declined and the Christians yearned for regaining
independence.
They tried to get a prelate from one of the Eastern Churches to lead the people out of this torpid state of affairs. And when
their efforts were proved futile, they declared their independence and shook off the Roman supremacy after 54 years of
submission, with the ‘Oath of Coonen Cross’ in AD 1653. That was a historic event, which inscribed a new chapter in the
history of the Church in Malabar. What they wanted was to remain loyal to their ancient faith and traditions.
Their dream was finally materialized when their Archdeacon, Thomas by name, was duly consecrated with the title ‘Mar
Thoma’ in 1665 by Mar Gregorius of Jerusalem who was associated with the Jacobite Patriarchate of Antioch. Thus the
Episcopal continuity was restored with Mar Thoma I as the first Indian Metropolitan. Thus began the relation of the Syrian
Church with the Antiochene Jacobites. Because of the relationship with the Syrian Church, the Church in Malankara
(Malabar) was also known as Syrian Church of Malabar.
MALANKARA THRONE
The throne used for this consecration in 1655 is still in the possession of the Mar Thoma Church and kept in the
Poolatheen, the residence of the Malankara Metropolitan at Tiruvalla. It has been used in the installation of every Mar
Thoma Metropolitan, to this day, so that the continuity of the throne of Mar Thoma is ensured.
Thereafter, Ten Bishops with the title of ‘Mar Thoma’ were consecrated who held ecclesiastical authority over the
Malankara Church from 1653 to 1843. Of the ten Bishops, four had assumed the title Mar Dionysius.During the time of
Mar Thoma VI, who took the title of Dionysius I, Mar Gregorios, a foreign Bishop consecrated a new Bishop with the title
Mar Koorilos. Mar Dionysus raised objections and Mar Koorilos had established his seat at Thozhiyoor, near
Kunnamkulam on the British Malabar border. This Church continued as an independent church from that time. This
Church maintains cordial relations with the Mar Thoma Church, especially for inter-church consecration of Bishops even
on date.
By this time, Malankara Syrian Christians had developed close relations with the missionaries sent from Church Mission
Society in London. But soon seeds of misunderstanding were sown and cracks appeared in their relationship. This gap
widened and ultimately resulted in their parting of ways. With the converts they gained and with the Syrians who joined
them eventually, a branch of the Church of England known as the Diocese of Travancore and Cochin was formed (1879).
But that was not the end. There was a nucleus of people in the church who longed for the removal of unscriptural customs
and practices which had crept into the church over the centuries. They envisioned a reformation in the Church in the light
of the Gospel of our Lord. There were two outstanding leaders in this group, one was Palakunnathu Abraham Malpan of
Maramon (1796-1845) and the other, Kaithayil Geevarghese Malpan of Puthuppally (1800-1855). Both were teachers in
the Syrian Seminary (established in AD 1813 by Pulikottil Mar Dionysius) and had opportunities to come into close
personal contact with the missionaries and to share their insights regarding the Christian life and the nature and
functioning of the Church as depicted in the New Testament and to imbibe the ideas of the Western Reformation. The
group led by these two was very much concerned about the need of a revival in the Church.
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