MELBOURNE MAR THOMA CHURCH
JULY 2025 NEWSLETTER
God's love is made complete in us
I N T H I S I S S U E
- Vicar's message
- Lectionary
- July Church Services & Events
- Prayer Meetings
- Sunday School
- Youth
- YFF
- Sevika Sangham
- Senior Citizens Fellowship
- STEFM Annual Day
- Words of Wisdom
- Birthdays and Wedding Anniversary
Vicar's Message
"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them."
1 John 4:16
Greetings to you all in the name of our lord and saviour Jesus Christ.
Just When It's Coldest, Love Shines.
As winter wraps Melbourne in its chilly embrace, our city's streets may seem quieter, but the spirit of community and compassion remains strong. Amidst the
cold and darkness, we find opportunities to shine brighter, to serve others with kindness, and to reflect on the things that truly matter. In this issue, we will
explore ways to follow Jesus' example of love and service, even in the midst of winter's challenges.
Jesus' Gift of Peace
In John 14:27, Jesus says, 'Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do
not be afraid.' As we navigate life's challenges and uncertainties, Jesus offers us a peace that transcends worldly understanding. This peace is not
dependent on external circumstances, but rather on the presence of God within us. May we hold onto this promise, allowing Jesus' peace to calm our
troubled hearts and guide us through life's ups and downs.
Joining in Prayer & Love
As our house visiting continues, this is a wonderful opportunity to build connections, share experiences, and pray for one another. Through these visits, we
can come to know each other better, understand each other's struggles and joys, and bear each other's burdens. May these visits be a source of
encouragement and blessing to all involved, as we seek to live out our faith in practical ways and demonstrate God's love to our community.
Joyous Junior Sunday School Camp.
We announce that our Sunday School Junior Camp is just around the corner! Mark your calendars for July 12th, as we embark on a fun-filled adventure of
learning, games, and friendship.
This camp is a fantastic opportunity for our children to deepen their understanding of God's love and values, and to experience the joy of community with
their peers. Through engaging activities, interactive lessons, and meaningful discussions, our children will have the chance to grow in their faith and develop
a stronger connection with God. We kindly request that parents send their children to this camp.
Through Sunday School, our children can experience God and kingdom values in their lives, shaping them into compassionate, confident, and faith-filled
individuals.
Join Our Satellite Services.
As many people are migrating to Melbourne, we want to welcome and support those who are building a new life here. Our satellite services are a great way
to connect with others and find a sense of community.
Join us for our satellite services, which take place throughout the month. These services provide an opportunity to worship, build relationships, and grow in
faith together. Let's come together to support one another and share God's love in our city.
Journeying into a New Chapter
As the financial year comes to a close in June, our parish is preparing for a new chapter. We are grateful for the dedication and hard work of our current
officials and committee members. As we transition to a new committee, we wish the incoming officials and committee members all the very best as they take
on their new roles. We are excited to see the fresh perspectives and ideas they will bring to our community. We are pleased to announce that our parish
organization's Annual General Meeting (AGM) is scheduled to take place in August. This is a significant event where we will review the past year's progress,
discuss important matters, and elect new leaders. We kindly invite and encourage all members to participate in the AGM.
May God's love and peace guide us all in the coming months. Let's journey together in faith, hope, and love, shining brightly in our community.
Philipachen.
With Love and Prayers,
Vicar
Melbourne Mar Thoma Church
Lectionary
Our church lectionary guides us through meaningful themes this June.
Through these meditations, may we deepen our faith and live as a model community, proclaiming God's love and grace.
July Services and Events
* Changes to the services and events schedule will be intimated closer to the date of each service/ event.
Please contact the Assistant Secretary if you wish to bring Altar Flowers
Satellite Services
Karunya HC Service
Prayer Meetings
Youth Night
Date and Time: 10 July, 7:00pm
Venue: 28 Morotai Avenue, Ashburton
Youth Annual General Body Meeting
Date and Time: 13 July 2025 after Holy communion
Venue: 149 Royal Parade, Parkville
Agenda: Presentation of Annual Report, Annual Accounts, Elections for 2025-26
YFF
Sevika Sangham
SANGHAM EVENTS DETAILS
Online intercessory prayer Every Thursday @ 8pm
Sevika Sangham Annual General Body Meeting
Date and Time: 27 July 2025 after First Service
Venue: 149 Royal Parade, Parkville
Agenda: Presentation of Annual Report, Annual Accounts, Elections for 2025-26
SENIOR CITIZENS' FELLOWSHIP
This is to announce that there will be an MMTC Senior Citizens’ Annual General
Body meeting on Sunday, the 06 July 2025, in the Church premises soon after the
Malayalam Holy Communion Service at 8:30 am, followed by an election to choose
new office bearers of the Senior Citizens’ Fellowship for the year 2025-2026.
A Christian fellowship for seniors should be characterized by warmth, respect, and a
focus on spiritual growth and mutual support. Seniors' Fellowship attributes include
hospitality, gentle encouragement, personalized spiritual care, wisdom, and a focus
on enduring faith, love, and patience. It's a place where all seniors can find
encouragement, share experiences, and deepen their relationship with God and
each other.
It is requested that all Senior citizens of MMTC be present at the meeting and elect
representatives to create a vibrant, all-inclusive fellowship on Sunday, 06 July 2025.
All younger seniors above 60 years of age are encouraged to attend and take on
positions of responsibility at the AGM.
STEFM ANNUAL DAY
MESSAGE FROM STEFM
Just a quick note to let you know that the St. Thomas Annual Day Celebration is happening on 2nd August 2025 (Saturday) at Phoenix Park Community Center,
Malvern East from 3 PM to 8 PM.
We are inviting each parish to present a short item (song, dance, skit, etc.) – max 5–7 mins – and also encouraging those interested in compering to submit their
interest by emailing [email protected] or contacting STEFM Coordinator Steeve Mathew on mobile no. 0466 125448
Looking forward to all your enthusiastic participation and quick responses
Let’s make it a memorable day together!
✨
Words of Wisdom
History of the Mar Thoma Church
The history of the Mar Thoma Church is divided into three main eras:
1. Pre-Reformation
2. Reformation
3. Post Reformation
1. Pre-Reformation Era
St. Thomas, the Apostle of Jesus Christ is believed to have landed in AD 52 in Cranganore near Cochin. F.E. Keay in his book, A History of the Syrian
Church in India, has established, from the mention in the book of Kings, of the articles brought to the court of King Solomon from India, that even before the
time of Christ, there was trade between the Malabar Coast and Palestine in spices and luxury articles like ivory.
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 high caste Hindus to the Christian faith. 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 (Kalyan)
All these places except Nilakkal are near the seacoast. Nilakkal is in the ghat region near Sabarimala, the Hindu place of pilgrimage. Recently a new Church
has been built under the joint auspices of all the Christian denominations of Kerala at the site agreed upon by all concerned. This Church has historical
significance as the first Church built and dedicated by all the denominations together as a symbol of the heritage from St. Thomas. 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.
2. Reformation Movement
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. He
later on removed from the church the wooden image of a saint reputed to have miraculous powers, and in whose honour 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 neighbouring 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;
Taking up responsibility to be witnesses of Jesus Christ to others; and
All importance be given to the primacy of the Word of God.
The reformation movement was a return to the purity of 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.
3. Post Reformation
Though the reformists succeeded in introducing the revised order of worship and successfully discontinued many practices, they had to pay a heavy price for
achieving the desired result and had to face serious mental and financial strains arising out of the prolonged legal battles. In pursuance of the judgment
handed out by the Royal Court of Appeal, Bishops consecrated by the reformists group lost control of the Malankara Church and had to vacate the Syrian
Seminary at Kottayam, considered as the headquarters of the Malankara Church.
Our forefathers, however, did not lose heart. On the contrary, the material loss and humiliation suffered by them infused renewed vigour and hope in their
minds and gave them the confidence to start rebuilding the Church from scratch, laying their trust in God almighty. There has been a phenomenal expansion
of the Church during the last six decades, widening its frontiers to various countries of West Asia, Africa, North America and Western Europe.
The Ecumenical Nature:
The Church actively participates in the programmes of the World Council of Churches, the Christian Conference of Asia, the National Council of Churches
and the Kerala Christian Council. It is in full communion with the Anglican Church, The Church of South India, The Church of North India and has cordial
relations with the various denominations of the Christian Church.
While the history of the Church especially during the last century shows progress and growth in various directions, it must be admitted that there is little room
for complacency. In the life of the individual as well as the community, we lag far behind the standard set by our Lord. The Church is in need of renewal in
Spirit in order to become more effective and useful instrument in His hands for the extension of His Kingdom. As members of the Church let us surrender
ourselves under the mighty hand of God so that He may exalt us and use us for His glory in the years to come.
Birthdays
Wedding Anniversary
Mr. Alexander George, Mrs. Sheela George
Mr. Jithin Koshy Sajeev, Mrs. Sithara Wijewardena
Mr. Verghese George Mathew, Mrs. Serene George
Mr. Johnson K Varughese, Mrs. Jisha David
Mr. Sunil John Mathew , Mrs. Marlyn Mathew
Mr. Anith George Thomas, Mrs. Maria Cherian
Mr. Anup Jacob Abraham, Mrs. Deepa Abraham
Mr. Mahesh V Mathews, Mrs. Akku Mariam John
Mr. Johny Kunnumpurathu Varkey, Mrs. Pameela Ittyerah Varkey
Mr. Jabin Jacob Kurien, Mrs. Cherish Marisa Philip
Mr. Bobby Cheryian, Mrs. Annie Bobby
Mr. Subash Mathews Thomas, Mrs. Soby Oommen
Mr. Praveen George Thampi, Mrs. Lincy Elizabeth Zachariah
Mr. Anoop Charamparampil Cherian, Mrs. Irin Miriam John
Mr. Roshan Sam Thomas, Mrs. Anpu Anna George
Mr. Sony Philip, Mrs. Jackmil P J
Mr. Sunil George, Mrs. Riya Sunil
Mr. Prinu John Philip, Mrs. Ruby George
Mr. JOHNY VALIYAVEETTIL THOMAS, Mrs. Shiga Chakkiath
Mr. Prinson Jacob, Mrs. Sinju Mariam Thomas
Mr. Ashok V S, Mrs. Jolly Achankunju
Mr. Roshan Abraham Varghese, Mrs. Seena Ann Samuel
Mr. Jino Cherian, Mrs. Preethi Mathew
Mr. Mathew John, Mrs. Mary Kutty John
Mr. Aby Thomas Mathew, Mrs. Shiny Aby Mathew
Yours in Christ,
Roy Jacob
Secretary
Melbourne Mar Thoma Church
Phone: 0408844183
Email: [email protected]
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Melbourne Mar Thoma Church © 2025: 149 Royal Parade Parkville VIC 3052
Parsonage Address: 10 Layton Place Mill Park VIC 3082
Vicar: Rev. Philip Mathew | Mobile: 0401311688
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