Funeral of Rev. K.A. Thomas

Rev. K. A. Thomas Achen, 82 years old was called to eternity on December 5th, 2011. Recently Achen was admitted in hospital and was facing serious health issues for the past few years. Achen was a humble, obedient and faithful servant of our Lord Jesus Christ and served and witnessed a life that glorified our Lord in many ways. He was a wonderful man who loved his family and friends so dearly.

Achen was born in 1929 at Kankalil family, Kurathiadu, Mavellikkara, Kerala. He was the grandson of Late Rev. Idichandi Kathanar Kankalil family. Rev. K.A. Thomas was ordained as a minister of Mar Thoma Church in 1953, by Most Rev. Dr. Juhanon Marthoma Metrapolitan. He came to US in 1972 and graduated with a degree in theology in 1976. He had also served as a minister of St. Thomas Evangelical church for some time. Achen was an active member of St.
Thomas Mar Thoma Church of Delaware Valley, Malvern, PA.

Achen had been married to Mrs. Mary Mathew Cherrukattucheril, Alleppy since 1960. Late Mrs. Mary Mathew was called to eternity in 2003. Achen is survived by three daughters and one son Mrs. Evangeline Philip, Mrs. Susan Koshy, Mrs. Elizabeth Pothen and Mr. Abraham Thomas and their families.
Achen’s daughter Mrs. Susan Koshy and family and son Mr. Abraham K. Thomas and family are members of St. Thomas Mar Thoma church of Delaware Valley, Malvern, PA.
The viewing was conducted on Friday December 9th 2011 at Lamb Funeral Home, 101 Byberry Road, Huntington Valley, PA, 19006 from 5 PM to 9 PM. During the viewing the first and the second part of the funeral service was conducted at the Funeral Home. The clergy from the Mar Thoma church and other ecumenical churches were present for the service which was conducted under the leadership of the Vicar Rev. Abraham Mathew and Rev. M. John

The funeral service was conducted on Saturday December 10th , 2011 at St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church of Delaware Valley, under the leadership of the Diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius and lot of Achens from Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York and Maryland region. A large number of people from all walks of life attended the funeral service to pay respects to the late Rev. K. A. Thomas.

The funeral service was very poignant wherein the fourth part of the service the achens carried the coffin into the Madhabaha and Thirumeni offering the farewell prayers to Achen on behalf of the congregation, the clergy, the faithful and the society as a whole. This was followed by silent bidding of farewell first by Thiurmeni, then by the Achens, followed by the family members and the rest of the congregation.

The mortal remains of Achen was finally laid to rest at the Hillside Cemetery, 2556 Susquehanna Road, Roslyn, PA. 19001. Here also the Diocesan bishop led the service and the service concluded with prayer and benediction by his Lordship.
Rev. Dr. Joe Joseph Kuruvilla
Philadelphia