Staten Island Mar Thoma Church

Staten Island Marthoma Church celebrated its 30th Parish day on 12th of June, with the precious presence of our Diocesan Episcopa, Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius. The Parish day celebration started with the Holy Communion by Thirumeni.

There were 7 first communicants at the Holy Communion service which was well attended, not only by members of the Staten Island Marthoma parish, but by friends and relatives from the different parishes, near and far.

There were about 250 communicant members. Mar Theodosius spoke from the lectionary passage based on John 16:7-15, both to the first communicants and to the congregation.Thirumeni emphasized through the sermon – the continuation of apostolic ministry. For this apostolic ministry we have to receive the Holy Spirit. Becoming a part of the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, the first communicants were entrusted and challenged to continue the
apostolic ministry of Jesus Christ.
After the Holy Communion, the Parish Day programmes began with the welcome by the Vicar.The Secretary Mr. Prince Mathew presented a Brief History of the Church. Thirumeni gave a wonderful and challenging Parish Day message to the congregation.

Mr. Ramesh Chennithala (MLA and KPCC President) attended the Parish Day service and delivered a short felicitation message. In his speech, he mentioned the role played by the Mar Thoma Church through its institutions, organizations and charity mission throughout India.
During the time of Parish Day celebrations, the church congratulated all the graduating students in the Parish from high school to college and Thirumeni presented mementos to the graduates.Thirumeni also encouraged the students who wrote sermons of the year.

The Accountant Mr. Sony Ninan expressed the vote of Thanks to Thirumeni and all members.The parish Day ended with the Benediction and Kaimuth by Thirumeni, which was followed by a fellowship Lunch. After that Tirumeni met the members of the parish executive committee and discussed church matters.
Thirumeni released a Book, “Skulls and Bones” written by Miss. Raina Samuel, a member of New Jersey Mar Thoma Church, and Rev. Jose Abraham, along with her family attended the meeting.

The Episcopal visit was a blessed and fruitful event.
Rev. Baby John
Vicar