Staten Island Mar Thoma Church

His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius Episcopa, Diocesan Bishop visited Mar Thoma Church, Staten Island from June 09 to June 10, 2012.
There was a youth meeting in the Parish to address the young ones who have volunteered to host the National Leadership Conference of the Diocese in January 2013. After the youth meeting Thirumeni met the Executive committee members and discussed various parish affairs. Rev. Baby John welcomed Thirumeni and after the lively interactions, Secretary Jose Varughese expressed sincere thanks to Thirumeni and all the committee members. The meeting concluded with a fellowship dinner with Thirumeni @ 9.30 pm
On June 10, 2012 Sunday, Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius Episcopa celebrated the Holy Communion Service in English at 9.00 am where almost 300 members attended the service. During the service Bishop spoke on John 15: 4 where the theme was focused on qualitative intimate relationship with God and fellow beings. ‘Abide in me and I will abide in you’ was key verse.

There were 9 First communicants to receive the Holy Communion. During the service, the first communicants were given a Bible. Immediately after the Holy Communion Service, the Parish Day was celebrated. The program started with opening song by the choir and opening prayer by Mrs. Checha John. The parish secretary Mr. Jose Varughese presented a brief report consisting of the parish history and the activities of the church. Vicar Rev. Baby John welcomed Thirumeni and all the members. For the first time in the parish history, During the meeting the senior members celebrating their 50th or more wedding anniversaries and those celebrating their 75th or more years birthdays were honored in the meeting. Thirumeni presented them with mementos. 5 senior couples and 9 birthday celebrating members were recognized. Following which all graduates students who completed High School and Colleges were recognized and awarded trophies by Thirumeni. Certificates were issued for those who successfully completed first communion classes and felicitation cards were given to the First Communicants by Thirumeni. Thirumeni delivered the key note address and congratulated all the members who celebrated their anniversaries and the birthdays along with a recognition to all the
graduates’ and the first communicants. Thirumeni delivered parish day message, emphasizing on the relevance of the Mission and Ministry of the Church and exhorted the parish members to be more responsible in sharing the blessings received from God. Treasurer Mr. Jacob Cheriyan gave the vote of thanks. After the closing prayer and the benediction there was Kaimuthu service and all the members joined together for a luncheon fellowship arranged by the first communicant families. The parish rejoiced in its growth. It looks forward in hope for greater achievements in the years to come.
Rev. Baby John
Vicar