July 2010

Dearly beloved in Christ,

Greetings in the matchless name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
 

We are living in a world where life is molded and directed by technology. We live amidst changes that could scarcely be imagined just fifty years ago. Human history witnessed various epoch making inventions and decisive discoveries that have enabled significant leaps forward and pivotal changes.  Modern technology has brought a host of gadgets and machines which allowed humanity to grow and flourish. Every facet of our life is controlled by the cutting edge of technological advancements. Today, we enjoy extraordinary efficiency, easy travel, and abundant leisure- all because of technology. Cell phones, computers, internet and the multifaceted options provided by these instruments have literally created revolution in the area of
communication and information as if we are on an ‘information super-high way’.
 

The annual Clergy Conference of the North America Europe Diocese scheduled to be held at Dallas in the first week of July decided to deliberate on the theme ‘Family in a Technocratic World’. Families that live in Christian understanding is God’s design and plan, it is divinely instituted. The success of family life depends upon our relationship with the Lord. ‘Unless the Lord builds the house the builders labor in vain.' (Ps.127:1) Further, it is the love and togetherness among the members that sustain the relationship. It is sad that for many, relationship is materially oriented and hence mechanical. Love without sacrifice is just superfluous. We must celebrate our relation and nurture and flourish our family ties.
 

Our Metropolitan, the Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma turns eighty on June 27. It is really a joyful occasion for the entire membership of the Church. The Church is celebrating this event with thanksgiving and praise. As a mark of our respect to Thirumeni and the commitment to the society, a project is launched for the less advantaged sections of the society. The project aims to raise five crore rupees ($10 million) for the medical treatment of patients with serious diseases. We are blessed with leaders with towering and multifaceted personality, among whom Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan is a real visionary who leads the Church in the 21st century. Our Metropolitan is a person with courage and compassion, a real crises manager in times of trials and difficulties. Let us thank God for Thirumeni and continue to pray for his health and respectfully pay our humble greetings on this joyful occasion.   

With Love and Prayers, Johnny Achen

Rev. Joseph Johnny

Vicar

Rev. Joseph Johnny (Vicar)

We are blessed to be under the pastoral guidance and leadership of Rev. Joseph Johnny as our new Vicar of St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church NY. Achen's native place is Chengannur and Pretha Kochmma is from Thumpamon. They have two sons, Eben and Reuben, who are in seventh and fourth grades respectively.

Achen is in his 15th year of ministry for the Lord as a priest of the Mar Thoma Church. He had the privilege to serve in different parishes in India such as Jamshedpur, Asansol, Durgapur, Bilaspur, Korba and Ambikapur in Northern India; Edamuri(Ranni), Kothamangalam, Kolenchery,Mamala and finally Keezhvaipur in the Kottayam- Kochi Diocese. Each parish experiences were vivid and varied and was really enriching. 

email Rev. Joseph Johnny at
revjosephjohney@yahoo.com 

Vicars of the Past Quarter Century
(including Vicars of the Mar Thoma Congregation of Greater New York)

Mar Thoma Congregation of Greater New York

Rev. Oommen Koruthu

(Student Achen later elevated as 
Bishop Zacharias Mar Theophilus)

May 1975 — Aug. 1975

Rev. K. S. Mathew 

(Student Achen)

Sept. 1975 – Sept. 1977

Rev. Thomas P. George  

(Student Achen)

Sept. 1977 – Aug. 1979

(Late) Rev. M. V. Benjamin  

Sept. 1979 – May 1981

St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church, New York

(Late) Rev. M. V. Benjamin

Co-Chairman Ad-hoc Committee Church in formation   

Oct. 1980 - Jan. 1981

Vicar                                     

 Jan. 1981 - May 1981

(Late) Rev. K. J. Philip

Co-Chairman  Ad-hoc Committee Church in formation

 Oct. 1980 - Jan. 1981

Associate Vicar                    

Jan. 1981 - Aug. 1981

Rev. N. M. Cherian

Vicar of all Mar  Thoma Congregations in New York

May 1981 - June 1983

Rev. Dr. T. Jacob Thomas    

(Student Achen)

Assistant Vicar

July 1981 - May 1983

Vicar   

June 1983 - Mar. 1985

Rev. Dr. G. Varghese

Mar. 1985 - April 1989

Rev. Johnson Varghese      

June 1989 - May 1992

Rev. Dr. T. P. Abraham  

June 1992 - May 1995

Rev. P. M.  Thomas

May 1995 - April 1999

Rev. K. Y. Jacob         

May 1999 - June 1999

Rev. Thomas P. Chandy   

June 1999 – May 2002

Rev. Dr. K. A. Abraham     

May 2002 - August 2004

Rev. Jojan Mathews John

May 2004 - April 2007