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Queen of Peace
Syro-Malankara Catholic Eparchy
Malkto d’ Shaino Queen of Peace
Official bulletin of the eparchy
Volume 6: Issue 2
The Syro-Malankara Catholic Eparchy in the USA and Canada
ܐ ܕܰܫܝܳܢܐܳ ܰܡܠܬܟ
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AD MULTOS ANNOS
Many happy returns of the day to our beloved Pithaav
who is celebrating his day of birth on May 9.
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Queen of peace Official bulletin of the eparchy
St. Mary, Queen of Peace Syro-Malankara Catholic
Eparchy in USA and Canada www.malankaracatholicna.church
Vol. 6 April 2018 No. 2
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MALANKARA NEWS
The Holy Episcopal Synod Concludes with Empha-
sis on Family and Youth
The 22nd Malankara Catholic Ordinary Holy Episcopal Synod
was held from February 19 to 23 to discuss the topics “The Ec-
clesial Establishment and Sanctification of Families” and “The
Formation and Year of the Youth.” The Synod was conducted
at the Catholicate Center in Pattom with His Beatitude Moran
Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Major Archbishop-Catholicos
as the Chairperson. The Synod commenced with the celebration
of Holy Qurbono. The late prelate Most Rev. Dr. Geevarghese
Mar Divannasios was remembered during the Holy Qurbono
and dhoopa prarthana was celebrated in his memory afterwards.
The Synod Fathers also met with the Major Superiors of the
various religious congregations, the faculty and seminarians at
the St. Mary’s Malankara Catholic Seminary in Nalanchira,
Trivandrum, and secretaries of the various Synodal Commis-
sions.
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The Synod also felicitated Bishop Thomas K. Oommen, the
newly appointed moderator of the Church of South India and
His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Philipose Mar Chrysostom of Mar
Thoma Church for receiving the Padma Bhushan from the Gov-
ernment of India on his centennial birthday.
The Head and Father of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church
proclaimed 2018 March 25 to 2019 March 24 as the Year of the
Youth in the Malankara Catholic Church. Also, the Synod Fa-
thers decided to conduct the Second Assembly of the Syro-
Malankara Catholic Church in 2019 on the topic “The Ecclesial
-Oriented Establishment and Sanctification of the Family”
During the Holy Qurbono on the second day of the Synod, the
late bishop Most Rev. Thomas Mar Dioscoros was remem-
bered. Afterwards, the blessing of the newly constructed Syn-
odal Commission Offices and a seminar regarding the policy on
education by the CBCI were conducted.
Following the instruction of Holy Father Pope Francis, the
Synod prayed for those who are suffering in Syria, South Su-
dan, Congo, Madagascar, and other places as a result of war
and natural calamities. His Beatitude also exhorted in his con-
cluding message to the Holy Synod to pray for India and for the
Church in India due to the political atmosphere seen today.
The 22nd Ordinary Holy Episcopal Synod concluded on April
23rd with noon prayer and dhoopa praarthana at the tomb of
Servant of God Mar Ivanios.
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His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal
Cleemis Catholicos Declares “The Year of the
Youth” in the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church
The Head and Father of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church
has proclaimed 2018 March 25 to 2019 March 24 as the “Year
of the Youth” in the Malankara Catholic Church. The declara-
tion was announced during the Holy Episcopal Synod that was
conducted in February 2018 and in His Beatitude’s Kalpana cir-
culated on March 15, 2018.
His Beatitude exhorted the faithful that each of the twelve years
remaining until the Centennial Anniversary of the Reunion
Movement will be utilized to study and share relevant topics.
The initial study is how the Church may be able to strengthen
the youth so that they live as Disciples of Christ in today’s
world, to build the community of the faithful by making the
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youth responsible participants in the life, duties and obligations
to the Church, and to lead young men and women to their com-
prehensive advancement both individually and spiritually.
The “Year of the Youth” coincides with the 50th anniversary of
the Malankara Catholic Youth Movement (MCYM). His Beati-
tude, following the message of His Holiness, asked the Church
to use this Jubilee year as a time to learn and contemplate about
our youth, redefine their areas of ministry and listen to the
voice of the youth. His Beatitude also addressed the challenges
the youth encounter these days due to the influence of atheistic
institutions, political theories in the faith life, being slaves to
worldly desires, alcohol, drugs, immorality, increase in vio-
lence, suicidal tendencies arising from depression, etc. The Ca-
tholicos stated that aforementioned areas should be subject of
serious studies, meditation and prayer by the Church and that
appropriate solutions should be brought forward. His Beatitude
called for the creation of an environment for the spiritual nur-
turing and the necessary training for the youth to be rooted in
the Word of God.
Coadjutor Bishops announced for the Eparchies of
Pathanamthitta and Muvattupuzha
On March 10, at 3:30 pm
in the St. Mary’s Pattom
Cathedral, His Beatitude
Moran Mor Baselios Car-
dinal Cleemis Catholicos,
the Head and Father of
the Syro-Malankara
Catholic Church, an-
nounced two Coadjutor
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Bishops for the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. Most Rev.
Samuel Mar Irenios, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Major Archi-
eparchy of Trivandrum, has been appointed as the Coadjutor
for the Eparchy of Pathanamthitta and Most Rev. Yoohanon
Mar Theodosius, the Bishop of the Curia and the Apostolic
Visitator to Europe & Oceania, has been appointed the Coadju-
tor Bishop for the Eparchy of Muvattupuzha. Prayerful wishes
of the St. Mary, Queen of Peace Eparchy in USA and Canada
to newly appointed Coadjutor bishops.
FAMILY APOSTOLATE
Registration open for Marriage Preparation (Pre-
Cana) Course
The registration for the
Marriage Preparation (Pre
-Cana) Course is now
open to the public. The
course, organized by the
Department of Family
Apostolate, will be held
on July 7 and 8, 2018 at
the Eparchial Chancery, 1500 DePaul St., Elmont, NY. Various
scholarly resource persons will take classes for the participants
on the Theology of the Sacrament of Matrimony, Family Psy-
chology, Marriage Communication and Family Relationship,
Marriage Canon Laws, Family Spirituality, Theology of the
Body, Marriage Sexuality, and Stewardship and Family Budg-
eting. At the end of the course, certificates will be distributed to
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all the participants. The course is being organized by Rev. Fr.
Mathai Mannoorvadakkethil, Director of the Department of
Family Apostolate in the Eparchy. Accommodations will be
provided.
For registration and further details, see http://
malankaracatholicna.church
YOUTH APOSTOLATE
MCYM East Regional Retreat to be held from
June 9 to 10
MCYM East Board
will be hosting the Re-
gional Retreat on June
9-10, Saturday and
Sunday at St. Mary's
S y r o - M a l a n k a r a
Cathol ic Church,
Yonkers. Accommoda-
tion will be made
available for those
needed. Fr. Stephen Ries, a dynamic young Catholic priest
from the Archdiocese of New York, will be the main speaker
along with Sr. Jocelyn Edathil, Fr. Michael Edathil, and Fr.
Jerry Mathew. Registration can be done through the MCYM
East board member in each parish and registration fees is $30.
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PARISH NEWS
The Cathedral Parish
Lenten Retreat
The Lenten retreat for this year was held on March 23 and 24,
2018 led by Rev. Fr. Abraham Lukose. Adoration and worship
were held during the retreat. The retreat for the Youth and Sunday
school children was held on March 23, 2018 which was led by
Rev. Fr. Daniel Rivera in the presence of Rev. Fr. Jerry Mathew.
Lent / Holy Week Services
The 40th Friday service and Holy Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr.
Abraham Lukose. The Holy Week services started with Palm
Sunday on March 25, 2018. Hosanna procession with blessed
palms was held around the church during the Palm Sunday ser-
vice. Vade Dalmino service and procession were also held on
Palm Sunday evening.
The Pesaha service in-
cluding foot washing ser-
vice concluded with
‘Pesaha Appam’ on March
29th Thursday evening.
The Good Friday service
ended at 2:30 PM with
Nercha Kanji. The Holy
Mass for the departed was
celebrated on Holy Satur-
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day. The Holy Week ended with Easter service and Holy Qur-
bana in the evening on March 31, 2018. We are very grateful to
His Excellency Most Rev. Philipos Mar Stephanos for leading the
Holy Week services in the Cathedral Parish.
Washing of Feet Service
Washing of Feet Service led by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr.
Philipos Mar Stephanos was held in Cathedral Parish during
the Pesaha Service on March 29th Thursday evening. The fol-
lowing parishioners were selected for the feet washing service;
Alexander John, Thundiyath Babukutty, Mathews Varghese,
Mathews George, C. K. Joykutty, M. J. Mathew, James
George, Don Hicks, Mathai P. Varghese, Babu George, Tho-
mas Zachariah, and Mathai Kutty.
Convention Kickoff
The kickoff for the 10th Syro Malankara Catholic convention
was held at the Cathedral parish after the Easter service on Sat-
urday April 31, 2017. His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Philipos
Mar Stephanos received the completed convention registration
forms from the Grand, Mega, Platinum, and Gold sponsors dur-
ing the kickoff ceremony.
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Minister of Fisheries and Team Visited Cathedral Parish
Honarable Minister of Fisheries Mrs. Mercy Kuttiyamma,
Kollam District Collector Dr. S. Karthikeyan, Kollam District
Information Officer Mr. Ajoy Chandran, ADC General of Kol-
lam Mr. Suresh Vidyadharan, Former Chairman of COPAX
Mr. Thulasidharan Kurup, and United Nations Representative
Mr. Saji Thomas visited and attended the Holy Mass at the
Cathedral on April 8, 2018.
Priestly ordination Anniversary
Eleventh priestly ordination of our vicar, Rev. Fr. Noby Ay-
yaneth, was celebrated on April 8, 2018. Ordination anniversary
cake was cut by Fr. Noby after the Holy Mass. Kerala Minister
of Fisheries Mercy Kuttiyamma and team were also present at
the cathedral during the event. Congratulations and prayerful
wishes to our beloved Vicar Rev. Fr. Noby Ayyaneth.
Eucharistic Ministers
His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Philipos Mar Stephanos ap-
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pointed Rev. Sr. Arpitha SIC and Rev. Sr. Kanchana SIC as
Eucharistic ministers for the Cathedral Parish, after the spe-
cial prayer blessing on April 22, 2018.
MCYM
The Cathedral MCYM members volunteered with the St. Ber-
nard Project on April 4, 2018 at Far Rockaway, New York.
Calgary
Holy Week 2018 Observance
St. Jude Malankara Catholic Church, Calgary, observed the
Holy Week 2018 with divine grace. We were blessed to have
the presence of His Grace Joshua Mar Ignathios (Bishop of
Malankara Catholic Eparchy of Mavelikara, Kerala) leading
the Pesaha High Mass celebration along with Rev. Fr. John
Kuriakose (Vicar, Calgary), Rev. Fr. Jossy George Chirayath
(Edmonton) and Rev. Fr. Thomas Puthupparampil
(Edmonton), which was concluded with the traditional Pesaha
appam murikkal service. Rev. Fr John Kuriakose, vicar-St.
Jude Malankara Church, Calgary celebrated the Hosana, Good
Friday and Easter services. There were refreshments served
after Pesaha and Easter celebrations and kanji after Good Fri-
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day service. All parish families and well wishers gathered and
participated blissfully during the Holy Week observance.
We also had the blessing of having a Lenten evening of recol-
lection on Saturday, March 17, 2018 that prepared the congre-
gation spiritually to enter the Holy Week in holiness. The eve-
ning included Holy Mass, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
and opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Lenten
recollection talk was delivered by Rev. Fr. Jaroslaw Yarek,
Senior Pastor at St. Joseph's Church, Calgary.
Chicago
March was a busy month for our parish, just like every other
every other parish. We began March with a General Body
meeting to present our annual budget. Our Sunday School chil-
dren participated in a Bible Quiz. To prepare ourselves for
Lent, we had Stations of the Cross followed by Holy Qurbono
every Friday until Easter. Our Mother's Forum went on a pil-
grimage to the Shrine of Christ's Passion in Indiana. On Fri-
day, March 23rd we celebrated the
40th day of Lent, followed by our
annual Lenten Retreat on Saturday.
We had two separate tracks for the
adults and youth. MCYM organ-
ized a retreat centered on the topic
of the Passion of Christ. We were
blessed to have H.E. Most Rev. Dr.
Joseph Mar Thomas with us. Pi-
thav gave a great lecture to the
youth regarding the various signs,
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symbols, songs and prayers of our Holy Week. He was also
able to celebrate Palm Sunday with us.
We had a solemn Holy Week where we reflected on the great
gift God gave us. For Easter we had a beautiful vigil Holy
Qurbono followed by a great feast. Our Sunday School chil-
dren participated in our annual Easter tradition of egg hunting.
We continue to count the many blessings that God provides us
each day. We pray that this Easter season, our families were all
able to share in a deeper experience.
Houston
Visit of Bishop Joshua Mar Ignathios
Most Rev. Dr. Joshua Mar
Ignathios visited the Hous-
ton parish and celebrated
the Easter Service and Holy
Qurbono on Easter Sunday.
The parish also celebrated
the 40th anniversary of
priestly ordination of Most
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Rev. Dr. Joshua Mar Ignathios on the following Sunday, April
8, 2018. The parish felicitated and congratulated the bishop and
gave him a gift on behalf of the parish. The Year of the Youth
was also inaugurated on that day by Most Rev Dr. Joshua Mar
Ignathios on 8th of April after the Holy Mass.
Philadelphia
Parish Council
The new parish council for Year 2018 was sworn in on Febru-
ary 04, 2018 before Rev. Fr. Saji Mukkoot, the Pastor of St.
Jude Parish.
The Parish council members are as folows:
General Secretary: John Samuel (Somy)
Treasurer: Raju P. George
Pastor council Representatives: Alex John Thangalathil, Shaji
Simon, and Shine D. Thomas
Parish Council Members: Thomas Varughese (Kochumon),
Jacob Abraham, Sabu Kuriakose, John Edathil, Philip John
Thangalathil, Anie Jacob, Silvy Cherian, Theresa Simon, Shine
Thomas, and Sosamma Abraham.
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Ex-officio members: Biju Kuruvilla, and Mathew Thomas
Auditors: Joseph Geevarghese and Dr. Joly Jacob
Memorials:
Orma perunal of our first Major Archbishop Moran Mor Cyril
Baselios Catholicos and Archbishop Joseph Mar Severious was
celebrated on January 28th. After the Holy Mass a memorial
meeting was organized by MCA followed by Nercha vilambu.
Reception to our Bishop Most Rev. Dr. Philipos Mar
Stephanos
Our bishop Most Rev. Dr. Philipos Mar Stephanos visited St.
Jude parish from February 24th to 28th. On Sunday, February
25th Bishop Mar Stephanos was accorded a liturgical reception
followed by Morning Prayer and Holy Mass.
St. Jude Parish community whole heartily welcomed our new
bishop. His Excellency took a common class for all the cate-
chism students as well. During the visitation, His Excellency
visited many of our families.
MCYM Lenten Retreat
On Saturday February 24th, the MCYM of Philadelphia hosted
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a MCYM Lenten Retreat at St. Jude Syro-Malankara Catholic
Church. His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Philipos Mar Stephanos
was the chief guest on this occasion. His Excellency celebrated
the Holy Mass and spoke to the youth about the importance of
lent and faith. Special sessions were conducted by Rev. Dr.
George Oonnoonny focusing on lent and the identity of the
MCYM. There were about 40 youth members in attendance.
Throughout the day, there were a series of enlightening discus-
sions, debates, testimonies, and adoration. There was an ardent
Q&A session which included our two guests, as well as, Fr.
Saji Mukkoot, Fr. Michael Edathil, Fr. Jacob John, Rev. Sister
Jocelyn SIC, and Rev. Sr. Benedicta SIC. Lastly, there was also
a testimony given by Rev. Sister Jocelyn SIC about her journey
and faith towards the religious life. MCYM members are very
grateful for everyone’s help and participation to make the re-
treat a great success. St. Jude Youth are also very honored to be
able to have shared such a joyous day with our very own
Bishop, Rev. Dr. Philipos Mar Stephanos, as well as, to have
received such great feedback from His Excellency and our
growing youth community.
Malankara Catholic Convention Registration Kick-Off
St. Jude parish-based Registration Kick Off for the forthcoming
10th Syro Malankara Catholic Convention was held on Sunday
February 25th. After the Holy Qurbono, His Excellency Most.
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Rev. Philipos Mar Stephanos inaugurated the registration kick-
off by receiving the registration forms from the Golden Spon-
sors namely Mr. Biju Kuruvilla, Dr. Biju Paul, Mr. Shaji
Simon, and Mr. Shine Daniel Thomas. Additionally, multiple
families registered for the convention on the same day. Pastor
Rev. Dr. Saji Mukkoot along with Registration committee
member Mr. Philip John and Finance Committee member Mr.
Biju Kuruvilla organized the convention Kick-off function.
Fasting Prayer
Under the leadership of Mother’s Forum, fasting prayers were
organized for the first Saturday of every month. The fasting
prayer started with Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Saji Mukkoot,
followed by the prayer. Several of our parish members attended
the fasting prayer. Also, under the leadership of Sr. Benedicta
SIC, mothers conducted Bible studies and Bible quizzes after
the fasting prayer.
Cultural Heritage Mass
Archdiocese of Philadelphia hosted Cultural Heritage Mass on
Saturday, March 17th at Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and
Paul. Archbishop Charles J. Chaput was the Principle Cele-
brant and the homilist at the Heritage Mass. The liturgy fea-
tured participation of Catholics representing 29 different na-
tional or ethnic Church traditions. These included those from
Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, South America and Europe. Each
of these community had a banner that was held up by one mem-
ber of their delegation during the procession. The theme of the
Holy Mass was ‘Share the Journey with Migrants and Refu-
gees’. Several members along with Pastor Rev. Saji Mukkoot
from St. Jude parish participated in this annual cultural heritage
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Mass.
Annual Lenten Retreat
Annual Lenten Retreat was held at St. Jude church on March
23rd and 24th. The retreat was conducted by ‘Thy Kingdom
Come’ retreat team. Brother Jose Zachariah and team led the
retreat. A good number of our parish members attended the an-
nual Lenten retreat. A separate section for our youth was also
held on these two days. Rev. Fr. Renny Kattel led the adoration
of the Blessed Sacrament at the end of retreat.
Sacerdotal Silver Jubilee of Rev. Fr. Joseph Sundaram
Sacerdotal Silver Jubilee celebration of our former vicar and
the former Vicar General of Marthandam Diocese, Fr. Joseph
Sundaram was celebrated on Sunday, April 08 at St. Jude
church. A grand reception was given to Fr. Sundaram by the
parish community under the leadership of our Vicar Fr. Saji
Mukkoot and General Secretary Mr. Somy Samuel. After the
reception we had the Morning Prayer followed by the solemn
Holy Qurbono celebrated by Fr. Sundaram. A felicitation meet-
ing was held immediately after the Holy Mass. Fr. Saji Muk-
kootu and representatives of pious organizations congratulated
Sundaram Achan. Personalized poems and songs were sung
during the meeting. Fr. Sundaram thanked Almighty God and
the religious community in his reply address. A memorable Ju-
bilee booklet was presented to Sundaram Achan by the parish
community. Lunch was provided to all after the meeting.
Rockland
St. Peter's Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in Rockland, NY
has continued to grow in faith and communal love through
celebration of the Holy Q'urbono, Catechism, Novenas, and
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Prayer.
On Palm Sunday, we celebrated Our Lord's triumphant en-
trance into Jerusalem, by our procession carrying palm leaves.
The memorial of Christ’s Last Supper too was an occasion for
us to deepen our faith. On Good Friday, the entire Church fixes
our gaze on the Cross at Calvary. Each member of the Church
tries to understand at what cost Christ has won our redemption.
The events of Good Friday were commemorated by the Sta-
tions of the Cross.
Our parishioners participated with full devotion in the Easter
Celebration. Christ's resurrection from the dead marks the tri-
umph of good over evil, sin and death. It is the singular event
which proves that those
who trust in God and
accept Christ will be
raised from the dead.
After the Easter service
we had a family dinner.
All the children partici-
pated in Easter Egg
Hunt with great enthusi-
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asm. We look with great hope to the future and remain in love
and faith.
The Silver Jubilee of
Sr. Gracelet & Sr.
Joveena was cele-
brated with great fervor
and enthusiasm in our
church on Sunday,
April 15th 2018. We
were graced with the
presence of our Bishop Most Rev. Dr. Philipos Mar Stephanos
who officiated the concelebrated Holy Qurbono joined by our
Vicar Very Rev. Augustine Mangalath. After the Holy Qur-
bono, we had a gathering to honor Sr. Gracelet and Sr.
Joveena. Sisters were honored with songs and thank you notes
from church members. The meeting was followed by special
lunch. This was truly a blessed day for our church.
By the grace of God and with the support of our Vicar Very
Rev. Augustine Mangalath, Lamb of God Kids & Youth Prayer
group started Bible classes on Saturdays. Mr. Varghese Abra-
ham led the Bible class and we do have novenas and interces-
sory prayers.
San Jose
St. Jude Malankara parish members prayerfully observed the
Great Lent with almsgiving and abstinence. Every family was
given a Lenten box for almsgiving collection and the donation
was returned to church after Easter and will be donated to a
charity organization.
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One March 25th, Palm Sunday Qurbono was celebrated by Biju
achan in the Annex hall at 9:30 a.m. Service started with the
procession.
On March 28th at 7:00 p.m Pesaha service was held in the
Hoffman center followed by the traditional Pesaha Appam mu-
rickal. Fr. Biju and the eldest member of our church Mr. Peter
(Kunjumon Palathumpatu) cut the appam and gave it to the
children. Each family brought an appam and they were shared
by all.
Good Friday service started at 9:00 a.m. on March 30th in the
Hoffman Center. After the service around 3:00 p.m., Nercha
kanji was served to all.
Easter service was solemn
and beautiful, and the ser-
vices were in in the Hoff-
man center on April 1st at
10:00 a.m. After the ser-
vice we had a nombu mu-
rickal potluck feast.
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On April 8th we had Holy Qurbono in the church and cele-
brated the First Holy Communion of Rebeca (Manna) Mathew,
daughter of Liji & Hanza Mathew.
Our small community continues to get together every month
for prayer fellowship at different houses. On February 10th we
gathered in Philip & Sini Nadavalil’s house. On March 10th
the fellowship was at Jaison & Anju’s house and on April 21st,
we assembled at our new secretary, Mathew (Biju) & Clara
(Masha) George’s house.
The first meeting of the newly elected Parish Council was held
on April 15th after the Holy Qurbana. The new Parish Council
members are: Phillip Nadavalil, Benny Anose, Joby Varghese,
Sara (Sudha) Mathew, Secretary: Mathew (Biju) George,
Treasurer: Mathew (Sunny) Kulangara, Pastor Council Mem-
bers: Moni Mathew, Liji Mathew, and Internal Auditor: Ajit
Mathews.
Washington
Annual Lenten Retreat and Palm Sunday
St. Mary's Syro-
Malankara Catholic
Church of Greater
W a s h i n g t o n w a s
blessed by the presence
of His Excellency Most
Rev. Dr. Philipos Mar
Stephanos for the An-
nual Lenten Retreat
that was conducted on March 23 & March 24 . His Excellency
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was the main celebrant for the Palm Sunday services, concele-
brated by Fr. Michael Edathil and assisted by Bro. Jobin Tho-
mas.
MCYM Food Sale
MCYM organized
a food sale on
March 18, 2018.
Items for sale in-
cluded Vada, Paz-
ham pori, Chezhu-
pazham and Samo-
sas. All proceeds
will be used for
charitable events to be held by our MCYM chapter in the fu-
ture.
Silver Jubilee of Sr. Anceline
St. Mary' Syro-
Malankara Catholic
Church celebrated
the Silver Jubilee of
our dear Sr. Anceline
on April 22, 2018.
There was a small
program including a
Jubilee Song by chil-
dren, Felicitations & cake cutting was held after the Holy Mass.
We are truly blessed with the presence of Sr. Anceline in our
church since July 2013.
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ECKC Bible Quiz
Children from our parish participated in the Ecumenical Bible
Quiz competition, conducted during the ECKC Easter celebra-
tion on April 07, 2018 and got the second place among 5 other
churches.
Congratulations to Joshua Kalampanayil, Susan Daniel, Alena
Maria Nooniwal, Hannah Philip, Johan Varghese, Elizabeth
Philip, and Jyotsna Kalampanayil.
New Additions to the Parish :
Dr. Jim George & Dr. Sindu Stephen are blessed to have a new
addition in their family - Tejas Stephen George was born on
February 27, 2018.
Mr. Vijeesh & Mrs. Ancy Vijayan are happy to announce the
birth of their first new born, Anvin Vijeesh on April 24, 2018.
Yonkers
Visit by Bishop Philipos Mar Stephanos
Most Rev. Dr.
Phi l ipos Mar
Stephanos visited
our parish on
March 11, 2018
and offered Holy
Qurbono. During
the visit, the parish
also recognized
the Mega, Platinum, and Golden sponsors for the Parish Hall
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construction project. The Convention Registration Kick-off
was also held in his presence during which the parishioners
handed over their registration forms to the bishop.
Holy Week
The Yonkers parish celebrated the Great Lent with daily Holy
Qurbono offered at 6 pm in the Convent chapel and Stations of
the Cross during the Holy Week. The Pakuthi nombu (Half
Lent) Qurbono was held on March 8 at 6 pm.
Palm Sunday services and Holy Qurbono was at 9 AM, which
included procession around the church. We also celebrated
Maundy Thursday which included the distribution of the
Pesaha Appam. Good Friday services began at 9 am, led by Fr.
Jerry Mathew. The main services were celebrated fully in Eng-
lish for the first time in the parish. Rev. Fr. George Oonnoony
gave the message on Good Friday. Kanji was served after the
five and a half hour service. Holy Saturday Qurbono was held
on 10 am and the departed were remembered. Easter service
started at 9:30 am, followed by solemn Holy Qurbono by Rev.
Fr. Jerry Mathew. Food was served and the many people in-
cluding Rev. Sisters, the altar servers, the choir, and the spon-
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sors of Holy Week expenses were thanked for their sacrifices
by Fr. Jerry. After the serving of the food, Easter Egg Hunt was
organized by the MCYM for the young children.
All day Adoration
On March 10, an all day Adoration was held at the Convent
from 8 am to 5 pm, followed by Holy Qurbono.
Bible Seminar and Prayer Retreat
St. Mary's Syro-
Malankara Catholic
Church, Yonkers
hosted a Bible Semi-
nar and Prayer retreat
on March 16 to 18,
2018. This Lenten re-
treat was led by Bro.
Thomas Paul Kodiyan
in Malayalam. An English session led by Sr. Jocelyn Edathil
and Ms. Ainish Philip from the Anointing Fire Catholic Youth
Ministry. The theme of the Bible Seminar and Prayer retreat
was "Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and
all these things will be given you besides" (Matthew 6:33). The
retreat took place from 5 pm to 9 pm on Friday (March 16), 9
am to 5 pm on Saturday (March 19), and 9:30 am to 5 pm on
Sunday (March 18).
Church Cleaning
The Mothers Forum, MCA, Sunday School, and MCYM con-
tinues to clean the church each week.
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Syro-Malankara Catholic Eparchy
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Prayer Meeting
Prayer meeting was held in the house of Mr. Philip John and
Family on April 21, 2018.
Convention Registration Booth
In order to facilitate an easier registration for the convention,
the MCYM took the initiative to hold a Convention Registra-
tion Booth at the back of the church following the Holy Qur-
bono and Kaimuthu.
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Syro-Malankara Catholic Eparchy
Queen of Peace
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10TH
MALANKARA CATHOLIC
CONVENTION
Information and Registration link -
http://malankaracatholicna.church/convention-
2018-main
(Last day to register is May 30, 2018)
UPCOMING EVENTS AND OCCASIONS
Laity Day - May 6, 2018
Ascension/Suloko - May 10, 2018
Pentecost - May 20, 2018
Sunday School Final Exam - May 20, 2018
Vocation Day - May 27, 2018
Last Date for Convention Registration - May 30,
2018
MCYM-East Regional Retreat - June 9 - 10, 2018
http://malankaracatholicna.church/convention-2018-mainhttp://malankaracatholicna.church/convention-2018-main
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