Kottayam to Gain More Strength in Cleveland. People from "fringes", watch out!!

We will soon be welcoming a new young family from Kottayam in Cleveland. Roy Varghese is an Engineer from Kurichy (just on the other side of the wall from Shinoi's house. I believe Roy's house name is Ellala) and his wife Achsa Varghese is an RN from Vakathanam (Vanippurakkal family) (For those ignorant about Kerala geography, Vakathanam is only 6-7 miles from Kottayam - near Puthuppally.) Achsa got a job with Cleveland Clinic. They are both Orthodox and will arrive Cleveland on March 19. Welcome Roy and Achsa.

Reena's Mother Passed Away

Reena and Mercy's mother (Titus' and Jacob Thariyan's mother-in-law) died on Friday (March 5, 2004) at 7PM Cleveland time in Kerala. I understand that Reena is planning to leave immediately to Kerala to attend the funeral. We will post more information as it becomes available. We extend our condolences to the bereaved families. Please pray for the departed as well as for Reena, Mercy and their families to help them cope with this tragedy.

Oommen Achen's Mother Passed Away

Rev. Oommen K. Thomas' mother died on Sunday, February 29, 2004 in Kerala. She had medical problems with resulted in akidney failure and the resulting complications led to her death. The was on Wednesday, March 3. It was led by Mar Thoma Valia Thirumeni. We extend our condolences to Ommen achen, Leela and their family. Please pray for them.

Thampan Achen and family Captured the Hearts of our Congregation

The celebrant for Saturday, February 21, 2004 service was Rev. Fr. Thampan from Detroit St. Gregorious Church. Achen, Kochamma, and their daughter and son came to the church. Achen led the service; kochamma and the kids led the "aradhana" (hymns). It was a great experience. Achen's sermon was on how to be useful to receive the spiritual blessings. Like a wine, that is pruned to get rid of the unproductive branches and to nurture productive branches to produce more, we are accountable to God for our talents. We need to be productive spiritually and need to be obedient to the God when He does the "pruning" so as to induce us to grow spiritually.

Thomas Mathew and Rachel Mathew Recognized for Their Outstanding Contributions

During the prayer meeting on Saturday, February 6, 2004, Thomachen (aka Thomas Kutty, Rembachen, and Cor Episcopa) and Rachel (aka H.H. Kochamma) were recognized for their selfless service to our prayer group. Rachel's efforts to host the Thirumeni when she was physically not well was especially noted. And Thomachen's dedication to calling achens, organizing the venues for the qurbana, retreat, etc. was noted. They were presented with a plaque commemorating their 25th wedding anniversary. Thank you Thomachen and HH.

Shinoi and Mini Recognized for Their Outstanding Service

During the prayer meeting on February 6, 2004 Shinoi and Mini were recognized for their outstanding contributions to our group. It was especially noted that Shinoi, in spite of the fact that he was going to Kerala during the Christmas break, nonetheless hosted the first Christmas Carole practice at their home and also got all the songs and taught us how to sing them, etc. Shinoi with Sabu was the coordinator for the Carol last year. Before going to India Shinoi asked us what he can do in terms of getting some prayer books etc. He was gracious in purchasing and bringing several books back. The list goes on and on. We thank both Shinoi and Mini for their outstanding contributions.

Christmas Carol Collection Sets Another Record!!!

Every year since we have started the Christmas Carol Service, we had broken the previous years' collection in all subsequent years. This year is no exception. As of now, the total reached $3330, WOW!!, in spite of the fact that we visited less homes this year due to scheduling problems. Fortunately, many who could not host us at the scheduled time did sent us a donation for the charity. That is the true spirit of Christmas!!

As everyone who is associated with this great endeavor know, we donate 100% of collections to charity and needy individuals. All the expenses for the carol are borne by the participants themselves. So, the people who came to sing in your home do not benefit from the donations; but we are blessed by the fact that we can use the God given talent to help a fellow man or woman. After all Jesus said, "when you help one of these people, you have helped me."

Once again on behalf of the Cleveland Prayer Group, a great thank you to all who have participated, all those who hosted us with great refreshments, and to everyone else whose combined efforts made this a great success.

Bincy Breaks her hand during a Fall

Last week Bincy, fell down in the Tri-C parking lot while going to school. Unfortunately, she suffered a fracture that required putting the hand in a cast. This could not have come at a worse time for Bincy and Showbu. Bincy was in the last 6 months of completing her accelerated Nursing Program. Due to this accident she will have to drop out of the class till her hand is fully functional. We request everyone to pray for Bincy for quick healing of her hand and for getting a speedy placement in her class.

Welcome Sunil

We welcome Sunil to our group. Sunil is a neurosurgeon who is doing his fellowship at Cleveland Clinic. He is originally from Trishur (land of "endutta") He graduated from Trichur Medical College; proceeded to do post graduate study at Vellore and a host of other places. He has accumulated degrees and medals too long to mention here. Welcome Sunil.

Congratulations Mini

Mini Shinoi Varghese will be joining Cleveland Clinic's IT department effective February 9. WOW! Congratulations, Mini!!

Roy and Gloria Thattil Announces....

Roy and Gloria are expecting their second child in September. Congratulations, Roy and Gloria.

Pray for Reena's Mother

Reena's and Mercy's mother is bed ridden. She had been in the hospital. Please pray for her speedy recovery.

Christmas Carol 2003

Eastside: Sunday, December 14, 2003

In spite of the bad weather that delayed the start of the carol as the roads were pretty bad, we went for the carol as planned. Fortunately, the roads cleared as we proceeded with the program.

Thank you Abraham, Shaji and Jacob for driving. Thank you all the singers.

Thank you Abraham and Mini for the great lunch, and Jacob and Shila for the dinner. We were also offered refreshments in most of the houses we visited. Unfortunately, due to the time constraint, we could not take advantage of all the foods offered.

From all the indications, we will surpass last year's collection this year. Great Job!

Westside: Saturday, December 6, 2003

A very successful Caroling Service. In spite of the wide spread flu and inclement weather, we had a great Christmas Carol. We have raised a record amount of funds, 100% of which, as in previous years, will be donated to deserving people and charitable organizations.

Thank you Sabu and Shirly for the great lunch (which included Shrimp Curry) and Babychayan and Marykutty for the great dinner (Guess what! The dinner included shrimp curry!!) 

Thank you all for your love, and fellowship, and hospitality. We also had the distinct privilege of singing Christmas Carol to the newest member of our fellowship - one week old daughter of Dr. and Dr.(Mrs) Santhosh in Westlake) The carolers almost had the feeling that we are staring at a baby 2000 years ago in Bethlehem! Thank you all.

We Did It Again!

The Perunnal and the mini-retreat held on Saturday-Sunday,  November 8-9, 2003 under the leadership of Rev. Fr. A. P. George, M.A., M.Phil., M & S.P., Ph.D. was a great spiritual awakening to the members who have participated based on the comments received so far. One of the difference in this case was that Achen has years of experience in counseling and has used real life stories of how relationships break down due to unreasonable expectations or by the partners "keeping a book of the shortcomings of the partner" and springing at the "most opportunistic time" that may also be when the partner may be the most vulnerable. This leads to worsening the relationships. He suggested that we all use Bible and Solomon's love poems as a model to praise our husbands/wives and express our appreciation/love. He suggested that the feeling of gratitude and forgiveness should not be limited to our spouses but also be extended to our children, parents, neighbors, priests, and church leaders.

George Achen was very impressed with our parish. He was especially surprised to see the interaction and discussion between members that is rare in our church. He also praised our co-existence with other denominations and encouraged us to continue to do so. (After all, when we reach the pearly gates, Peter is not going to ask whether we were members of Orthodox or Mar Thoma Church to allow us entry into heaven!)

We want to thank Thomas Mathew for making all the arrangements, Titus and Reena for hosting Achen, and Rachel for preparing the lunch for the Achen in the last minute; and all our members for arranging the refreshment breaks and tidying up the place. Thank you all.

It Is De Ja Vu All Over Again

Paul has got a job in Northern Virginia, a suburb of Washington, DC. He has already joined the job as of Monday, November, 10. Annie will stay back to complete her semester. They will decide in December whether to relocate to Washington or not. In the mean time, Paul will commute back and forth from Washington on weekends.

We are happy to see that Paul got a good job. We are, however, sad that one of our most active members may be leaving us. We wish Paul and Annie the best wishes and pray to God to help them make the right decisions.

A Great Retreat!

By God's grace his surgery went well and he came back home by Friday 16th May. He will be on rest at least for the next 8 weeks.

Please remember him and his family in your prayers. 

Jacob Mathew Loses His Uncle

Jacob Mathew's uncle in Kerala has passed away on Thursday, June 19 at  8 AM.

He had been hospitalized for the past 3 weeks for breathing difficulties compounded by his heart and diabetes problems. His situation had worsened last weekend which prompted the family to administer "Kantheela Srushusha" on last sunday. For a few days, though it appeared that he was getting better. But on Wednesday night, his condition suddenly got worse; he found it difficult to speak and breathe. He passed away on Thursday morning.

The funeral services were held on Friday, June 20, 2003.

Details: http://pullolickal.com/pullolickal/default.htm

Severios Thirumeni Visits Cleveland

St. Matthew Orthodox Church
10383 Albion Rd
North Royalton, OH 44133

We are indeed blessed and honored that thirumeni has visited us two years in a row. Thirumeni had to decline a request to conduct a retreat at Los Angeles so that he can be with us.

Thirumeni is one of our up and coming bishops who have embraced the new technology to its fullest. He chugs along a laptop and a palm computer through the airports. He does the diocese administration electronically. It is a really amazing sight.

What is more important, though, is the fact that he works hard serving the poor and the unfortunate - a segment most people would rather forget. Thirumeni has founded several orphanages, houses to care for the mentally challenged, place to assist poor with food and medicine, and a place to train people to get jobs. To read more about Thirumeni's charitable projects, please visit:

http://icbs.com/seva/ or http://pratheeksha.org/

Sabu's Grandfather Passed Away

We are sorry to hear that Sabu's grandfather, Mr. K.K. Joseph, died at age 102 on Monday, May 26, 2003 at his residence in Vazhoor. He is survived by two sons, Mr. K. J. Korah (Sabu's father) and Mr. K. J. Philip.

Mr. Joseph was a local legend. He was one of the early persons from that part of Kerala to go to high school, and learn English. He has also taught in school, a vocation that has been undertaken since by his elder son (Mr. K.J. Korah) who had recently retired as Head Master. Mr. Joseph was a classmate of Vattakkunnel Thirumeni at MD Seminary in Kottayam. He is also related to two thirumenis - HG Mathews Mar Severios, and Muriankel Thirumeni of Kottayam Diocese of Jacobite Syrian Church. He is also related to the current Vice Chancellor of MG University in Kottayam.

Losing persons such as Mr. Joseph is a big loss to the whole community, not just to Sabu and his family. We extend our deep condolences to Sabu, Shirley and their family.

Passion Week - 2003

Following the heels of the successful passion week services in 2002, we had the services again this year conducted by Fr. Jose Daniel from Philadelphia. The Good Friday services started at about 10:30 AM and finished with the chorukka (prepared by Rachel. Did anyone notice the new hair style of Rachel?) and then Kangy ably organized by Mini at about 5 PM.

The Saturday services began at about 10:45 AM and achen had the "forgiveness services" as a bonus to experience the power of forgiveness in our lives. The faithful participated in the program till about 2:30 PM. There was a bit of confusion as to who is the senior person - Thomachen or Babychen. The function finished with the "breakfast."

The Easter service began at 8:30 AM and concluded at about 2 PM. We also had a birthday celebration for Jose Achen and Neelam. We bid farewell to Jobin and family who is relocating to Columbus, Ohio. Mary, with some help from Annie and Paul, prepared the delicious payasam that has become a tradition in our Easter Programs. Annie and Paul decided to take a day off to recover from the hard work and did not come for the Easter program.

We want to thank all the people without whose help and assistance we could not have done this. Special thanks to Thomas, Rachel, Mini, Shinoi, Mary, Shila, Abraham, Babychayan, Jacob, and others. We also would like to extend our thanks to Jose achen for taking day off from his work and spending the weekend with us leading the services.

Christmas Carol Collection Recipients Announced

In the meeting on March 9, 2003 the prayer group members voted for the unanimous approval of the recommendations by Shinoi and Sabu on disbursement. Eight individual recipients and four educational scholarships will be given as part of of our charitable drive. The four scholarships are something new this year. It will be given to four students recommended by a committee appointed by the Principal of Mar Thoma College for Women, Perumbavoor.

Christmas Carol Collection Sets New Record!!

The two day Christmas Carol collection this year bagged $3034.00, 100% of which will be donated to charitable causes. The organizers, participants, and the people who enthusiastically received us need special recognition. Thank you all. Great Job!!

Welcome Vishin and Robin

We were delighted to have Vishin and Robin attend our February prayer meeting and got thoroughly confused during the discussion. Vishin cleared the concept of suffering with her story about the little girl and the bangles. Welcome.

Spirit of God

On Sunday, November 10, 2002, Mr. K. G. Korah, Retd. Head Master and Sabu's dad, gave a talk about spirit of God. He was inspired by Genesis 1:1 that suggested that spirit of the God had transformed chaos and confusion into the Earth and heaven and everything in it. Referring to biblical passages to back up his assertions, Korah Sir said there are 3 aspects of God:
1. No one has seen Him (Even Adam and Eve have heard God's sound- but haven't seen him.)
2. His Throne is in heaven
3. He is all powerful and can do anything He wants

When speaking of God, many of us think in terms of singular. But that is wrong. In bible God always refers as "we" or "us." What this signifies is that God is manifested in trinity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

When we get filled with the spirit of God, we inherit qualities like love, compassion, forgiveness, etc.

There were actually two trees in the Garden of Eden that was out of bounds for Adam and Eve. We often hear about "Tree of Knowledge or Wisdom" When Adam and Eve ate the fruit from this tree, they got the knowledge to distinguish between right and wrong. The other tree was the "Tree of Life." If Adam had eaten the fruit from this tree, he would have been living for ever. He was ejected from the garden before that happened.

Korah Sir went on to explain the role played by women in the downfall of men and how women can be easily tempted and enticed. He backed this from several biblical passages from Proverbs and St. Paul's epistles.

It was a very well prepared talk and we want to thank him for an enlightening Sunday morning.

2002 RETREAT - A Great Success

By all accounts, our retreat 2002 was a great success. Many of our members and other attendees told me and other organizers that it would have been a shame if we could not have this retreat. Everyone enjoyed it. It was a time of spiritual awakening.

The retreat was held on Saturday and Sunday, (September 28-29, 2002). The leaders of the retreat were Mathew and Remony Mathew of ROTA Ministries from Houston, Texas. By utilizing stories, music, spiritual readings and speech, they presented us with a spirit filled weekend.

Titus deserve all credit for arranging the retreat. We also thank all ladies led by Reeny, for preparing the food for Saturday; Babychayan and Shinoi for arranging the lunch on Sunday; Oommen achen for opening their new parish hall for our program on Saturday; Bobby for helping us with the arrangements for the guests and for providing with the amplifier; Blesson for arranging the hall for Sunday; and so on and so forth. Everyone of our prayer group worked hard to make this a grand success. Thank you all! We also thank all the people who attended this event. We had nearly 150 people attending this program.

The theme of the retreat was:

To Know Jesus More, To Receive More of His Power and Love.