Dearly Beloved,
Greetings to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
May 05th Sunday after Easter
Epistle Readings: 1 Peter 3:17-22, Hebrews 11:32-40
Holy Evangelion: St Luke 9:51-62
51 When the days drew near for him to be received up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him; 53 but the people would not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. 54 And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to bid fire come down from heaven and consume them?”[a] 55 But he turned and rebuked them.[b] 56 And they went on to another village.
57 As they were going along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head.” 59 To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60 But he said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
REFLECTIONS:
Self awareness (self realisation) is the most important requirement, according to Eastern philosophy, for anyone who wants to live their life for its best and to become successful. The best Indian example is of Prince Siddhartha who transformed to become Sri Buddha after his enlightenment. He was full of worry and anxiety with a troubled and disturbed mind when he started searching for the truth of life. His penance and meditation led him to an intense experience of divine encounter that took him to spiritual elevation. He became a leader whose teachings would address the problems of both theists and atheists, believers, and nonbelievers. He chose to live simple, walked everywhere to teach what he found as answers to questions of life, relied on alms to have his food, rested whenever and wherever he felt like without any worry, fear or insecurity. He was always at peace with himself. Buddhism remains a religion of reason and it comes in line with the Christian way of life.
Jesus was fully aware of his life and purpose. He had the self realisation of who he was and why he had come. He was always ready for his mission and to face its consequences with the end of his life anytime. He was least bothered about himself and was always active with his ministry.
Jesus was at peace with himself and with everyone around. He spoke simple and never burdened anyone with his restrictions or rules. His philosophy of life was unconditional love and care. For this he always made himself available. While growing popular, he was aware of the core of his mission – redemption, and liberation of everyone. It was not an easy task; however, his self realisation caused him to be fully involved and He was never found struggling in his ministry. He enjoyed the role of the liberator and saviour though it was highly risky. He had a free self without any ego or wanting anything for his own. He always was into the fulfilling of his Father’s will which he mentioned as his daily food that others were unaware of.
Jesus knew when and how his life would end. He didn’t want to change the course or the way of it. Rather he was readying himself since the beginning of his ministry to be prepared to face it. Because he knew it was the only way to become a ransom for the sins humans had committed and the only possibility to liberate souls from the bondage of sin. The disciples listened with fear whenever Jesus foretold his life’s finishing point. However, He was fearless and was at ease. He was aware of the time limit within which he had to accomplish his mission and hence he did not waste any time. He lived his life to its fullest.
Jesus called the disciples to have a follow up for His mission and they were able to do it better than expected. No leader in the world has been able to find such an effective succession as Jesus did. That succession remains forever through ages and generations with more efficiency and reachability, being made possible through his ever-living body, which is the church, the universal church! It has been proved that the faithful through generations succeeded in carrying out his ministry with self awareness and a readiness to meet their end without any fear or compliant. This end witnessing is what the apostle refers to when he asks us to follow the faith and tradition of the leaders. (Hebrews 13:5-16).
FEASTS AND REMEMBRANCES:
- April 29, Mar Sabor and Mar Aphroth.
- April 23 – May 06th, Commemoration of St George.
- May 01, St James the Apostle, son of Zebedee.
- May 03, HH Baselios Paulose I, 111st anniversary, entombed at Cheriyapally, Pampakuda.
- May 04, Sabhakavi Sri C P Chandy, 19th anniversary, entombed at Basil Dayara, Pathanamthitta.
Feast of St George on Saturday and Sunday May 04th & 05th.
St George was a militant who fought for his country and later he turned to be a warrior of faith. He was a martyr by whose blood the faith of the church was more deepened and rooted. His life was offered as a sacrifice, same as that of the Lord, watered and nourished the faith life of many through generations. St George has become a fortress for us, who live in another era succeeds many generations. Even after ages, his life has only grown more and more to influence and inspire everyone. His image has never faded, rather grown stronger and bigger to reflect more light in the world that guides more souls to redemption. He was so powerful that his witnessing of the Lord won the hearts of people who were in power and authority.
Saturday May 04, 06:30 pm- Evening Prayer, 07:30 pm – Devotional Hymns by Choir, 07:45pm – Devotional Address, 08:00 pm – Holy Procession around the church, 08:20 pm- Intercession & Benediction, 09:00 pm – Nerchavilampu.
Sunday 05, 08:30 am – Morning Prayer, 09:30 am – Holy Liturgy, Intercession, Benediction, 11:30 am – Nerchavilampu.
CONDOLENCE:
Our deepest condolences to Rev. Fr. Dr. Thomas George and his family on the passing away of Achen’s beloved mother, Saramma George, 85 years, in Chungathara, Kerala on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 4:10 PM (Indian time). Fr. Dr. Thomas George has served as the former Vicar of our parish and is currently the Vicar of St. Thomas Orthodox Church, Toronto.
The funeral service is scheduled for Wednesday, May 8, 2024. Further details will be informed once arrangements are finalized. Fr. Dr. Thomas George will be travelling to Kerala tomorrow to attend the funeral service. On behalf of our church, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family during this difficult time. May the Lord comfort the departed soul and give strength and hope to family members at loss. Please keep the departed soul and the family members in our prayers.
FUTURE IMPORTANT DATES / EVENTS: Please note in your calendar.
- May 04, 05, Saturday and Sunday, Commemoration of St George (Gevarghese Sahada).
- May 09, Feast of Ascension, Holy Liturgy on Wednesday April 08, Evening Prayer at 06:30, Holy Liturgy at 07:30 pm
- May 12, Mother’s Day
- May 19, Sunday- Feast of Pentecost
- June 01, Saturday, MMVS Regional Conference at St Thomas Orthodox Church
- June 15, Saturday, Choir Nite
- June 16-June 30, Fast and Lent of the Holy Apostles
- June 30, Sunday, Feast of the Apostles
FOR OUR ATTENTION & TO NOTE:
Hand Waving Machine & Common Absolution Prayer for all communicants
The hand waving machine has been installed at the church entrance for taking count of the communicants. Whoever wishes to take Holy Communion, upon entering the temple, please wave your hand once at the machine. Please be aware that after the Nicene Creed, the machine shall be disabled.
SPIRITUAL ORGANISATIONS’ UPDATES & UPCOMING EVENTS:
SUNDAY SCHOOL:
Diocesan Level Competitions:
Diocesan level competitions which were planned for May 18 ( Saturday) have been preponed to Saturday, May 11, 2024. Please take note of this change and attend accordingly.
- Poetry, Story writing, Essay Writing – May 11 Saturday 10.00 AM – 11.00 AM
- Drawing competition for all grades – May 11 Saturday 11.30 AM – 12.30 AM
Sunday School Exams:
Centralized Exams for grades 10 and 12 and Final exams for all other grades will be conducted on June 30 Sunday. Teachers will confirm if there are any changes in this date on the respective WhatsApp class groups.
MMVS:
MMVS 9th Regional Conference:
Date: Saturday, June 01, 2024
Venue: St Thomas Orthodox Church
Address: 23 Brownlea Avenue Toronto , ON , M9P 2R5
Time: 8.45 AM to 3.30 PM
Keynote Speaker: H G Gee Varghese Mar Yulios Metropolitan (Metropolitan of the Diocese of Kunnamkulam)
Theme: Power of Resurrection
Registration fee: $15
Registration Link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe10mKw14vyaSB8YrwEwSSMaSAXxlylq1N4F0rT3TJw5Ak3UA/viewform?usp=sf_link
Kindly register your names through the link and update with MMVS Secretary Mrudula Thakadiyel before Sunday May 15th, 2024.
Blood Donation:
was on April 27, 2024. Sincere thanks to all the blood donors.
Bake Sale:
Please block May 12 for MMVS Bake sale.
MMVS 2nd Annual Regional meet:
Scheduled for Oct 19th – 2024. There will be a Talent show in addition to Bible Study. It will be hosted by our parish.
Talent Show Skit:
Our parish MMVS is planning to do a skit as part of the Talent show. Hence calling in MMVS talented Script writers. Theme will be discussed later. Please reach out to Mrudula Thakadiyel latest by April 20th -2024.
Art Exhibition:
Scheduled tentatively for Nov 17th, 2024. All interested in displaying their art skill are requested start preparing for the same.
OCYM:
Urava-Volume 6, Release Date: Jun 30, 2024 / Theme- Pillars of the Church
Based on the Apostles’ lives, the next volume of Urava is scheduled for release on Sunday, June 30, 2024. OCYM invites all to take part in this edition as in previous volumes of the journal. We anticipate two articles per organization. Requesting the secretaries to communicate the below sub-themes to their respective groups. Please post the subthemes associated with your organization only. Sub-themes chosen for each organization are:
- Sunday School – Apostle Etymology
- MGOCSM – My favourite apostle (100 words)
- OCYM – Significance of #12
- MMVS – Women and apostolic ministry
- Seniors Forum – Ministry in the current age
- Choir – Apostles by nature or nurture
- Acolytes – Sacraments and Ministry
The articles are expected to reflect the theme “Apostles”. Last date of submission will be May 20, 2024. The articles are to be emailed to ocymtoronto@yahoo.com with the subject line ‘URAVA Vol 6 article – Organization name’. There will be a contest for Choir members to design the cover page. OCYM invites drawings for the inner pages which is open to all members.
For any questions or clarifications, kindly contact OCYM Secretary, Liju: ocymtoronto@yahoo.com or (647-227-4667).
IN-PERSON MEETINGS:
Sunday May 5th, Choir Monthly meeting after the refreshment.
LIVE-STREAMING LINK:
Please see below the link for Sunday Holy Liturgy Live Streaming
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDT7tcyQw1yZ1_yCG9AWStA
HOLY LITURGICAL TEXT:
We will be using the Taksa of Mar Mathai Royo this Sunday.
May the Gracious Lord keep us from all harm and heal the entire world.
Yours in Christ
Thomas John Achen
Email ID: fr.thomaspjohn@gmail.com
Mobile: (416) 570 5610