Weekend Mail

Dearly Beloved,
Greetings to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
August 30, 2026, Third Sunday after the Feast of Assumption
Scriptural Readings:
• OT: Exodus 24:12-17, 1 Samuel 3:16-21, Ezekiel 18:21-24
• NT: James 5:1-6, 2 Corinthians 10:1-7, Holy Gospel St Matthew 17:22-27
Holy Gospel: St Matthew 17:22-27
²² As they were gathering^[a] in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of man is to be delivered into the hands of men, ²³ and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were greatly distressed.
²⁴ When they came to Caper′na-um, the collectors of the half-shekel tax went up to Peter and said, “Does not your teacher pay the tax?” ²⁵ He said, “Yes.” And when he came home, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their sons or from others?” ²⁶ And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. ²⁷ However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook, and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel; take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.”

Reflections:
The world can bring us a lot of discomfort, challenges, hardships and sufferings. It will be more when we decide to live for a purpose or a mission. Compromises might ease or reduce hostility and hardships. But that will deviate us from our actual mission. It can sicken our conscience and reduce confidence. We might feel corrupt. It can take away the moral strength to voice for truth and justice. A life that compromises values and purpose may be in pathos towards the end as there would be nothing to hold as meaningful to be. Life is not to count days and years but to live unto full. The true celebration lies in the achievements we find about the contributions made towards the transformation and the significant influence in the world around, lives around. All jobs, work, and projects are meant for this, to transform lives. Life lived for self is not life at all.
God has given us a life and purpose. It is to establish his kingdom through the way we live. He has appointed us the ambassadors or soldiers for His kingdom which has no sorrows, tears and despair. We live and work to take away such from the lives of everyone we come across, even if we meet a person for less than a minute. Our work calls, meetings, conversations, community interactions, activities, social connections, family relations; it is all for opening heaven to others using the key the Lord has given to us. A word, a gesture, a smile will convey the message, not to worry, things will be ok, we are there for those who need support’. It can happen only through carrying the cross of self-denial and sacrifice. Jesus always moved with the twelve apostles to equip them to be the openers of heaven through their healing presence. They had all the worries and anxieties of being human. When they found their real purpose in life, all their fears and worries vanished. They were no longer worrying about their own safety, security, gains or losses.  Holy Spirit was their comforter and guide. They got shocked with his predictions about his sufferings and death.  Eventually they made themselves strong and ready to take the cross. They were more joyful about the lives they were changing and the light of God’s love they were spreading. Christ was becoming more visible through their preaching and practices. Everybody was experiencing the Risen Lord. They knew, death could not do any harm to the person of Christ, His power and authority. They were raising the fallen, giving everyone a new life with a purpose as they experienced it from Christ. While serving the Kingdom of God, they remained as responsible and dutiful citizens by abiding to the law and constitution of the land. They paid taxes, served the country, worked and earned with the provisions God has been giving to them miraculously. They fished, Paul did tent making, Lydia continued her wool trade, the risen girl’s father (the centurion) continued to serve the country while being born anew in Christ. St George served the military, Constantine ruled the empire, patriarchs and bishops tended the church-they all worked hard to serve the Lord by serving the community, society and the world.
In this journey of servanthood to God, we should never fear about the possible hardships and sufferings as humans. We should never give up our faith and commitment. We should never reason peer pressure or social influences to justify our complacency and laxing in living the faith and spreading the gospel. Universities and schools will reopen soon. Our children should go to the campuses as the true disciples of Christ, not to get into arguments, but to spread the love and light of Christ the Lord. The world may lack love. It may be deceptive and too selfish. There may not be examples. However, we are here, our children are here, to be honest, unselfish, hardworking, loving and caring, empathetic, and examples. May the Holy Spirit empower and equip us to be game changers, life changers!!!

FEASTS AND REMEMBRANCES:

• August 24, Mar Mathias the Apostle  
• August 24, HG Thomas Mar Athanasius Metropolitan, 8^th anniversary, entombed at St George Dayara, Othara
• August 29, Feast of the Martyrdom of St John the Baptist

MGOCSM Kanesh went well.
Our children had a truly blessed stay at Kanesh 2026 led by HG Dr Abraham Mar Seraphim Metropolitan and Rev Fr Teny. The venue was comfy, food was good and tasty, interactions were fruitful, sessions were edifying, fellowship was lovely and prayers were elevating. Altogether it was a meaningful camp. Thirumeni appreciated our youngsters for their open mind, questions, readiness to volunteer and their enthusiasm in experiencing spiritual activities. We had a good team from SGOCT in the organizing team. Congrats to them for their excellent coordination. We thank Blessen Achen, leaders and parents for supporting the event. We hope that the attendees of the camp would be able to bring more Christ into the world.
 
Malankara Syrian Christian Association elects four new bishops.
On Thursday August 27^th, the Malankara Syrian Christian Association presided over by HH Baselios Marthoma Mathews III Catholicos and Malankara Metropolitan held at Mulanthuruthy has elected four new bishop designates-Very Rev Thomas Paul Ramban, Rev Fr Eldos A.A, Rev Fr Samji T George and Rev Fr Shibu Venad Mathai. We pray that the Holy Spirit equips them to shepherd the Lord’s flock. Date and venue of Episcopal Consecration will be announced later. We praise the Lord God for graciously guiding the church founded by His Apostle St Thomas.
 
Pray for Nepal
It is shocking to see the tragic flooding taking away hundreds of people. Many more are missing. Rescue operations are being carried out to save lives. The land and its people would need great strength to cope with the huge loss and to survive. We pray that the Lord sends his angels to console, comfort and lead forward the survivors and the Government. May they feel the presence and love of the Lord amid the great mishap.
 
Upcoming Feasts & Events:

• August 30, Sunday, Onasadhya.

‘Atham’ was on August 16. Ten days from Atham will be Thiru Onam, on Aug 26^th. Let us celebrate the festival. Please join the Onasadhya. Please be part of the Sadhya by either bringing the Sadhya items as signed up or making contributions towards it by contacting the parish office.
 

• September 08, Feast of the birth of Mother Mary, Holy Liturgy on Monday September 07^th, evening prayer at 06:30 followed by Holy Qurbana, Intercession, Benediction, Nerchavilampu
• September 13, Sunday School Reopening, PTA Meeting. All students are requested to complete their registration for 2026-27 academic year before Sep 13.
• September 14, Feast of the Cross (Sleeba Perunnal)
• September 20, Parish Semi Annual GBM
• September 27, Sunday, Harvest Festival & Auction
• October 11, Sunday, Parish Night. All organizations are requested to start preparations and practice for their presentations ASAP.
• October 24, Saturday, OCYM Fest -Thaalam 2026. Please look for updates.
• November 07 Saturday & 08 Sunday, Feast of St Gregorios

 
Pray for Peace in the Middle East and Gulf
We are glad to hear about the peace agreement. We hope for peace and continue praying for peace and concord. Our prayers may work miracles through the Holy Spirit. May the governments and leaders join hands to reconcile and to bring an end to the war. 
Attention Please:
Parking: Please be considerate while parking our vehicles, only park at designated space. Leave reserved lots for the intended and kindly park within lines and markings leaving enough space for others to open their doors without scratching or hitting nearby parked vehicles.  
AREA PRAYER MEETING:
If any families are happy to host prayer meetings, please reach out to the area coordinators or the parish office.

FOR OUR ATTENTION & TO NOTE:
Children, please occupy front benches during our Liturgical Services.
 
Kindly avoid crowding at the back of the church.
For assuring safety and undistracted worship space, we request all our members to proceed to the front rows except those that are reserved for children when we enter the temple. It could be uneasy for our volunteers to guide them to the front during the service as it might cause distraction and noise. We avoid crowding at the entrance and stair areas due to safety concerns. 
Please be considerate of our senior members to help them find seats or while they try to access the washroom. A slip or a hit should be avoided in any circumstance. 
Please be watchful at the shoe rack area, which is also the entrance to both washrooms. 
We request parents to attend to their children not to pull the alarm lever at the back wall. 
Hand Waving Machine & Common Absolution Prayer for all communicants
A hand-waving machine has been installed at the church entrance to record the number of communicants. Those who wish to receive the Holy Communion are requested to wave their hand once at the machine upon entering the church.
Please note that the machine will be deactivated after the recitation of the Nicene Creed. Absolution will be administered during the morning prayer.
 
WEEKLY IN-PERSON MEETINGS: 
August 30, Sunday – in-person meetings/Events
All Spiritual Organizations to meet after the Onasadhya to plan and practice for the Parish Night 2026
LIVE streaming: All services are Live Streamed and are available.
Holy Liturgical Text for this Sunday
We will be using the Taksa of Mar Dionysius Barsleebi this Sunday. 
May the Gracious Lord keep us from all evil and heal the entire world.
 
Next Week
September 06, Fourth Sunday after the Feast of Assumption
Scriptural Readings:
• OT: Exodus 3:1-2, 11-14, Job 1:1-5, Isaiah 1:16-20
• NT: 1 Peter 2:1-5, 2 Corinthians 3:16-23, Holy Gospel St Mark 6:1-6
Yours in Christ
Thomas John Achen
Email ID: fr.thomaspjohn@gmail.com
Mobile: (416) 570 5610