Vicar’s Message

Dearly beloved in Christ,

I am delighted to greet you through this edition of Church Call. I acknowledge the hard work and spiritual guidance of former vicars and office bearers which brought our Parish thus far. My family and I thank you all for the warm welcome. Let's join our hands to build the Church and for the glory of His Kingdom.

Peter calls believers to build a life of lasting faith by actively developing Christ-like character. Spiritual growth doesn't happen by accident; it's an intentional pursuit that results in stability, effectiveness, and eternal reward. A strong life of faith is one that keeps growing. We live in a time when it's easy to drift; easy to get distracted; easy to give up. Peter's message is clear: the Christian life isn't a sprint; it's a marathon. And if we're going to finish well, we have to be people who are rooted in truth, growing in character, and living with eternity in mind. A strong life of faith is one that keeps growing. "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness." (2 Peter 1:3) Before Peter tells us what to do, he reminds us of what's already been done. We don't begin the Christian life by effort-we begin it by grace, and that grace comes with power. Peter says that God's divine power has already given us everything we need to live a godly life. You don't need to wait for a spiritual promotion, a new Bible study, or a conference mountaintop moment to start growing in Christ. You already have what you need because you already have Him. Through the knowledge of Jesus and through a real relationship with the Savior, we've been equipped, empowered, and called. You've received His power and His promises. You've been invited into a new life and a new nature (v. 4). That's not just inspiration-it's transformation. The tools are in your hands, the Spirit is within you, and the call is clear: Build a life that lasts.

As we enter the second quarter of this financial year, we become busier with programs and celebrations. We are planning to have our Executive Committee dedication and Choir Sunday in July, as well as Education Sunday (Teachers' day), Sevika Sangham Dinam, and Senior Citizens Day in September. Let these help to build a strong relationship among us and with God our Saviour. We need to be spiritually strong and courageous to face the situation before us and to achieve our goals.

Yours in Christ's Service

Rev. Sam Abraham

Christos Anesti! Alithos Anesti!

Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!

This is known as the Paschal (Easter) greeting used from the very early ages of the church. It is also known as Easter Acclamation. After the 50 days of great lent and fasting, it gives the church all the more enthusiasm to proclaim the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Being risen is not just an event but the affirmation that Jesus is alive and among us. It is the present, the experience, the life that we are living where God is with us; living and moving and taking care of us. 

The 50 days of lent was a great experience as the St. Thomas Mar Thoma Syrian Church Bombay, Santacruz family. Meeting everyday for evening prayers (Sandhya Namaskaram) at homes and at church. The experience was made greater when our members testified how God revealed Godself to them by sharing meditations at these worship gatherings; families organizing fellowship meals for everyone each day. Sincere thanks to each one of you. The Passion recital by the choir was an added blessing during this season. We have received all of these experiences apart from our personal spiritual discipline. I hope and pray that we continue this faith journey forward and not just see it as a vibe of this season.

Rev. Prasad Mathew Achen served our parish as the vicar in a blessed manner ministering to each of us, through the sacraments he celebrated, through his visits and interaction with us. His leadership to the parish and eminent administration brought our parish and its auxiliary organisations to a better height. Suja Kochamma’s care and fellowship especially as a trained counselor enhanced their ministry of pastoral care here at Santacruz. Ashish Achen and Jina Kochamma entered into family life during Prasad achen’s tenure here. Anugrah who is pursuing his PhD at IIT Indore was with us whenever it was possible. We as a parish place on record our heartfelt gratitude to achen and family for your services to the parish and to the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church. As achen embarks on a new journey we hope and pray that God will use you to be a blessing to many more in the days to come.

A warm word of welcome to Rev. Sam Abraham Achen, Bobby Kochamma, Christina and Sheba to the St. Thomas Mar Thoma Syrian Church Bombay Santacruz as achen takes charge as the new vicar. Achen currently serves as the Vicar at New Delhi Jerusalem MTC and Delhi Diocesan Secretary. It is our sincere prayer that Achen’s ministry here would be the glory of God.

May God bless us all.

Tommy Achen

Rev. Thomas George (Kalleli)