FROM VICAR'S DESK

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among ourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:4-11

Dearly Beloved in Christ

Greetings to all the family members of the Perth Mar Thoma Church, 

Let us thank God for guiding us through the month of July. As we have started a new parish year 2026, we will be concentrating on “Family-Fellowship -Faith” as the underlying theme for this year. What is intended by this is to strengthen family relationships, prayer group family visits, concentrating on young families, helping families going through challenges, Family Counselling Sessions and retreats. We as a parish need an urgent need to minister to families and thereby help our children growing up in Australia to find their Identity in our Faith Community, Adapting to Changes and to understand changes and challenges faced by our Children here. I urge for your prayers, support and co-operation in this initiative. I take this moment to thank you all for your prayers and support in all our parish activities.

 

Fifteen Day Fast- August 1st to August 15th –The Mar Thoma Church has set apart the 15 days lent in remembrance of Virgin Mary who committed herself to the will of God. Luke 1:38, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it unto me according to thy word”. This lent inspires us to commit ourselves to the will of God in imitation of the faith, humility, and commitment of Virgin Mary. August 15th apart from the Indian Independence, marks an important milestone in the history of the Mar Thoma Church where Abraham Malpan and Kaithayil Geevarghese Malpan in 1836 marked the beginning of reformation by conducting the Holy Qurbana according to the reformed liturgy. “The church marks August 15th as the “DAY OF REFORMATION”.

 

August 15th, we celebrate our mother lands India’s 79th Independence Day. Let us pray for the country especially in the ongoing unrest. Let us pray for all leaders that they will work towards Truth, Justice and faithfulness towards its people and addressing the failures with acceptance and motivation to heal and reform it. Let us pray that communities come together in peace and harmony to work together to progress the country.

Our Fifth Sunday, Sunday School worship service is a blessing where our children lead Praise and Worship and the service. The prayers are prepared by the children as per our Liturgical Structure by the help of our Sunday school teachers. I urge all members to participate in the worship services and encourage eachother to grow in the Lord.

 

The new office bearers and organisation reps have been elected; I urge members to support them and also be actively involved in all organisation meetings and activities.

Our Parish Youths will be hosting the Zonal Youth Conference (Australia- New Zealand Zone) from December 4th to 7th 2026 here at Perth. I urge all members to support them especially their fund-raising initiatives.

Let our prayers lead us to action and change, let us move together in worship and love or else we will be stunted by the powers of evil. The parish is God’s working place, allow Him to work through us, so that the prayer “Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, will be a reality. God bless us all. Amen.

 

 His Servant in His Ministry,
Manoj Mathews Achen 

In Christ service

Rev. Manoj Mathews
Vicar