The heavens are telling of the glory of God;
And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.
-Psalms 19:1
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Welcome to Ebenezer
Mar Thoma Church
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Service every Sunday at 10 AM
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Sunday School at 9:15 AM
Announcements
New York State Senator, Honorable Shelley B. Mayer Visits Ebenezer Mar Thoma Church!
Feb 4, 2025
New York State Senator, Honorable Shelley B. Mayer visited our parish graciously accepting our invitation on February 2nd, 2025. Honorable Shelley Mayer came around 12 noon immediately after the Holy Communion service. Her visit to the Parish was quite encouraging and empowering.
The Parish Secretary Mrs. Susan Kurian and Vicar Rev. George Abraham warmly welcomed Ms. Shelley Mayer. During the Presidential address Vicar spoke about the valuable services done by the Senator as well as her strategies in implementing different initiatives as a public figure. Vicar Rev. George Abraham presented the Senator with a plaque as a sincere appreciation in recognition of her dedicated services, hard work, and countless contributions to the community. Honorable Senator, in her reply message spoke about her value to Academia, Health care, and Labor law rights. She spoke about her passion for children, their education, and upgrading the education system as well. Senator Ms. Shelley Mayer appreciated the warm welcome with flowers and plaque as well as the hospitality of the parish members.
Senator joined the fellowship lunch, took pictures with members as a group and individually and collaborated well with the parishioners. She expressed her interest in joining worship services and revisiting the parish to continue the friendship and fellowship with Ebenezer members. The Honorable Senator had spent almost two hours with the parish members, giving ample time to chat with her. Honorable Senator Ms. Shelley Mayer is serving as a Democratic member of the New York State Senate representing the 37th Senate District, which includes portions of Westchester County. Shelley was elected to the New York State Senate to represent the 37th District in an April 2018 Special Election, and she was subsequently re-elected in November 2018, 2020, and 2022.
Rev. George Abraham Diocesan/Bishop's Secretary
Vicar's Message
April's Message
Apr 1, 2025
Acts1:3 ‘After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proof that He was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.’
Dearly Beloved in Christ, Greetings to you all in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
As we are in the season of the Great Lent, let us struggle together and refresh our spiritual life. Jesus Christ turned the water into wine. A life in Christ is new and sweet. A life without Christ is bitter and empty. The end of Great Lent brings us to Holy Week. Holy Week is filled with deeply solemn and beautiful evening services that express the Passion of Christ up to his Crucifixion, Death and Burial. I encourage you to drink deeply of this living water and be a part of as many services as you can. May God bless each of you and your families on this Lenten journey to the joy of His Resurrection!
Jesus is worthy of our complete devotion, our love and our commitment to Him. We love Jesus because He first loved us and demonstrated that love by dying on the cross, being buried in the tomb and then the third day He rose from the grave. Let us reveal our love to Him by being obedient to Him. May the power that of the cross and resurrected Christ be an inspiration for us as we move forward in our spiritual journey. Let us use the power of the cross and the resurrected Christ as a driving force for our lives, as we journey together! May the joy of the resurrection of our Lord be an inspiration for us to move forward in our journey with Him, and to be true ambassadors of faith (2 Cor 5:20), living lives holy, pleasing, and acceptable to our Triune God. Let us experience Christ together, as a faith community. Let us patiently wait for His return!
Saturday April 5th we will have our Choir Retreat. Congratulations for our New Junior Choir too! Music is a living expression of faith, it can amuse, charm, annoy and challenge, it can provide comfort and can be incredibly uplifting; For I am convinced that God has given us all gifts, and we should use them to his glory. Thanks to all our Choir Members!
Please mark your calendar for our Parish Family Night on Saturday April 12th. May I invite your wholehearted participation.
I would like to convey my sincere thanks to you all for making our Executive Committee Retreat and Yuvajana Sakhyam Food fest festival a grand success. I am happy about some of your generosity, spirit, hard work, and willingness to help our church. May God accept all your offerings and bless you in abundance for the years to come!
Dearly Beloved, it’s time to move to a new place. From May 1,2025 onwards, we are assigned to a parish in Kerala, Palakkad. You are such an amazing Church, and it has been such a blessing to be your Vicar. I am continually blown away by your compassion, generosity and willingness to serve. I can only hope that I have inspired all of you as much as you have inspired me. Thank you so much for all that you do.
We are thankful to God Almighty for the blessed worship life and blessed memories we had at Ebenezer, New York. What a privilege it has been to share the journey of faith with you. Our lives have been interwoven in the fabric of faithful service to our Lord and Savior. We count it among our deepest joys. We thank you for the Love, Prayers, Support and Dedication you have shown towards us during our three-years ministry at Ebenezer Mar Thoma Church, New York. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to office bearers, executive committee members and other spiritual organizations of 2022 through 2025. We wanted to say a big thank you for your time and effort in helping in our Church ministering during the past years. All through the Bible, God’s people are called to be ready to go where God is leading them; and with those many examples as our guide, we will say yes to what God has envisioned as the next chapter in our lives. Please continue to Pray for our ministry. We will miss you all deeply. We will miss your love and support. Please give your new minister, Rev. Joel Samuel Thomas the same support and encouragement you have given to us. We will continue to hold you in our prayers and ever be the friends to you that we have been.
I give thanks to God for the unique flavor of our shared ministry together.
Love and blessings, now and always
Rev George Abraham - Vicar
Youth Chaplain's Corner
April's Message
Apr 1, 2025
Beloved in Christ, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’” - Isaiah 52:7
During Holy Week, we walk with Jesus through suffering and sacrifice. We remember the feet that walked toward betrayal, carried a cross up Golgotha’s hill, and were pierced with nails for our sins.
Isaiah calls these feet beautiful, not because they were untouched by pain, but because they carried good news: peace, salvation, and the powerful truth that “Your God reigns.” Good Friday reminds us that love can look like a cross. But the story does not end there. On the beautiful Feast of the Resurrection, we remember those same scarred feet walked out of the tomb in victory!
The silence of death was broken by an angel’s announcement:
“He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.” (Matthew 28:6)
The good news of Isaiah 52:7 was fulfilled in full. Jesus didn’t just proclaim peace, He became our peace. He didn’t just declare salvation, He conquered death to give it.
As we remember from the cross to the empty tomb this Holy Week, may we carry this message in our own lives, with steps that bring light into dark places, comfort into sorrow, and hope into despair.
Let our life, our walk, our witness declare: Our God reigns! Christ Risen! Indeed He is Risen!
Prayerfully,
JVarghese Achen
Meet the office bearers
Rev George Abraham
President & Vicar
P: 516-754-6110
Dr Susan Kurian
Vice President
Sneha Thomas
Secretary
Alexei Isac
Treasurer
Vipin Kovoor
Accountant
Eapen Joseph
Malayalam Lay Ministrant
Jerry Chacko
English Lay Ministrant
Thomas K Mathew
Sabha Mandalam Member
Reena Mathew
Sunday School Superintendent
Rahul Joseph
Youth Secretary
Tony Mathew
Yuvajana Sakhyam Secretary
Feby Varughese
Choir Leader
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Jose Cherian
Diocesan (Assembly) Member
CS Chacko
Edvaka Mission Secretary
Reena Mathew
Sevika Sanghom Secretary
Church Organizations
Edavaka Mission
The spiritual renewal in the Church, which was the offspring of reformation has created a yearning in believers to present the Gospel to others. It was realized that this could not be fully achieved by the services of a few full time evangelists. On the other hand every member of the Church should be a missionary filled with such joy and assurance of salvation as to be Christ’s witness to those who come into contact with him, irrespective of one’s profession in secular life.Believers interested in evangelistic and intercessory activities used to assemble periodically for prayer and fellowship. It was in the annual meeting of such a gathering in 1924, the present Mar Thoma Voluntary Evangelists’ Association was formed. Bishop Abraham Mar Thoma was the ardent supporter of this movement.The objective of this association is that every member of the Church should be a witness to Jesus Christ, whatever his or her occupation may be. Those who volunteer to be members of the Association meet together in each parish at least once a week for fellowship, intercessory prayer, Bible study and sharing experiences.The branch of the Mar Thoma Voluntary Evangelists Association in the Parish is called "Edavaka Mission".
Sevika Sangham
The women in the Mar Thoma church also shared the spiritual power generated by the Reformation. The Mar Thoma Suvisesha Sevika Sangham the women’s wing, was inaugurated during the Maramon Convention in the year 1919, under the leadership of Abraham Mar Thoma Suffragan Metropolitan, who gave the Sangham continued support and inspiration. Every women of the Mar Thoma Church above the age of 18 years is a member of the Sevika Sangham. The Sevika Sangham has branches in all parishes of the Mar Thoma Church both in India and abroad. The Sevika Sangham at Ebenezer Mar Thoma Church is an extremely active and spirited group who play an extremely active role in the development and growth of our church.
Sunday School
In the Mar Thoma Church, Sunday Schools play a very significant role in the spiritual renewal and growth of young generation. The formal inauguration of the Sunday School Samajam took place at Maramon Convention in 1905. 'Come to Jesus and bring every child to Jesus' is the motto of our Sunday school. Since then the Sunday School organization has grown and changed but our motto still remains the same.Ebenezer Mar Thoma Church Sunday School is held every Sunday (with some exception) between September and June at 11:00am. It is comprised of an extremely dedicated team of teachers and an eager group of students who have led to its continued success year after year. Our students actively participate in Diocesan-led initiatives such as the National Diocesan Exam and VBS. In addition to bible study, our students also learn about church history and the growth of the Mar Thoma Church.
Youth Fellowship and Yuvagena Sakhyam
The Mar Thoma Yuvajana Sakhyam was organized with a view that all the young people in the Church should accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, and bear witness to His saving power. It was organized in 1933 by a resolution of the Sabha Prathinidhi Mandalam. Ebenezer Mar Thoma Church continues to honor this resolution with not only an active and thriving Yuvajana Sakhyam but also an extremely devoted Youth Fellowship group. Both groups work hand in hand to develop our youth as responsible young men and women who can face the challenges of life while upholding the faith and practices of the Mar Thoma Church and Christian values.
About Our Parish
Parish Info
Address: 406 King St Port Chester, NY 10573
Trustee Phone: (914) 330-7254
Accountant Phone: (914) 494-7336
Email: newyorkebenezermtc@gmail.com
Sunday Worship: 10:00 AM
Sunday School: 09:15 AM
Parish History
Worship History of Early Marthomites (New York, New Jersey, and Boston):
In January 1969, the first Mar Thoma Worship was conducted in Boston, by Rev. Cherian Thomas and in New York in February 1971 by Rev. Thomas Varghese. The first Congregation was formed in Queens, NY in 1972 and a Mar Thoma-CSI Congregation was formed in New York City in September 1973. With an upsurge in migration of Marthomites to the United States, the need for regular Worship became a necessity. A request was sent to the Metropolitan by a group of Marthomites to form a Mar Thoma Congregation in the New York area. The request was published in Sabha Tharaka (1972) as well. At that point, the Mar Thoma Sabha leaders were not in favor of establishing Mar Thoma Parishes in North America (USA), and directed the people to obtain membership in the local Episcopal Churches via Kalpana dated January 8th 1973, from the Most Rev. Dr. Juhanon Mar Thoma Metropolitan.
In 1976, the first Mar Thoma Congregation in Queens, NY received approval and was named as “The Mar Thoma Congregation of Greater New York”. Rev. K.S. Mathew was appointed as the first Vicar followed by Rev. Thomas George (1977-1979). Rev. Benjamin was appointed as the first full time Vicar in 1979 covering two Sundays for the Mar Thoma Congregation of Greater New York; one Sunday for the Mar Thoma Congregation in Philadelphia and one for the Mar Thoma – CSI Congregation in New York City.
In 1980, our late Metropolitan, The most Rev. Dr. Alexander Mar Thoma divided the Mar Thoma Church of Greater New York into four parishes:
- St. Thomas MTC, NY
- New Jersey MTC
- Staten Island MTC
- Epiphany MTC
Separate services were started in these parishes by the year 1981. The members, who did not join these Parishes, remained as “The Mar Thoma Congregation of Greater New York” and worshiped as an independent group with an amended Certificate of in-corporation in December 21st, 1981.
After seven years of separation from the Mar Thoma Sabha, the members of the above Congregation agreed to accept the faith and practices of Malankara Mar Thoma Sabha. In 1987 the Congregation received approval from Mar Thoma Saba Synod. His Grace, Late Rt. Rev. Dr. Alexander Mar Thoma Metropolitan named the congregation as “Ebenezer Mar Thoma Church”. At that time, most of the Mar Thoma parishes were in various boroughs of New York; therefore, the Metropolitan permitted the members to establish a Mar Thoma Parish in Westchester County, New York.
On March 31st 2012, His Grace Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan consecrated our church along with our Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius Episcopa.
Establishment of Ebenezer Mar Thoma Church:
After approval and official formation of Ebenezer MTC in 1987, the community started its Worship at the “United Church of Christ” located at 448 Washington Ave, Pelham, New York. Seventy families regularly attended the worship services under the leadership of Rev. Philip Varghese (Immigrant) as Vicar, and Rev. K.U. Abraham, Doctoral Candidate from Boston University (at present, Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulose) as Associate Vicar. In those years, we followed the “New York State Article of Incorporation and Article 10 Religious Law”. In 1988, we started with a fulltime resident Bishop, Late Rt. Rev, Dr. Zacharias Mar Theophilus Suffragan Metropolitan. The first Diocesan Centre was at 744 Newton Road, Richboro, Pennsylvania which was later moved to current Sinai Mar Thoma Centre, located at 2320 Merrick Ave, Merrick, NY 11566.
When we write the history of our church, we cannot ignore the period of 1996 – 2000, a new era of our North American Diocese and Ebenezer Mar Thoma church, the untold story of our sufferings and sacrifice. Even through the trials and tribulations, we were grateful to be the part of the history of Mar Thoma Sabha in North America. We were glad to have the historical judgment which enabled the Diocesan of North America to establish and expand their spiritual and social growth in North America.
From 1987 until January 2012 we conducted our worship services in different rented spaces:
- 1987 - 1996 – Pelham Community Church “United Church of Christ” located at 448 Washington Ave, Pelham, New York.
- 1996 - 1999 – Trinity Lutheran Church, 30 Lockwood, New Rochelle
- 1999 - 2008 – Korean Presbyterian Church of Westchester, 50 Pintard Ave, New Rochelle, NY
- 2008 - 2012 – Trinity Episcopal Church, 1415 Pelhamdale Ave, Pelham, NY 10803
Present Parish: After 25 years, by the Grace and Mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we purchased a church on January 10th, 2012 at 406 King Street, Port Chester, NY-10573. The Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. Gee Varghese Mar Theodosius conducted the first divine service on Sunday, January 22, 2012. In addition, our Diocesan Bishop gave us temporary permission to use the present place of worship for worship services until the formal consecration of the church. On 31st March 2012, our late Metropolitan, the Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma consecrated Ebenezer Mar Thoma Church, with Diocesan Episcopa, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Gee Varghese Mar Theodosius. Rev. Benjamin George was the Vicar during purchase, and consecration of our church.
We received valuable services from the following Vicars during this period:
Former Vicars (Most Recent First)
Rev. Biji Mathew
Rev. Sony Philip
Rev. Abraham Oommen
Rev. Benjamin George
Rev. Johnson C Jacob
Rev. Johnson Varghese
Rev. George Mathew
Rev. Dr. V. S. Varghese (Associate Vicar)
Rev. Thomas Easow
Rev. Thomas C Alexander
Rev. Dr. T. P. Abraham
Rev. Johnson Varghese
Rev. Dr. K. U. Abraham (Associate Vicar) (Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulose)
Rev. G. Varghese
1987 -2021, we shared Vicars from our sister Parishes; St. Thomas MTC (1989 – 1994), St. Johns Mar Thoma Church (1994-2000), St. Andrews Mar Thoma Church (2003-2017), Jerusalem MTC/Rochester Prayer Group (2017-2021) as well as received services from immigrant Priests (1987-1989, 2000-2003) and Priests who were Doctoral Candidates from Boston and Princeton Universities (1987-1992, 1999-2003).