Dearly beloved in Christ

This month we are celebrating the US Independence Day. In a country where we are free to choose, free to speak, free to go wherever we want to, free to worship or not to worship, free to decide many things by ourselves, freedom has been a part of our thinking throughout generations. Yet we are not satisfied with this freedom and we feel that we are missing something, isn’t it?

Galatians 5:1 says “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free”. Here God does not want us to do whatever we want that would lead us into slavery of our selfish desires. Rather, He wants us to be free and to live unselfishly, thus do what is right and glorify God through loving service to others. In Galatians 5:13 it says “You, my brothers, were called to be free but do not use your freedom to indulge in sinful nature, rather, serve one another in love”. So let us ask ourselves “Are we free in its real sense or are we still slaves to our desires?”

Last month we celebrated our 39th Parish Day blessed in the presence of our beloved Thirumeni Rt. Rev. Dr. Isaac Mar Philoxenos Episcopa. We recognised our senior most members who worked hard for building this church in Staten Island. They contributed their hardwork, prayers, time and wealth for the goodwill of our church. Three students took their First Holy Communion. We, the church, appreciate their parents and godparents for nurturing them in the God’s way. We honored those who celebrated their milestone birthdays as well as 50th wedding anniversary. We congratulate the Graduate students. We ask Lord to strengthen each one of them in Faith.

May God help us with strength, peace of soul and mind. Let us be a blessing for others.

Servant of God

Rev. Johnson P. Abraham

917-932-4575

revjohnsonpa@gmail.com