Philadelphia (Pennsylvania): The registration for the Family and Youth Conference of the Northeast American Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church has begun at Saint Thomas Malankara Orthodox Church, located at 5422 North Mascher Street, Philadelphia, PA.
On February 19, a delegation representing the Family and Youth Conference committee visited the parish. After the Holy Qurbana led by Reverend Dr. Varghese M. Daniel (Vicar & Diocesan Secretary) and Very Reverend K. Mathai Cor-Episcopa, a brief kick-off meeting for the Family and Youth Conference was held. The Conference team included Susan Varghese (Souvenir Chief Editor), Bishel Baby (Souvenir Committee Member) and Jain Kallarackal (Diocesan Assembly member). Reverend Deacon Reneesh Geevarghese also was in attendance. Jessy Rajan (Parish Secretary) welcomed the Family Conference team.
Susan Varghese spoke about the general arrangements for the conference including the registration, venue, speakers and interactive sessions planned for different age groups.
Bishel Baby described the sponsorships and opportunity to insert Souvenir, articles, advertisements, and compliments in the Souvenir. She also spoke fondly about her experience attending the conference along with her children, and encouraged everyone to attend. Rev. Dr Varghese Daniel spoke highly about the conference indicating that he has been the coordinator for many years and it is a time of fellowships and renewing ties with other families in the diocese. He encouraged everyone to attend for a spiritually nourishing experience.
The conference will be held from July 12 through 15, 2023 at the Holy Transfiguration Retreat Center (HTRC) of the Northeast American Diocese. His Grace Abraham Mar Stephanos, the newly ordained Metropolitan of the Diocese of Europe and Africa will be the key-note speaker. Rev. Fr. Mat Alexander, the Youth Minister of the Diocese of the Southwest American will lead the sessions for the youth. There will be separate interactive sessions tailored for children, youth and adults, based on Bible, faith and inspirational topics. Members from parishes in the northeast US and Canada are expected to attend this four-day conference.
On behalf of the parish, Mani Thomas, the parish Treasurer handed over its sponsorship check for the Souvenir. Several members expressed their interest to attend the conference.
The conference team thanked the Vicar and parish members for their support to the Family conference. .
For more information, please contact Fr. Sunny Joseph, Conference Director (Tel.: 718.608.5583) or Cheriyan Perumal, Conference Secretary (Tel.: 516.439.9087)