Philadelphia (Pennsylvania): St. Mary’s Orthodox Church on Devereaux Avenue in Philadelphia became the venue for a kick-off meeting on Sunday, March 5 for the Family and Youth Conference of the Northeast American Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.
Rev. Fr. Shinoj Thomas led the Holy Communion service. A team representing the Conference visited the parish. There was a registration kick off meeting for the Family and Youth Conference after Holy Qurbana.
Rev Fr Shinoj Thomas gave a warm welcome and introduced the team. The team included Oommen Kappil (Diocesan Council member), Susan John Varghese (Souvenir Chief Editor), Bishel Baby, Dhan Thomas, Irene George, Bipin Mathew and Jessica Varghese (Conference Committee members.) In his remarks, Fr. Shinoj pledged his own support and strongly encouraged the members to attend the conference for spiritual nourishment and enlightenment.
Oommen Kappil spoke about the purpose of the Conference, speakers and different sessions that are being arranged for various age groups. Bishel Baby explained the registration and also shared her own memorable experience attending the past conferences with her family. Susan John Varghese gave details about the Souvenir that will be published to memorialize the conference. Irene George spoke about sports and recreational activities that are being planned for the conference.
On behalf of the parish, Alex T. Mathews (Parish Secretary) handed over the sponsorship check for Souvenir compliments from the parish. Several members pledged their support with registration, advertisements and compliments to the souvenir. Those who pledged their support include Fr. Shinoj Thomas, Thomas Varghese, Thomas Chandy, Alex T. Mathews, Abey K. Thomas, Ebby Joseph Moses Joy and Varghese Thomas. The conference team thanked the Vicar and parish members for their enthusiastic support and prayers.
The Conference will be held from July 12 to 15, 2023 at the Holy Transfiguration Retreat Center (HTRC). His Grace Dr. Abraham Mar Stephanos, the Metropolitan of the Diocese of Europe and Africa will be the key-note speaker. Rev. Fr. Matt Alexander, the Youth Minister Dallas, Texas of the Diocese of the Southwest America will lead the sessions for the youth. The theme for the conference this year is “I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh” from Joel 2:28. The Family and Youth Conference is the largest gathering of the members of the Northeast American Diocese. Members from various parishes in the Northeast United States and Canada will attend this annual event.
For more information, please contact Rev. Fr. Sunny Joseph, Conference Director (Tel.: 718.608.5583) or Mr. Cheriyan Perumal, Conference Secretary (Tel.: 516.439.9087)