Huntingdon Valley (Pennsylvania): On Sunday, February 26, 2023, the Family and Youth Conference Team visited the St. Mary’s Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, Huntingdon Valley, PA.
After the Holy Liturgy led by Vicar Very Rev C. J. Johnson Cor-Episcopa, incense prayers were offered honoring the memories of Saint Geevarghese Mar Dionysius (Vattasseril Thirumeni) and His Grace Thomas Mar Makarios, the founding bishop of the American Diocese.
A registration kick-off meeting was held the Family & Youth Conference of the Northeast American diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Church. The Vicar introduced and welcomed the Conference team that included Oommen Kappil (Diocesan Council Member), Dr. Zach Zachariah (former Diocesan Council Member), Bishel Baby & Dhan Thomas (Family Conference Committee members). He also spoke about his years of experience with the diocese, family conference and youth ministry and encouraged everyone to register for the conference and support.
Oommen Kappil briefed the congregation about the purpose, leaders and arrangements for the conference. The conference will be held from July 12 through 15, 2023 at the Holy Transfiguration Retreat Center 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. The theme of the conference this year is “I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh” from Joel 2:28.
Dr. Zach Zachariah spoke about the conference venue, the Retreat Center and the visionary programs that are being organized by the diocese to empower the youth. Bishel Baby described the registration process and the opportunity to insert articles, advertisements, and compliments in the Souvenir that will be published to memorialize the conference. She also shared her own enriching experience attending the past Conferences with her family and encouraged everyone to attend and be blessed.
Benny Ulahannan (Parish Treasurer) and Thomas Korah (Parish Secretary) handed over the sponsorship check to insert church compliments in the souvenir. Several parish members pledged their support to the conference with submitting registration and compliments to the souvenir. Those who submitted registration forms or compliments include Roy Varghese, Professor Philipose Cherian, Samuel Kuriakose, Dhan Thomas, Shyla Rajan, Thomas Ninan, Eldhose Mathew, John Johnson and Jais K. Skaria.
Oommen Kappil thanked the Vicar and parish members for their generous support.
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)