Jackson Heights (New York): On Sunday, February 26, 2023, the Family and Youth Conference Team visited the St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, Jackson Heights, NY. There was a brief kick off meeting for the Family and Youth Conference after Holy Qurbana.
The Vicar Rev. Fr. John Thomas welcomed the Conference delegates. Achen spoke about the importance of attending the Conference and motivated the parishioners to experience the Holy Transfiguration Retreat Center, which is the venue for this year’s conference. Saji M Pothen, Finance Manager of FYC 2023, introduced the Conference team which included Mathew Joshua (Treasurer), Mathew Varghese and Mary Varghese (Family Conference Committee Members). Saji M. Pothen gave details about the Conference including dates, theme and the speakers. Mathew Joshua explained the registration process while Mathew Varghese spoke about sponsorship and the souvenir. Mary Varghese focused on women empowerment and requested all MMVS members to register.
Jeny Thomas Rehman (Parish Secretary), John Thamaravelil ( Parish Treasurer & Diocesan Assembly Member) and Geevarghese Jacob ( Malankara Association member & Diocesan Assembly member ) were on stage. John Thamaravelil thanked the Conference team for the visit and reminded all that the church members always had been highly active in all previous family conferences and promised that it will be the same this year as well. Achen handed over the church advertisement to Mathew Joshua while Elsykutty Mathew, a grand sponsor handed over her sponsorship to achen. Advertisements were received from several parishioners including Shibu Thomas, Sigy Jacob, Japhy John, Siby Jacob and Biju Tharian.
The Conference will be held from July 12 to 15, 2023 at the Holy Transfiguration Retreat Center. His Grace Dr. Abraham Mar Stephanos, the Metropolitan of the Diocese of Europe and Africa will be the key-note speaker. Rev. Fr. Mat Alexander, the Youth Minister of 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.
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)