Staten Island, NY: On Sunday, February 12, 2023, the Family and Youth Conference Team visited the St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, Staten Island, NY. There was a brief kick off meeting for the Family and Youth Conference (FYC) after Holy Qurbana.
In the presence of Vicar Rev. Fr. T.A. Thomas, Assistant Vicar Rev. Fr. Bobby Varghese introduced the FYC 2023 Team. Achen also talked about the positive impact of the Holy Transfiguration Retreat Center (HTRC) and the importance of using the facility to the maximum for the benefit of the Church. Binu Koppara (Church Managing committee member) spoke about the importance of pushing the youth to be leaders of our church and about how the FYC can play a crucial role in this regard, urging everyone to register for the Conference. Hannah Jacob explained the Registration details while Jonathan Mathai provided information about the souvenir. Sherin Kurian spoke about her personal experience at the HTRC. Mathew Joshua (Treasurer, FYC), spoke about the sponsorship options available.
Joy Mathew (parish trustee) handed over the church Compliments for the souvenir. Captain Raju Philip (Diocesan Assembly member) handed over his registration form to Rev. Fr. T. A Thomas. Sunil T Sam (Malankara Association representative) handed over his advertisement. Jinu Thomas and others pledged more advertisements/compliments while other parishioners registered for the conference.
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.
The organizers thanked the clergy and members of the parish for their wholehearted support for the conference.
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)