The MGOCSM of the Northeast American Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church successfully hosted its inaugural Vine Mentorship Conference on Saturday, September 19, at St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church, Philadelphia.
Held under the theme “Rooted in Christ,” based on the words of our Lord in John 15:5 — “I am the vine; you are the branches” — the Vine marked a new initiative in the ministry of the MGOCSM. Over 30 mentors, experienced professionals from seven different professional fields, offered a day for our youth to experience a remarkable day of mentorship, networking, career guidance, and Christian fellowship.
For the first time, the diocesan MGOCSM offered a conference specifically focused on helping young people navigate their professional lives and discern the vocations and careers to which they may be called. At the heart of the conference, however, was an important reminder: before every professional vocation comes our first vocation — to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Throughout the day, participants had opportunities to interact with accomplished professionals from a variety of fields, hear about their experiences, ask practical questions, and develop relationships that can provide guidance as they pursue their educational and professional goals. The conference encouraged young adults not simply to ask, “What career should I choose?” but also, “How can I faithfully serve Christ through the gifts, opportunities, and profession God has given me?”
The Vine reflects the MGOCSM's growing commitment to ministering to the whole person by encouraging young people to remain deeply rooted in the Orthodox Christian faith while navigating the realities of education, careers, relationships, and life in the modern world.
Special appreciation was extended to the Mentorship Conference Convener Sneha Varghese, whose vision, hard work, and dedicated leadership were instrumental in bringing this inaugural conference to fruition. The MGOCSM also commended the entire Vine organizing committee for their tireless efforts in planning and executing the conference, as well as the speakers, mentors, volunteers, and the clergy and faithful of St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church, Philadelphia, for their generous support and hospitality.
The success of the inaugural Vine Mentorship Conference demonstrated the tremendous potential of bringing together the professional experience found within the Church with the aspirations of the next generation. As the initiative continues to develop, the hope is that VINE will grow into a strong network through which Orthodox Christian professionals can mentor, encourage, and accompany young people as they discern their careers and their place of service in the world.
Whatever our profession may be, our first calling remains the same: to know Christ, to follow Christ, and to become His faithful disciples.