On Friday, October 13th, the Philadelphia area of Malankara Orthodox Churches hosted their first FOCUS meeting at Saint Thomas Indian Orthodox Church of Philadelphia. The meeting began with Vespers & Compline, led by Reverend Father M. K. Kuriakose, Vicar of St. Thomas Church, Reverend Father Sujit Thomas, Assistant Vicar of St. Thomas Church, Reverend Father Geevarghese John, Organizing Priest of St. Luke's Mission, and Reverend Father Abraham (Abey) George, Director of FOCUS.
More than 50 young adults from the area were present and actively participating in the discussion for the evening, which centered around the uniqueness of the Orthodox Christian faith, and the challenges faced in living it out in society. There was a lively discussion which helped the participants reflect on the world's view on religion and Christianity and challenges that we face as Orthodox Christians.
FOCUS of Philadelphia also brainstormed on how to build up on having consistent meetings, during which young adults of the area can come together and learn more about the faith, and how to live them out in their marriages and families. It was decided that the next meeting will be scheduled in January 2018. The fellowship meeting ended with dinner and fellowship.
FOCUS Director, Father Abraham (Abey) George shared of his gratitude to Saint Thomas Indian Orthodox Church of Philadelphia for hosting the fellowship events, along with the organizers. Father Abey also shared of his hope that more area FOCUS fellowships will be initiated throughout the Diocese.
For details in how you can start an area FOCUS Fellowship, please email focusnediocese@gmail.com.