St. Stephens Malankara Orthodox Church in Midland Park, NJ was the venue for a kick off meeting on January 7 for the upcoming Family and Youth Conference of the Northeast American Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.
The parish celebrated the Feast of Saint Stephen, its patron saint on Friday, January 6 and Saturday, January 7. Very Reverend Yesudasan Pappan Cor-Episcopa was the chief celebrant on Saturday. A special kick-off meeting to promote the upcoming Family and Youth Conference of the Northeast American diocese was held immediately after the Holy Qurbana on January 7.
Fr Sunny Joseph, Conference Director and Mr. Cheriyan Perumal, Conference Secretary briefed the audience about the highlights of this year’s Family and Youth Conference. The conference will be held from July 12 through 15, 2023 at the Holy Transfiguration Retreat Center (HTRC) of the Northeast American Diocese. This is the first time the Family and Youth Conference is being held at a facility owned by the 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 America will lead the sessions for the youth.
Mr. Mathew Joshua, Conference Treasurer and Mr. Saji Pothen, Finance Manager spoke about the arrangements for accommodation. In addition to the accommodation offered at the Holy Transfiguration Retreat Center, the attendees will get the option to stay at a nearby hotel. Mr. Joby John, Diocesan Council member spoke about the plans for publishing a souvenir to commemorate the event.
Rev. Fr. Babu K. Mathew, the Vicar of the parish handed over its sponsorship check to Rev. Fr. Sunny Joseph, the Conference Director. Several parish members offered their financial support by becoming sponsors of the Conference.
Rev. Fr. Vijay Thomas and Mr. Bijo Thomas (Diocesan Council Members) also were among the attendees.
For more information, please contact Rev. Fr. Sunny Joseph (Tel.: 718.608.5583) or Mr. Cheriyan Perumal (Tel.: 516.439.9087)