Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania: Saint George Malankara Orthodox Church in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania was the venue on February 19 for a kickoff meeting for the upcoming Family and Youth Conference (FYC) of the Northeast American Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.
After the Holy Qurbana celebrated by Rev. Fr. Abu Peter (Vicar) and Rev. Fr. K. P. Varghese on February 19, the Vicar welcomed and introduced Family and Youth Conference delegation. The delegates included Oommen Kappil (Diocesan Council Member), Dr. Zach Zachariah (former Diocesan Council Member), Rony Varghese (Souvenir Committee Member), Philip Varghese (Choir Coordinator), Anish Joy (Diocesan Assembly Member), and FYC Committee members Shalu Punnoose, Irene George and Korason Mathew. Fr Abu Peter in his remarks mentioned about the significance of attending the Family Conference as it offers the attendees a fantastic opportunity to have an enlightening spiritual experience.
Oommen Kappil briefed the audience about the purpose and arrangements for the conference. The conference will be held from July 12 through 15, 2023 at the Holy Transfiguration Retreat Center (HTRC) of the Northeast American 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 American will lead the sessions for the youth. There will be separate interactive sessions tailored for children, youth and adults, based on Bible, faith and inspirational topics. The theme of the conference this year is “I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh” from Joel 2:28.
Dr. Zach Zachariah spoke about the conference venue, the Retreat Center and the visionary programs that are being organized by the diocese to empower the youth. Rony Varghese described the opportunity to insert articles, advertisements, and compliments in the Souvenir that will be published to memorialize the conference. Shalu Punnoose explained the registration and sponsorships options. Irene George shared her own experience in attending programs at the HTRC and also spoke about the Sports and games that are being planned at the Conference. Philip Varghese urged the audience to join the FYC Choir which will be led this year by the Philadelphia Area parishes.
On behalf of the parish, Anish Joy (Parish Treasurer) and Subin Shaji (Parish Secretary) handed over its donation for the Souvenir. Cherian Korah offered his support as a Grand sponsor of the conference. A large number of members from the parish pledged their support by registering for the conference, donations or as sponsors of advertisements or compliments in the souvenir. They include Philip Varghese, Joshua P. Thomas, Mathew Varghese, Renji Kuruvilla, Simon Philip, Benjamin Mathew, Rajan Samuel, Anish Joy, Shijo Shaji, Leno Skariah, Rony Varghese, John Samson, Korason Mathew, Dileep George, Shino Philip, Shalu Punnoose, Suresh George, Jomon Kurien, Jibu Mathew, Philip Kunjukunju, Jason Thomas, Thomas Varghese, Thomas Abraham, Sony Thomas and Dr Julie Cherian
The conference team thanked the Vicar and parish members for their overwhelming support extended to the Family conference.
For more information, please contact Fr. Sunny Joseph, Conference Director (Tel.: 718.608.5583) or Cheriyan Perumal, Conference Secretary (Tel.: 516.439.9087)