Bensalem, PA: Saint Gregorios Malankara Orthodox Church in Bensalem, PA was the venue on January 29 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 on January 29, Mathew Kurian, Parish Secretary welcomed the Family Conference delegates to the parish. The FYC delegates comprised of Cheriyan Perumal, (Conference Secretary), Mathew Joshua (Conference Treasurer), Susan John Varghese (Souvenir Chief Editor), Oommen Kappil (Diocesan Council Member), Philip Varghese (FYC Choir Coordinator) and Committee Members Reny Biju, Rony Varghese and Bishel Baby.
Cheriyan Perumal 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. His Grace Abraham Mar Stephanos, the newly ordained Metropolitan of the Diocese of Europe and Africa will be the key-note speaker. Rev. Fr. Matt Alexander, the Youth Minister of the Diocese of the Southwest American will lead the sessions for the youth.
Oommen Kappil expressed gratitude to the senior members of the parish for rendering years of inspiring leadership to Family and Youth Conference, and encouraged everyone, especially the youth to attend the conference.
Mathew Joshua 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. Susan John Varghese (Souvenir Editor) spoke about the plans for publishing a souvenir to commemorate the event. Susan also spoke about the opportunities for members and public to insert compliments and advertisements.
Philip Varghese invited the members to join the Choir at the Conference, which will be led by the Philadelphia area parishes. Dr. Zach Zachariah spoke about the various ministries that are being organized from the HTRC for youth and adults, and encouraged everyone to support such ministries for building a strong future for our youth.
Rev. Fr. V. M. Shibu, the parish Vicar and Diocesan Council Member spoke about the spiritual nourishment the Conference will offer for the attendees.
On behalf of the parish, Beena Koshy, the parish Treasurer handed over its donation for the FYC Souvenir. Joseph Abraham and Dr Zach Zachariah (Grand Sponsors) handed over their sponsorship checks for the conference.
Several parish members offered their support by registering for the conference and by inserting compliments or ads in the souvenir. The organizers thanked the parish members for their wholehearted support.
For more information, please contact Fr. Sunny Joseph, Conference Director (Tel.: 718.608.5583) or Cheriyan Perumal, Conference Secretary (Tel.: 516.439.9087)