Philadelphia PA: Saint Thomas Indian Orthodox Church, located at 1009 Unruh Avenue, Philadelphia PA was the venue on February 5 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 led by Rev. Fr. Sujit Thomas and Rev. Fr. Tojo Baby on February 5, Steve Kurian, Parish Secretary welcomed the Family Conference delegates to the parish. The FYC delegates comprised of Joby John (Diocesan Council Member), Susan John Varghese (Souvenir Chief Editor), Oommen Kappil (Diocesan Council Member), Bishel Baby (FYC Committee Member) and Binny Cherian (Diocesan Assembly Member.) Rev. Fr Sujit Thomas (Assistant Vicar) introduced the delegates and reflected on his experience attending the Family and Youth Conference since his days as a Seminary student. Father Sujit Thomas exhorted everyone to attend and support the Conference.
Joby John in his introductory remarks, reflected on the contributions of Rev. Fr. MK Kuriakose (Vicar) and Rev. Fr. Sujit Thomas (Assistant Vicar) and gratefully acknowledged their past services as Diocesan Secretaries. He then briefed the audience about the registration process, venue, accommodation and speakers. 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.
Susan John Varghese spoke about sponsorships, and opportunity to insert Souvenir, articles, advertisements, and compliments in the Souvenir. Susan also reminded the audience to join the FYC Choir which will be led this year by the Philadelphia Area parishes.
On behalf of the parish, Aneena Robin, the parish Treasurer handed over its donation for the FYC Souvenir. Oommen Kappil introduced the advertisers including Jessly Alex (Vital Health Primary Care), Mathew Samuel & Ninan Mathai (Love & Glory Services) Jiju Alex (Lightbridge Academy) and Suvarna Varghese (Realty Mark Associates.) Oommen Kappil also recognized several members who pledged their support in multiple ways as Grand Sponsors, registering for the conference and by inserting compliments in the souvenir.
The organizers thanked the parish members for their generous support to the diocese in general and to the Family conference in particular.
For more information, please contact Fr. Sunny Joseph, Conference Director (Tel.: 718.608.5583) or Cheriyan Perumal, Conference Secretary (Tel.: 516.439.9087)