2013 Family and Youth Conference Kickoff

The Northeast American Diocesan Family and Youth Conference 2013 of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church was formally kicked off on Saturday, January 5, 2013 at St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church, Unruh, Philadelphia, in the presence of scores of priests and several hundreds of the Diocesan Faithful. His Grace Zachariah Mor Nicholovos, the Diocesan Metropolitan, received the first registration from the Conference Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Sujith Thomas, thereby inaugurating and declaring the registration process officially open to prospective participants.

The preparations already under way for the conference which is scheduled to take place from Wednesday, July 10 to Saturday, July 13, 2013 at Honor’s Haven Resort, 1195 Arrowhead Road, Ellenville, NY 12428, has now picked up speed with over 200 families already registered. The entire Resort with its maximum capacity of 450 rooms has already been fully booked due to the overwhelming interest. It is increasingly likely that the registrations will be closed earlier than usual if the present trend of registration continues.

A committee meeting was convened at Linden St. Mary’s Orthodox Church to discuss ways and means to make the conference spiritually vibrant and useful for the youth, men and women who will converge at the Resort for three days of fellowship, spending quality time in praying and singing together and attending spiritually edifying sessions led by renowned speakers and theologians. The Committee, presided over by the Diocesan Metropolitan, spent a few moments paying tribute to former Diocesan Metropolitan, Late Mathews Mar Barnabas of blessed memory, before brainstorming new ideas for the conference. General Secretary, Dr, Philip George, informed that the Conference, for the very first time in its history, will host a live musical concert of Christian devotionals by the well known singer, K. G. Markose on the opening day. Treasurer Thomas George presented a budget of $170, 000. The following persons were nominated to different committees.

Curriculum Committee

  • Rev. Fr. Shibu Daniel for adults
  • Aimy Joshua for Sunday School
  • Jamy Joshua for Sunday School
  • Gina Joshua for Sunday School
  • Preethi Prasad for Sunday School

Security Services

  • Geemon Varghese

Medical Services

  • Dr. Jolly Thomas

Focus

  • Dr. Zach Zachariah

MGOCSM

Registration

  • Alex Abraham
  • Tina Thomas

Procession

  • Roy Ennacheril

On-site responsibilities

  • Abraham Joshua

Sports & Games

Souvenir Committee

  • Ajith Vattasseril (Business Manager)
  • Kuriakose Tharian
  • Kochummen Jacob
  • Das Kannamthottil
  • Paul C. Mathai
  • Rajan Padiyara
  • Philippose Philip
  • Saji Pothen
  • Saji Abraham

Souvenir Editorial Board

  • Oommen Kappil (Chief Editor)
  • Mathew Samuel
  • M.M. Abraham
  • Varghese Pothanicadu
  • Korason Varghese

Entertainment Coordinator

  • Shaji Varghese

It was decided to arrange several kick off events at different locations in the Northeast American Diocese. The next committee meeting will take place on April 13, 2013 at St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, Staten Island, New York.

For further information and registration, please log on to: http://www.neamericandiocese.org/ministries/family-youth-conference-registration.aspx

Tags: Family and Youth Conference

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