Yuvajena Sakhyam National Conference 2011

The St. Paul’s Mar Thoma Church, Dallas, TX hosted the XIII Mar Thoma Yuvajana Sakhyam National Conference from October 7th to 9th, 2011.

As immigrants from India there have been many situations in our daily life where we experience challenges in different cultures. However, the Living Gospel remains the same in all cultures! The theme of the conference was
“Living the Gospel in Different Cultures” with Daniel 6:26-27 as the theme verse: “I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end”. St.Paul’s sakhyam members were privileged to have several distinguished leaders and speakers: our beloved Diocesan Thirumeni Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius, who was the main leader of the conference. Prof. Jacob George, Rev. Jose T. Abraham, and Rev. Jaisen Thomas gave leadership.
The conference was inaugurated by our Diocesan Episcopa Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius by lighting the lamp. He also released the national conference souvenir which was prepared by St. Paul’s MTC YS. His grace also released the website prepared by the Diocese yuvajana sakhyam. After the inaugural ceremony, His Grace reflected on the theme by stating that we are called to testify Jesus in our daily lives regardless of cultural differences. The Living Gospel of the theme verse reminds us that we are not individuals but rather a community called to witness Christ. The day closed with an amazing theme presentation led by St.Paul’s sakhyam members.

On Saturday, the conference began with morning worship which was led by the southeast region followed by bible devotion led by Rev. Baby John and bible study led by Rev. Jose T. Abraham. The main talk for the day was led by Prof. Jacob George who was the main speaker for this year. The other highlights of the day were the national kalamela, talent night, and evening worship followed by bible devotion by Rev. K. P. Thomas. Rev. Zachariah John, Rev. Varghese Mathew, Rev. George Varghese, and Rev. Minoy Kuruvilla blessed the conference with their participation and support.

Thirumeni addressing the youths/kids session

On Sunday, the Holy Qurbana was celebrated by Diocesan Bishop Rt.Rev.Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius,
assisted by Rev. Mathew Joseph, Rev Jose T. Abraham, Rev. Zachariah John, Rev. A.P. Noble and Rev. Jaisen
Thomas. The prizes were distributed for the national kalamela winners.

The 2012 Yuvajana Sakhyam National Conference will be hosted by Ascension Mar Thoma Yuvajana
Sakhyam, Philadelphia.

Rev. A.P. Noble, the vicar of St. Paul’s MTC and the president of the YS National Conference 2011 co-ordinated all progammes and gave leadership
Prepared by,
Babu P. Simon
General Convener YSNC 2011