MGSOSA
National Conference in Dallas
by George Aramath
The 22nd annual convention and family conference took place from July 26 to 29 at Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts in Dallas, Texas. Over one hundred youth attended from different parts of the archdiocese.
Thursday night had a light schedule beginning with an icebreaker, the human knot, led by Dn. Joel Jacob and Sumi Melathe. Soon thereafter, the youth delegates held their meeting while the non-delegates had the choice of watching the “Hidden Pearl” or enjoying social hour for the rest of the night.
Friday began with Morning Prayer, followed by a heritage procession around the hotel. After the inaugural session, Fr. Boulos Mikhael introduced the youth to this year’s theme: "For this is the will of God, your Sanctification" (1 Thessalonians 4:3). He challenged the youth to become sanctified in this otherwise unsanctified world. The rest of the day was divided into focused sessions based upon age and gender. First, the group was split into men’s and women’s fellowship. In the evening, younger youth and young adults had separate sessions. Each of these gatherings focused on how the call to sanctification can take place. Special thanks goes to Fr. Boulos Mikhael, Anitha Jacob, Shalini Varghese, Lisha Kuriakose, Jesu John, Mike Wingert, and Shiryl Mathai for their leadership in these sessions. Friday ended with an entertaining cultural program.
Saturday began with Morning Prayer and songs. Ms. Naomi LaRue then gave an in-depth perspective of the theme, focusing upon saints of the past and one’s call to sainthood. After the general session, the rest of the day focused on the following workshops:
1. My Journey to the Orthodox Church
2. Practice of Prayer through Scripture
3. Virtual Tour of Holy Qurbana
4. Orthodox Marriage
5. Syriac Orthodox Church Today in Iraq and Disapora
6. Music in Our Church
These workshops were run simultaneously with each participant given the option of choosing three. Special thanks goes to Naomi LaRue, Mike Wingert, Dn. Joel Jacob, Fr. Abraham Kadavil, and Ginu John for their leadership in these workshops. Following group pictures, the finals for the basketball tournament took place in which St. Ignatius, Dallas took the trophy. Before the cultural program, Youth in Action looked into unique ministries MGSOSA is running across the diocese, particularly last year’s mission trip to Kerala and the northeast sub-regional monthly ministries.
Holy Qurbana began Sunday morning, concelebrated by H.B. Mor Baselius Thomas I and H.E. Mor Titus
Yeldho. With the closing session focusing back on the theme of sanctification, the annual family conference ended soon after lunch.
The MGSOSA planning committee gives glory and thanks to God Almighty for His providence and guidance throughout this family conference. We pray that the positive momentum from this conference will continue to spread in our local ministries.
MGSOSA: Mor Gregorios Syrian Orthodox Student Association
