Malankara Archdiocese of the Syrian Orthodox Church in North America - 22nd Annual Convention & Family Conference 2007
by Rev. Fr. Mathai Varkey Puthukkunnathu
The twenty second Annual Convention and Family Conference of the Malankara Archdiocese of the Syrian Orthodox Church in North America was held from July 26 to July 29, 2007 at Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts Dallas near the Galleria in Addison, TX 75001.
The Delegates Meeting of the Parishes of the Malankara Archdiocese of the Syrian Orthodox Church in North America, which is functioning directly under the spiritual and administrative jurisdiction of His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, Patriarch of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church and under the spiritual leadership of His Eminence Archbishop Mor Titus Yeldho, was held on the 26th of July, 2007.
Simultaneously, Rev. Fr. Thomas Neriyathara spoke to the general audience on Church history, which was followed by a visual presentation
“The Hidden Pearl".
On the 27th morning the dignitaries, clergy and faithful participated in the colorful heritage procession with patriarchal flags and drum beats which was eye catching. Thereafter, a formal welcome was extended to all dignitaries and participants by the Archdiocesan Secretary, Rev. Fr. Mathai Varkey Puthukkunnathu at the Trinity Ball Room. The inaugural session was presided over by Archbishop Mor Titus Yeldho and His Beatitude Aboon Mor Baselios Thomas I delivered the inaugural address. The Archdiocesan Souvenir, Malankara Deepam, was released at the session. This was followed by two spectacular addresses offered by Rev. Fr. Dr. A.P. George on the family perspective and Comm. Dr. Roy P. Thomas on timely and timeless perspective of this year’s theme "For this is the Will of God, your sanctification.” 1Thessalonians 4:3.
After lunch and special meetings of the Sunday School Teachers’, St. Mary’s Women’s League, and St. Paul’s Men’s Fellowship, Rev. Fr. Baiju Chandy addressed the audience on the social perspective of the theme, which was spectacular. Rev. Fr. Boulos Michael of the Coptic Orthodox Church addressed the Youth session and the Sunday school teachers conducted Vacation Bible School (VBS) for children. Before dinner, a birthday celebration of His Beatitude and His Eminence (both falls on July 22) took place at the cafeteria. After dinner, Mr. A.T. Samuel, CPA addressed the audience on Last Will and the requirement and procedure of executing a Will. The session was amazingly informative and an eye opener. This was followed by the cultural program, consisting of songs, classical dances, skits and orchestra.
On the 28th morning, Dr. Susan Jacob’s address on spiritual perspective of the theme was startling. This was followed by the astounding address offered by Rev. Fr. Shibu Yohannan on Biblical and theological aspect of the theme. The procession and special meeting of the Association for the Protection of the Antiochean True Faith was very interesting and sufficiently proclaimed the loyalty and allegiance to the Holy Apostolic Throne of Antioch and All the East. After the evening prayer, a retreat was conducted by Rev. Fr. John Puthooran. All the participants enjoyed the cultural programs conducted in the evening, from various parishes of the Archdiocese.
Holy Eucharist was concelebrated on the 29th morning by His Beatitude Catholicose Aboon Mor Baselios Thomas I and His Eminence Theethose Yeldho assisting, and V. Rev. Cor. Eapen Ezhamalil along with V. Rev. Cor. Joseph C. Joseph co-celebrating. H. E. Archbishop offered the concluding remarks and the Archdiocesan Secretary briefed on the next years conference in Philadelphia area and the Archdiocesan Treasurer registered gratitude to all dignitaries and participants. St. Mary’ (Dallas) Parish choir sang devotional songs for the entire sessions and St. Ignatius
(Dallas) choir sang during the Holy Eucharistic concelebration. Special conference mementos and tokens of gratitude were presented to the Chief Guest and other dignitaries. The 22nd annual gala of the Malankara Archdiocese of the Syrian Orthodox Church in North America came to a conclusion with benediction by His Beatitude and thereafter a banquet.
