Malankara Archdiocese of the Syrian Orthodox Church in North America - 22nd Annual Convention and Family Conference
by Rev. Fr. Mathai Varkey Puthukkunnathu
Malankara Archdiocese of the Syrian Orthodox Church in North America 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 Yedho. The unparallel spiritual legacy of Mor Athanasius Yeshue Samuel, cherished with the untiring efforts of many Clergy and Faithful contributed to the progress and stability of this Archdiocese. Indeed the spiritual and administrative guidance of His Eminence Mor Julios Kuriakose and His Eminence Mor Ivanios Mathews, added to the grace and present steadiness of the Malakara Archdiocese.
Although the Archdiocese had to go through an unprecedented and unfortunate dilemma that culminated in Dec. 2001, it resurrected with much glory and strength as a witnessing community. The timely Apostolic intervention and guidance of His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, The Supreme Head of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church and the diligent efforts and meaningful dispensation of the Apostolic Mission of His Eminence Mor Themotheos Thomas and His Eminence Mor Gregorios Joseph, coupled with the conscientious hard work of His Beatitude Aboon Mor Baselios Thomas I and His Eminence Mor Coorilos Aphrem Karim and other Metropolitans of the Holy Church, would be treasured for years to come. Certainly, the Archdiocese emerged from that devastating situation to a splendid growth and now heading to a prosperous and spiritually rewarding future.
The selfless dedication of the Clergy, the energetic efforts of the Archdiocesan Council and the industrious commitment of the leaders of various spiritual organizations enormously contributed to the present growth and progressive mode of the Archdiocese that bring glory, grace and goodwill to the Holy Church and to the Malankara Archdiocese.
At present we have 36 full fledged Parishes and a couple of congregations under the Malankara Archdiocese and 40 Priests together with 9 Deacons, unselfishly serving at various Parishes. New Parishes are getting started in various parts of the United States and Canada, and Priests are being brought in with R1 visas to cater to the spiritual needs of the faithful. This shows a positive momentum towards a leap in membership growth and church attendance which contributes to the spiritual progress of the community. It is also mentionable here that the Youth members together with members of various spiritual organizations, are more enthusiastic in learning and preparing themselves to uphold the time tested Apostolic faith and venerable traditions of the Holy Syrian Orthodox Church.
The theme for the Family Conference 2007 is "For this is the Will of God, your sanctification.”
1 Thessalonians 4:3. His Beatitude Catholicose Aboon Mor Baselios Thomas I will bless the Conference as Chief Guest and Rev. Fr. Dr. A.P. George, Rev. Fr. Baiju Chandy, Rev. Fr. Shibu Yohannan, Comm. Dr. Roy P. Thomas, Dr. Susan Jacob would address at various sessions as Keynote Speakers and Rev. Fr. Boulos Michael and Ms. Naomi LaRue would engage the youth sessions. The Archbishop H.E. Mor
Titus Yeldho, The Archdiocesan Council, and various committees are functioning to make this a successful and memorable event. St. Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Church, Carrollton Texas, is facilitating and assisting the Archdiocesan Council for the Annual Convention and Family Conference 2007, along with St. Ignatius Syrian Orthodox Church, Dallas. The Souvenir, Malankara Deepam will also be released on this solemn occasion. I beseech the esteemed Clergy and the beloved Faithful to pray for Divine Guidance for the success of this annual event of the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Christians in North America, under the Holy Apostolic See of Antioch and All the East.
July 26 to July 29, 2007
Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts Dallas Near the Galleria
14315 Midway Road,
Addison, TX 75001
