Shroro:

Mar Gregorios Syriac Orthodox Student Association Fall Southern Regional Conference

by Rev. Dn. Zacharia Varghese

Fall being the Thanksgiving season, it was deemed appropriate to focus on thankfulness. Colossians 3:17 was selected as the overarching “theme verse.” Our first blessing was that the program started on time. Secondly, we registered 83 participants, far exceeding our expectations. Rev. Dn. Varghese served as the master of ceremonies. The first item was music. Members of the music team included Mr. George Aramath, Miss Shalini Varghese, Miss Tiffani Varghese, Mrs. Manju Varghese, Miss Geevarghese, and Mr. Binu Aramath. Music was played with the help of an LCD projector and computer setup, managed by Mr. Brian Kallarackal. The screen for this setup was provided by Dr. and Mrs. Tony John. All participants were able to sing with ease as a result. Music was sung periodically throughout the conference.

The ice breaker organized by St. Ignatious Church was lead by Miss Reena Eapen. Participants were encouraged to mingle and find interesting things about fellow youth. Afterward, Rev. Fr. Puthukkunnathu introduced Rev. Fr. Kaldas, who spoke to us briefly of the fraternity between the Coptic and Syriac Church. He then discussed how giving thanks is well described and encouraged in the Bible, showing clearly from the early patriarchs to Jesus through His apostles how and why praise was practiced. He also gave us some practical advice, stating that being thankful leads to better well being. Fr. Kaldas gave a very interactive presentation, questioning the youth and allowing them to read from the scriptures. At the end of his presentation, Rev. Dn. Varghese gave a felicitation and Rev. Fr. Puthukkunnathu presented an engraved Waterman pen to Rev. Fr. Kaldas on behalf of the MGSOSA as a token of friendship.

The basketball tournament was conducted next. Six teams were fielded, two from St. Mary’s Houston, two from St. Ignatious, and one each from the other parishes. All participants played aggressively and in a sportsman like manner. St. Ignatious team consisting of Sanju Sabu, Jeffin and Jerrin George, and Terrill Chamathil won the tournament to runner’s up St. Mary’s Houston. A great deal of effort was taken by Rev. Dn. Babu and Mr. Ben Paul to organize this event.

Evening prayer was lead by Rev. Fr. Puthukkunnathu and Fr. Mathew. Afterward, Mr. Varghese delivered a powerful powerpoint presentation contrasting the circumstances of well-off and poor children. The presentation ended with a rendition of “God Bless America.” It made the group pause and consider all the countless blessings we enjoy while remembering the less fortunate.

We then participated in an enjoyable Bible trivia game brought by St. Mary’s, Carrollton lead by Misses Sherine and Irine Thomas. The group was randomized and four teams were created. Questions were read out, and the fastest to correctly answer was awarded a point. In the end, a score was not tallied, but participants came away learning scriptural facts.

The day’s main events concluded with a question and answer session. Participants were encouraged to ask questions of the present clergy. Questions included topics from the theme, woman’s roles, modes of Sunday worship, etc. Rev. Fr. Mathew led this discussion.

After a evaluations and a wonderful barbeque dinner, participants dispersed to various homes for the evening.

On November 21st, we were blessed to participate in Rev. Fr. Mathew’s first Qurbono service away from his home parish in Atlanta. The service was in Malayalam and English. Rev. Fr. Puthukkunnathu assisted. After Qurbono, Rev. Dn. Varghese gave a vote of thanks, inviting Fr. Puthukkunnathu and Rev. Dn. Babu to present Rev. Fr. Mathew with an American Express gift card to show the conference’s appreciation for his presence.

The conference concluded with lunch served by St. Mary’s Houston parishioner.