Shroro

The Syriac Orthodox Christian Digest - February, 2005

MGSOSA Mid-West Winter Retreat

by Rev. Dn Joel Jacob and Elizabeth Venkadathu

January 15, 2005

Venue: St. George Syrian Orthodox Church, Chicago

With our special guest of honor, our Archbishop, His Eminence Mor Titus Yeldho, Very Rev. Dr Kuriakose Moolayil, Very Rev. Fr. Scaria Thellapally, MGSOSA’s National Secretary Rev. Dn. Joel Jacob, Rev. Dn Jerry Jacob and numerous youth members in presence, we were ready to start our 2005 Midwestern Winter Regional.

The churches invited to take part in this retreat were St Peter’s, St George, St Mary’s (Illinois), St Peter’s, St Mary’s (Canada), and St Mary’s (Michigan). Although a few churches were unable to attend due to prior commitments, the retreat proved to be very successful and fun for all those who attended.

Registration started at 10:00am on Saturday January 15th, 2005 at St George Syrian Orthodox Church, Chicago. The youth hustled in from the cold Chicago weather, and were immediately warmed by the inspiring praise and worship session led by the talented St Peter’s Music Ministry. After the arrival of Archbishop Mor Titus Yeldho, we had morning prayer, followed by a motivational speech by his Eminence. He spoke of the theme, thanksgiving and charity, and how we have to incorporate these two things into our lives. He mentioned that we should all do charity for God, and not for the recognition of others.

The youth were provided sheets of paper to jot down any questions they had for the Thirumeni. After his speech, Archbishop enthusiastically answered all questions from the youth. Included were questions about the church, about himself, and about his viewpoints on certain issues. After his insightful answers to our questions, Archbishop was surprised by our youth with a cake celebrating his one year anniversary of being consecrated, along with an original “happy anniversary” song sang by the youth.

After a delicious lunch, the youth gathered to play an ice breaker, which showed to be very effective and full of laughs. The ice breaker allowed the youth to be more comfortable with each other and was an easy way to get to know each other’s names. Later on, we had a rousing speech by our very own Rev. Dr. Kuriakose Moolayil, who gave his words of advice regarding thanksgiving and charity, telling our youth that we should all be grateful to God no matter what situation we are in. This led into our small group discussion where the youth were seperated by age, and each group discussed 5 core questions which related to the theme (ex. what is charity and thanksgiving? What are some barriers that stop us from giving thanks and charity?). The youth shared their personal stories, opinions, and questions with each other. Later on in the day, each group shared with the other groups what they had discussed.

More thought provoking ideas were shared in Dn. Joel Jaocb’s impelling speech. He expressed the importance of being grateful for all the little things in life. That “In Everything we must give thanks” (1Thessalonians 5:18). As the day came to an end, we played an exciting round of pictionary. As we wrapped up the day, each youth member received a “What Would Jesus Do ~ WWJD “ bracelet to remind us that we should always think what Jesus wants us to do and not let worldly desires overcome us.

The youth enjoyed the rest of the night by eating delicious Indian food and socializing with each other. Everyone departed for the night, and woke up early the next morning for Holy Qurbana led by His Eminence, Mor Titus Yeldho at St Peter’s Church, North Lake, IL. The retreat turned out to be successful, eventful, and enjoyable for all.

A Very Special Thanks to Elizabeth Venkadethu (Regional Coordinator ~ Mid-West) as well as Gipsa Joseph (St. George SOCM, Chicago) for their tireless effort into putting this retreat together and for making it as wonderful as it was.

Rev. Dn Joel Jacob
General Secretary
MGSOSA National

Elizabeth Venkadathu
Regional Coordinator
MGSOSA Mid-West