By the Grace of our God Almighty and by the blessings of our patron saint, Parumala Thirumeni, SGOS 6th family conference was a great success.
As scheduled the registration and breakfast started at 9:00AM. The SGOS Choir under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Thomas Zakaria began with devotional songs at 9:15 AM. Mr. K.V. Mathew read the Gospel and Master Philip Koshy Vaidyan and Yohannan Sankarathil read Psalms. Rev. Fr. Dr. Mathew Vaidyan conducted the opening prayer.
Mr. Lalu Abraham (Bahrain) welcomed the participants and guests. SGOS advisory board Chairman Rev. Fr. Dr. K. M. George briefed about SGOS and, General Secretary Moni Kallemparampil reported the activities of SGOS and informed that many members are praying for the success of the conference. The meeting was also informed about the messages received from Patron HG Geevarghese Mar Coorilos, Senior Advisor Jose Kurian Puliyeril, and e-mail group Moderator Saji M. Idicula.
HG Dr. Yakob Mar Irenious, Metropolitan of Madras Diocese, inaugurated the conference.
The main theme of the Conference Good Shepherd was beautifully handled by Joshua Achen.
By 11:40 AM, self-introduction started. When Osthathios Thirumeni introduced himself, as “I am Osthathios Thirumeni” and asked whether any further details needed, the gathering clapped their hands.
Fr.T.J.Joshua introduced himself saying that he is an ailing priest in our church and also told that his life partner is no exception. But both ailing Joshuas enjoy the life on the benign goodwill of God. Mrs. Dr. Mariamma Joshua was also present for the conference
K.M.George Achen introduced himself and his wife, Mariam George. He expressed his sincere thanks for all who prayed for them during their difficult period last year.
A unique feature of the self-introduction program was that each one introduced not only himself but also his kith and kin who were present in the conference.
Add to the uniqueness, Mr. M Varghese, Oommen Abraham and George Abraham, the grandchildren of Cherianad Nakkolakal Uralipurathu Koshy Kathanaar, who had the fortune to nurse Parumala Thirumeni during his last days, were highly proud of introducing the whole family members coming from Bombay and Madras.
Very Rev. Christoforos Ramban, Rev. Fr. Alexander Abraham, Rev. Fr. John C. Chirayil, Rev. Fr. George Panackamattom, Rev. Fr. Alexander Koodarathil, Dn. Issac B. Prakash, Dn. John K Varghese and members from most Gulf countries, USA, Bombay and Madras, from MGOCSM, Youth Movement, Martha Mariam Samajam and Sunday School teachers participated in the conference.
The break time was from 12:15 PM for 10 minutes and this time was utilized for interaction between participants.
HG Mathews Mar Epipanios Thirumeni and Mathew Vaidyan Achen addressed the gathering.
A musical session- both vocal and instrumental, followed, with Miss. Rithu Cherian, Master Regith Cherian, Miss Febin and Flemin Jose, Miss. Lisha Sara Varghese (Doha) Nisha Mariam Mammen (Doha) participating in it. Renju Yohannan Sakarathil (USA) recited a poem she wrote.
Participants of the conference took active part in the open forum. The questions were from the theme paper, Good Shepard and current subjects. Osthathios Thirumeni and Irenious Thirumeni patiently answered all the questions. Baselius college Principal and SGOS advisory board member Prof. E. John Mathew Koodarathil moderated the session.
Advisory board members, Mr. Paul Manalil and Prof Mary Mathew also gave very good advise on the current social situation and requested the parents to give more time and attention for their children and to have a simple and disciplined life in the family to prevent the young generation from going astray and succumbing to the temptations of life.
Osthatios Thirumeni presented prizes to Aby Chacko, Kevin T. John, Philip Koshy Vaidyan, Lisha Sara Varghese and Nisha Mariam Mammen who passed their Board Exams (10/12) and to all the participants in the Music Session.
All the speakers appreciated the office bearers of SGOS for arranging the conference in a very good way and thanked the gathering for their active participation and discipline.
Program coordinator, Mr. Koshy K Oommen expressed the vote of thanks. The program concluded with the prayers and blessings of Osthathios Thirumeni at 2:20PM. The love feast was had then.
Prayers were carried out at the Kabarinkkal before and after the conference.
The 6th Orthodox family conference became a great success because of the prayers, presence and support of our members. We sincerely thank each one of you for your prayers, support and best wishes.
