The retreat took place on a rather cold and rainy, but blessed Saturday, January 8th, at St. George's Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church in Carteret, NJ.  The youth of the parish graciously hosted this year's annual retreat, and provided breakfast and lunch for the 65+ who attended. This year's retreat was especially blessed as a number of clergy from across the country, and H.E. Mor Titus Yeldho Pathickal, were in attendance. 

Rev. Fr. Bijo Mathew of Lilburn, Georgia and Rev. Dn. Zachariah Varghese, who stopped in New Jersey en route to Dallas while flying back from India, lead us in morning and afternoon prayers.  Jacob Palamattam, co-coordinator for the MGSOSA Northeast Region and particularly for this year's retreat, welcomed the youth and provided information regarding the day's events.  Joel Joseph, webmaster for www.mgsosa.com, accompanied Fr. Bijo from Georgia to lead the youth in uplifting praise and worship.  Dn. Zach, one of three speakers we had that day, spoke about "spiritual awakening in the context of fidelity to our church and the opportunity we have to build strong, fresh foundations in our adopted land." He provided the youth with a forum to express concerns about the problems in our church as well. Dn. Zach ended the session by leading a brief meditation, focusing on personal confession and the renewal of spirit. Thirumeni, in the midst of a very busy Saturday, lead a portion of the afternoon session by encouraging the youth to renew their commitment, continue the momentum that has been built, emerge as leaders, and to do all these things in prayer.  Finally, Rev. Dn. Joel Jacob from Chicago impressed the message of Thanksgiving on our youth, as it "is an inherent part of Christianity."  Dn. Joel expressed the importance of being grateful for all the little things in life. That “In Everything we must give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). 

As a show of appreciation, two cakes were also provided to celebrate Thirumeni's one-year anniversary as an ordained bishop and Fr. Bijo's ordination as a priest. 

Many thanks to Titus Thirumeni, Fr. Bijo, Dn. Zach, Dn. Joel, Joel Joseph, and our tireless coordinator Jacob Palamattam for what was a wonderful youth retreat.  To view the pictures, please go to www.mgsosa.com.  Thanks also goes to Dn. Zach, Dn. Joel and Jacob Palamattam for contributing to this summary.

John A. Kadavil, Ph.D.

Co-coordinator, MGSOSA NE Region.