Spring Southern Regional Conference
Mar Gregorios Syriac Orthodox
Student Association
Spring Southern Regional Conference 2005
St. Marys Church Dallas
By Rev. Dn. Martin Babu & Rev. Dn. Zacharia Varghese
Building upon success in fall 2004, St. Mary’s Malankara Syriac Orthodox Church (Dallas) volunteered to host the MGSOSA Spring 2005 Southern Regional conference at their parish in Carrollton, TX. Our theme was “Arise, take up your bed and walk - the power and promise of youth” taken from Mark chapter 2. His Eminence Yeldho Mor Titus, Archbishop, Rev. Fr. V. M. Thomas, parish Vicar, Rev. Fr. Alias Aramath, Vicar of St. Ignatious MJSO Church (Dallas), Rev. Fr. Babu Peringol, Vicar St. George’s (Oklahoma), Rev. Fr. M. S. Cherian, keynote speaker and a parish priest of St. Thomas Knanaya Syrian Orthodox Church (Dallas), Mr. Mike Wingert, keynote speaker and editor of “Shroro”, the online Syriac Orthodox journal, Rev. Dn. Zach Varghese, regional advisor, Rev. Dn. Martin Babu, advisor, Mr. Reji Varghese, President of the Oklahoma State Malayalee Association, and approximately 100 youth members participated.
The parishes that came to take part in this conference were St Mary’s
(Dallas), St Ignatious (Dallas), St Mary’s (Houston), St. Mary’s (California),
and St. George’s (Okalahoma). We were able to welcome St Peter’s (Houston), a
new parish in the region, and look forward to their continued participation.
Registration started at 10:30am on Saturday April 2, 2005. We began at 11:00
am with praise and worship led by St. Mary’s (Dallas) choir. Opening prayer
was led by Fr. Thomas, inviting the Holy Spirit to sanctify our experience.
Mr. Aramath, the regional coordinator, opened the program with a welcome
speech. Dn. Varghese served as master of ceremonies.
Fr. Cherian conducted the opening session. It was a pleasure to hear a priest
from our sister Knanaya church. He reminded us that sin prevents us from
taking action, and after receiving forgiveness from Jesus, one can gain
confidence to act in faith. This was well received, and Dn. Varghese closed
the session with a meditation. We then split into four groups and engaged in
an ice breaker designed by St. Mary’s Church (Houston) which was very
effective and full of laughs. After a delicious lunch, we had a rousing speech
by Mr. Varghese, who spoke about positive attitude, motivating the group to
view life with eyes fixed upon excellence.
Another music service and a brief message by Dn. Varghese on the Biblical
basis of the song “I Want to Know You” was followed by a novel creative
opportunity. Participants were given time and materials to develop a brief
skit based on the theme or church related matters. The skits were to be
performed at the end of the day.
Mr. Wingert then led a much anticipated seminar designed to bolster
participants’ knowledge of our faith. Self described as a “sixth –generation
Californian,” Mr. Wingert detailed his journey from agnosticism to Syriac
Orthodoxy. He effectively introduced concepts such as the uniqueness of our
faith, monasticism, Trinity, and evangelism in a simple manner interspersed
with humor and wisdom. Many questions were generated and several members
commented that our church has gained a great asset in Mr. Wingert.
The basketball tournament was conducted next. Six teams were fielded, two from
St. Mary’s (Houston), two from St. Ignatious’, and one each from St. George’s
and St. Mary’s (Dallas). All participants played aggressively and
in a sportsman like manner. St. Ignatious team consisting of Mr. Paul
Varghese, Mr. Terrill Chamathil and Mr. Jimmy Abraham won the tournament final
versus the second St. Ignatious’ team. Much effort was taken by Dn. Babu and
Mr. Justin Varghese of St. Ignatious’ to organize this event.
After the tournament, evening prayer was lead by Fr. Aramath and Fr. Thomas.
After evaluations we had a fine banquet dinner along with a cultural show and
skits performed by the youth. From the catered Indian food, the trappings of
the banquet hall, and the creativity displayed by show participants, St.
Mary’s (Dallas) truly impressed everyone with their hospitality. Adjournment
occurred at approximately 10 pm. Those who chose to stay for Sunday service
then departed to Dallas area parishioners’ homes.
On April 3 Holy Qurbono was led by His Eminence at St Mary’s (Dallas). Fr.
Thomas and Dn. Varghese gave a vote of thanks at the service’s conclusion. His
Eminence also presented gifts from the conference to its speakers, a rolling
trophy to the basketball tournament winners, and a rolling plaque to St.
Mary’s (Dallas) in appreciation for hosting. Given the hard work our
Archbishop puts into inspiring and running the Archdiocese, and in
anticipation of the purchase of an Archdiocesan headquarters building, a
special picture frame from the Southern Region was presented to him. One
section quoted 1 Peter 5:4. The second section will be filled with a
photograph of His Eminence with the youth group taken that day
The conference concluded after lunch.
The evaluation ballots confirmed that most participants felt the conference to
be spiritually and socially beneficial. During several informal feedback
meetings, the desire to continuously improve and enhance these periodic
conferences was expressed.
We look forward to ever increasing participation in this region and the
opportunity to meet again in the fall to further strengthen our faith.
By Rev. Dn. Martin Babu & Rev. Dn. Zacharia Varghese
Southern Region Youth Advisors
www.mgsosa.com