History

Mor Gregorios Syrian Orthodox Student Association

Orgins of the M0r Gregorios Student's Association

    In 1907, the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church felt it was necessary that the youth of the Church strengthen their relationship with God and created a Syrian Students Conference.  Due to many conflicts after the split of the Syrian Orthodox Church in 1911, the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church under the Holy See Of Antioch established a students organization on May 6, 1922, with the guidance of  Paulose Mor Athanasius, Malankara Metropolitan. The organization was first called "Mor Gregorios Students Association", which was the first organization in Malankara named after Mor Gregorios of Parumala.  Later in the 1960's, after the two churches united, the organization was   re-named to "Mor Gregorios Orthodox Christian Students Movement" (MGOCSM).  Once again there were conflicts, and the Syrian Orthodox Church divided, causing confusion among the youth.  Today, MGOCSM is commonly associated to be the student movement of the Indian Orthodox Church even though it was established by the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church.

Malankara Syrian Orthodox Youth Today

    Although a name established by the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church was taken away, the spirit and strength of the youth in the church continues to prevail.  During the  2002 Annual Family Conference, Rev. Fr. Abraham O. Kadavil recognized that the youth needed a sense of belonging and a name they could stand by.  Therefore Rev. Fr. Kadavil proposed the name  Mor Gregorios Syrian Orthodox Student Association (MGSOSA), which was instituted by the diocese. This association comprises of all the Malankara Syrian Orthodox youth leagues across the North American diocese. It will enhance spiritual growth and help develop a christian character among the youth. This organization will also enable interaction among the other parishes around the nation and provide a voice representing the youth in the diocese.  Youth members are given the opportunity to actively participate in regional meetings and various activities.  This association annually convenes at the Syrian Orthodox Family Conference. Segments during the Family Conference include group & open discussions, speeches, games, and upbeat praise & worship.  MGSOSA is striving to contribute new ideas in order to incorporate activities that will reinforce the faith of the Syrian Orthodox Church and instill a close relationship with God.  MGSOSA enthusiastically embraces spirituality, fellowship, and unity, creating the foundation to guide this association  into the future.  We all hope and pray this association will grow and our youth in North America will unite to become a very strong unit in the Syrian Orthodox Church.