Kozhencherry: The 122nd annual Christian religious meet, Maramon Convention, organised by the Mar Thoma Evangelistic Association (MTEA), will be held on the banks of Pampa at Maramon, near Kozhencherry, from February 12 to 19, according to association general secretary Fr. George Varghese Punnackadu.

Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, Fr. Punnackadu said that arrangements for the smooth conduct of the annual religious convention were fast under way.

Work on the large ‘pandal’ (thatched shed) is progressing. A mini-temporary check-dam has also been constructed with sand bags to prevent intrusion of river water into the venue. The work on all the three temporary footbridges, linking the convention venue with the western bank of the river, too is progressing.

Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan, head of Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar, will inaugurate the 122nd annual congregation, which is billed as Asia’s largest annual Christian meet, at 2.30 p.m. on February 12. The Metropolitan Emeritus of the Mar Thoma Church, Philipose Mar Chrysostum, will lead the prayer at the inaugural session.

Chrysostum to lead prayer

Euyakim Mar Coorilos Episcopa, MTEA president, will preside over the meet.

Fr. Punnackadu said bishop Edward Mukundalely Ramalondy from South Africa, Cleophus J. Laru from from United States, and Lord Griffiths from United Kingdom would address the convention this year.

Geevarghese Mar Athanasius Saffragan Metropolitan, Geevarghese Mar Theodosius, Joseph Mar Barnabas, Mathews Mar Makarios, Gregorios Mar Stephanos, and Thomas Mar Thethos, all Metropolitans of the Mar Thoma Church, will address different sessions of the religious convention.

The Department of Sacred Music and Communication (DSMC) attached to the Mar Thoma church will present music sessions on all the eight days.

Fr. Punnackadu said there would be three sessions of religious discourses — at 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 6.30 p.m., on all days. Bible classes will be held separately for men and women at the convention venue from 7.30 a.m. to 8.30 a.m. from February 13.

He said various evangelistic bodies and other organisations attached to the Mar Thoma Church would also open their stalls at the convention venue.

Mar Chrysostum will be honoured at a special Mar Chrysostum centenary session on February 18. The Mar Thoma Metropolitan will deliver the valedictory message on February 19.

(The Hindu)