Bengaluru Orthodox Students Ministry spreads out to KGF, holds successful one-day conference called Manna@Gold Fields
KOLAR GOLD FIELDS, Karnataka — Kolar town, about 100-km away from Bangalore city, witnessed a rare conference of Indian Orthodox students on June 2, Sunday. A one-day conference named Manna@Gold Fields was successfully hosted and students irrespective of cast and religion actively participated with great enthusiasm.
Bengaluru Diocese Metropolitan HG Dr Abraham Mar Seraphim presently on US visit had given the green signal to Fr Cyril Varghese, Students Chaplain Priest of Bengaluru Diocese, to host the conference and to make arrangements towards its conduct. Dr Mar Seraphim had appointed a full time Student Chaplain Priest in Fr Cyril for Bengaluru city last year to tap the student community towards Orthodox way of life. Now the efforts of the Chaplain Priest seems to have born fruit.
Fr Cyril inaugurated the conference and delivered his address. A study class on “Personality Development among youth” was conducted by V Samuel, Secretary of Prayer Group from Adoor/Kadampanadu Diocese. Various cultural programmes like speeches, skits, solo song, group songs, mono acts were also staged, Later, the outgoing final year students were felicitated and mementos presented to them. All the participants brought the Holy Bible with them for the conference. Ms Lincy Mathew, representing the student community, gave the welcome speech. Rony Joseph, thanked the audience on behalf of the students at the end of the meeting which concluded with benediction and prayers.
Earlier, the Holy Eucharist began at 7.30 am which was preceded by the morning prayers. All participants belonging to the Orthodox community received ‘Hoosoyo’ and the Holy Communion. After breakfast, the meeting commenced from 9.30 am.
The students gained valuable experience from the conference. It was with due to their support and participation, Manna@Gold Fields 2013 became a great success. All the arrangements related to publicity, stage, seating arrangements was made by the students. Senior group members like Reny Philip, Raju Philip, Kuruvilla Varghese, Pramod Iduculla, Stephen Punnen, Johny K Joseph, were present during the entire duration of the conference.
Fr Cyril also expressed his heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all for their support towards activities of the student’s ministry. He also thanked the Almighty for his mercy and blessings upon the programme.
The Student Chaplain Priest had undertaken several visits to KGF and interacted with the students of various colleges situated in and around the town. Through his meetings, Fr Cyril managed to establish a congregation of Orthodox students. With the active cooperation of the student’s ministry, they celebrated Holy Eucharist and prayer meetings every week. Almost all the students from Orthodox community actively participated in the prayers and the Holy Eucharist.
Source:
Independent
