The Annual get-together of the Clergy of the Mar Thoma Church was conducted from 26-29 November 2019 at Christian Education Center, Charalkunnu. The theme for this year’s conference was Re-thinking Mission in the contemporary Social Context (ദൌത്യപുനരാവിഷ്ക്കാരം- സമകാലീന സാമുഹിക പശ്ചാത്തലത്തില്‍), which is very relevant in the midst of the challenges today.
The inaugural meeting was chaired by the president of the Conference, Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Theethos Episcopa and it was inaugurated by the Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan. Tirumeni, in the inaugural address wished that the conference may help the clergy to boldly respond to the challenges in the light of the Word of the God, so that the space of the clergy be sacred and meaningful to the world. Rev. K. G. Joseph, Sabha Secretary welcomed the Clergy to the conference.
Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius, Rt. Rev. Dr. Euyakim Mar Coorilos, Rt. Rev. Joseph Mar Barnabas, Rt. Rev. Thomas Mar Timotheos, Rt. Rev. Dr. Isaac Mar Philoxenos, Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos, Rt. Rev. Dr. Mathews Mar Makarios, Rt. Rev. Dr. Gregorios Mar Stephanos, Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Theethos attended the conference and chaired various sessions.
Each day of the conference began with the meditative Bible Study sessions led by Rev. Dr. M.C. Thomas which were focused on Laments as a mission in the midst of Crisis and the Silence in the Midst of identity conflicts. The Bible Studies were based on the book of Lamentations and the Book of Esther.
The main talk sessions was led by Rev. Dr. Baiju Markose which was mainly based on the Signs of our times and Space: Re-Claiming the Kingdom Sensibilities and the Poetics of Mission: Search for new Paradigms. The first session focused on a critical assessment of the human\social formation in a post-secular, post-Truth and post modern context of our times and the second session dealt with the new paradigms of pastoral ministry and missional engagements.
The theme presentation was led by a choreography organized by Rev. Benny V. Abraham and team. The morning and evening worship services were led by Ranni-Nilackal, Kottyam-Kochi, Mumbai, Delhi and Chengannur Mavelikara Dioceses.
Special sessions were led by Dr. George K. Alex on the Renaissance in Christian Perspective, Justice Kurien Joseph on Pastoral Vocation and Challenges in Modern Time, Rev. Dr. Abraham Mathew & Adv. Balakrishnan on Locating Mission in Contemporary India, Rev. Dr. M.J. Joseph & Dr, Sanjeev V. Thomas, MD on Medical Tips for better living and Very Rev. Dr. D. Philip & Rev. C.V. Symon on Parish Concerns.
The evening meditation was led by Rev. Fr. Zachariah Ninan (Zacher).
The singing sessions were led by Rev. Ashish Thomas George, Director of the Department of Sacred Music and Communications.
The conference honored the clergy who got retired from the active service in the last year and welcomed the newly ordained clergy.
The Holy Qurbana on the final day was celebrated at the chapel of Charlkunnu by Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos Episcopa. The gathering came to an end by the concluding remarks and benediction by H.G. the Metropolitan.
The conference was enriched by the discussions and open forums held during the sessions. The conference helped the clergy to reflect the vocations of the clergy and to reform the spaces contemporarily so that the salvation through Jesus Christ can be effectively communicated to the world.
Rev. Shaji Thomas Nadukkeprarambil and Rev. Dr. P.Y. Mathew served as the Convener and Treasurer of the conference respectively.