On Saturday, November 29th, 2014, the MGOCSM of the Northeast American Diocese made history again by organizing a Pan-Orthodox youth conference called the ONE Conference. Under His Grace Zachariah Mar Nicholovos leadership, all the Oriental and Eastern Orthodox Churches in Northeast America were invited to come participate. Over 700 youth from all over the region came together to enjoy this unified youth conference, which was held at Saints Nicholas, Constantine, and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Roseland, New Jersey. As the first of its kind, the One Conference has been, and continues to be, a landmark Pan-Orthodox event that has striven to bring more unity and fellowship between all Orthodox Christians under one ancient faith. The conference has been the catalyst for inter-Orthodox conversation, relationship building, and most significantly, unity in Christ. Since its inception four year ago, the One Conference has pushed boundaries, allowed for dialogue and has encouraged the widening of the body of Christ within Orthodox Christianity. No longer are we divided or limited by jurisdiction or culture. The One Conference has successfully been the impetus for united prayer, worship, service, encouragement and so much more. The youth that came to this conference were witnesses to another historic conference that further encouraged them to stand firm in the faith of their fathers. The day began with His Grace Zachariah Mar Nicholovos leading the whole congregation in the Saturday Morning Prayers according to the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. In the afternoon, the youth were able to participate in the Noon Prayer according to the Coptic Orthodox Church. Along with the ONE Conference theme of unity and fellowship, the speakers this year focused on the persecution of Christians in ancient and modern times. The conferences key note speaker was His Grace Bishop John (Abdalah) of the Antiochian Orthodox Church. Along with Bishop Johns talks, the youth were able to hear from victims of Christian persecution from Syria. They also heard the history of ancient martyrs like the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste. After hearing these endearing testimonies, there was time for group discussion about our fears and faith led by priests and seminarians from St. Vladimirs Orthodox Theological Seminary. His Grace Zachariah Mar Nicholovos concluded the conference with a powerful message about evaluating our own convictions in the Orthodox faith. The Christian Youth Channel, a Coptic Orthodox news station, has recorded parts of the conference, which will be broadcast and available online soon. The conference was organized by Rev. Fr. V.M. Shibu, Rev. Fr. Vijay Thomas, Mr. Manoj Varghese, Dr. John Malek (Coptic Orthodox Church), and numerous MGOCSM leaders from all over the diocese. May God continue to bless the MGOCSM and the youth of the Orthodox Church.
Posted on: Fri, 05 Dec 2014 22:27:09 +0000
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