JAMNAGAR, Gujarat: The 8th Ahmedabad Diocesan Conference of Marth Mariam Vanitha Samajam (MMVS), was held at Mar Gregorios Orthodox Syrian Church, Jamnagar, on October 7, 8 2017 under the leadership of Diocesan Metropolitan HG Pulikkottil Dr Geevarghese Mar Yulios.
The two-day conference was based on the theme ‘Lemon to Lemonade – Reflection of a Christian Woman.’
Dr Mar Yulios in his inaugural speech reminded the participants on how Jesus Christ sacrificed His Body, shed His blood and underwent untold suffering for the redemption of our sins. This was much similar to like a lemon being sliced, squeezed and prepared into a healthy lemonade by adding the right ingredients.
Likewise, the Metropolitan added, “we should be ready to transform ourselves from a hardened person to be a true Christian.”
Elaborating on the theme, Mar Yulios said though we all face challenges in life, our response will determine the level of success. “By our attitude and perspective, we should reflect the life of Jesus Christ who has given His life for us,” His Grace concluded.
Prof Mary Mathew, General Secretary, Malankara Orthodox Marth Mariam Samajam, and former Vice-Principal, Baselious College, Kottayam was the chief speaker.
Prof Mathew who quoted from the holy scriptures covered the topic in different sessions elaborating the meaning of a Christian woman and how a woman should be. The professor also explained about how spirituality of repentance, spirituality of tears, spirituality of rights and responsibility will lead towards transforming as a prayerful woman, who is no doubt the most beautiful woman, like Mother Mary.
“One has to keep the mind clean and broad to think differently,” Prof Mary said and quoted examples. Only when you look into yourself, transformation takes place and lemon to lemonade on Christian value is accomplished, she emphasised.
Rev Fr C S Mathew, Vice President MMVS, Rev Fr Manu Varghese Jacob and Rev Fr Basil Thomas also spoke on the occasion.
Women delegates from Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh attended the conference which also saw a flurry of extra activities like quiz competitions, making best-out-of-waste and a talent night. ~ LC
