Maramon Convention to be held from Feb 9 to 16

By Sachin Jose

PATHANAMTHITTA: The Mar Thoma Evangelical Association (MTEA) has made preparations for the 119th Maramon Convention to be held here in Kozhencherry from Feb 9 to 16.

    It is Asia's largest Christian convention, traditionally held near Kozhecherry Bridge in Maramon on the Pampa riverbed, which dries up at the beginning of every year.

    Organiser Fr Sam T Mathew said, "To commemorate the 125th anniversary of MTEA this year, we are setting up separate stalls and exhibitions to illustrate the history of Mar Thoma Church."

    The first convention was held in 1895, following the revival movement pioneered by priest Abraham Malpan, leading to a schism in the traditional church establishment.

    Regarding preparations, MTEA General Secretary Fr Abraham P Oommen said, "The local parishes under the Mar Thoma Syrian Church contribute to the materials including coconut fronds to construct the panthal (large thatched tent). It can accommodate one lakh people."

     "Also, separate stalls have been built for various organisations under the Church," added Fr Oommen, "The work on three temporary bridges linking the convention venue with the western bank of the river has also been completed."

     Moreover, evangelists including Anglican Church Bishop Peter Maiden from UK, Methodist Church Bishop Viani Nybola from South Africa, Church of Ceylon Bishop Dilip D Chikkera from Sri Lanka are invited to deliver speech.

     A makeshift dispensary and two police aid posts will be set up near the convention centre. The KSRTC will provide buses from Pathanamthitta depot and operate special services from Thiruvalla, Mallappally, Pandalam, Chengannur, Adoor and Ranni during the week-long convention.