Arrangements in place for Maramon convention

The Mar Thoma Evangelistic Association (MTEA) attached to the Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar has made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the 115th week-long annual religious retreat that begins at Maramon, near Kozhencherry, on Sunday afternoon.

A large thatched shed to accommodate as many as one lakh people has been erected on the riverbed of Pampa. According to MTEA general secretary C.K. Mathew, various missionary units of the Mar Thoma Church and agencies such as the Christian Agency for Rural Development-Krishi Vigyan Kendra and the Department of Sacred Music and Communications will open stalls at the venue from February 14 to 21.

A committee chaired by Thiruvalla Revenue Divisional Officer has been constituted to ensure better coordination among various government departments. The meeting will come to a close on February 21.

Mar Thoma Metropolitan Joseph Mar Thoma will inaugurate the convention at 2.30 p.m. on Sunday. Zacharias Mar Theophilus Suffragan Metropolitan will preside over the function and Philipose Mar Chrysostum, senior Metropolitan, will lead the prayer. Martin Alphons, evangelist from the U.S., will deliver a religious discourse.

The police have opened special outposts at Maramon and Kozhencherry town. The Health Department will deploy a mobile medical team during the convention period.