Northwest Regional Family Conference held at Canmore, Alberta ,CANADA –July 1 to July3

The second North-West regional conference was held at Radisson Hotel Canmore on July 1^st 2^nd  and 3^rd July 2011, which left behind a lot of positive energy, enthusiasm, and spiritual thirst aroused by the healing hand of our lord Jesus Christ.

The theme of the conference was I am the Lord who heals you” Exodus 15:26.

The conference Started  on July 1^st with Registration at 3:30 pm. Followed by evening prayer s led by Diocesan Metropolitan H.G Alexios Mar Eusebius, with the presence of other priests.

Rev. Fr. Binny M. Kuruvilla, the regional director of family conference 2011, gave the introductory address in which he quoted St. John, Chapter 5 verses 6. “Do you want to get well?” He stated that healing will happen when we are ready to receive it. The mind to receive Jesus is important and it is the message of the get together.

Mr. George Geeverghese the Sunday School regional Co-ordinator  welcome all  to the conference and  Diocesan Metropolitan H.G Alexios Mar Eusebius inaugurated the conference by lighting the lamp.

The vicars of the participating parishes gave introduction to   their churches and each family introduced themselves. Diocesan winners of the talent competition held for North West  Sunday School region was announced  during the event and  distributed  North-West regional certificates for talent competition winners – a memorable moment for young talents. MMVS regional quiz competition was also  conducted and Calgary won the first prize and Edmonton got the 2^nd prize.

 On Saturday 2^nd July  the H.G Alexios Mar Eusebius gave the keynote address on the theme “I am the Lord who heals you” Exodus 15:26. His Grace imitated human life as a factory and advised us to  do three things. 1) Remove the scraps 2) Do lubrication 3) Repair the machines. His Grace reminded  us that the doctor Jesus Christ is ready, the medicine and manual – The Holy Qurbana and sacraments are ready but the patient should be ready to follow the manual, otherwise healing is impossible.

Mr. Ashok Johnson  and Seminarian Pradeep Hatcher led various group discussions. Rev. Fr. Anthony Creech talked about “The role of the Bible in the Orthodox Church”. It was quite inspiring and all the attendees  felt proud  of being an  Orthodox Christian. He focused on the three advises of Jesus Christ which Orthodox people are strictly following- 1) Love each other 2) Evangelize the world 3) Do worship.Rev. Fr. Michael Hatcher spoke about the Holy Confession. He stated that Jesus gave the power of absolution to apostles only, so it is not sure that the sins are forgiven without sacraments.

On Sunday  July 3^rd morning prayer started  at 8AM  followed by Holy Qurbana . H.G Alexios Mar Eusebius  was the chief celebrant  and Very Rev. Michel Hatcher chor-episcopoi ,Rev. Fr Philipose Philip, Rev. Fr. Anthony Creech, Rev. Fr. Binny M. Kuruvilla and Rev. Fr. Paul Varghese and Rev. Dn. Gabriel Pike were assisted. In the concluding session the representatives of each parish gave their feedback.

Mr Joe Varghese and   Mr. Vinod Zachariah, the general convener of the conference  gave thanks to  every one who attended the conference, all supporting sponsors and  especially the team of youngsters from Edmonton to make it successful.

News Send by  Letha Binny , Calgary (7^th July 2011)