THE 116th edition of the Maramon Convention, the largest annual Christian Evangelistic Convention in the entire world, will begin on the banks of River Pampa in Kerala on Feb 13.
An estimated two lakh people are expected to attend each day’s convention which is set to conclude on Feb 20.
The convention, organized by the Mar Thoma Evangelistic Association the missionary wing of the Mar Thoma Church, is known for its orderly arrangements and smooth conduct. Though some fundamentalist groups owing allegiance to the Sangh Parivar had threatened to disrupt the convention around 12 years ago, the controversy was quelled thanks to the swift intervention of the then government.
The convention has been conducted every year since 1895. People from all around India gather at Maramon near Kozhencherry in Kerala to listen to the speakers. Renowned speakers from all over the world have been part of the convention.
This year, Archbishop Roger Herft of Australia, N Barney Pityana of South Africa, Rev Canon Peter Maiden of England, Rev Ulf G Ekman of Sweden and R Rajkumar of Delhi, would be the speakers at the convention.
Besides the general sessions, Bible study class will be held from 8.30 am to 10.30 am from February 14 to 19.
The convention will have guest speakers deliver messages from the Word of God in the morning and afternoon sessions on all the five days from February 14. A special session for women and campaign against addiction would be the important events.
The convention would be inaugurated by the supreme head of the Church Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan at 2.30 pm on Feb 13, Rev C K Mathew, general secretary of the Mar Thoma Evangelistic Association told media persons. Also present at the press conference were correspondence secretary Raju Abraham Vennikulam and travelling secretary Rev Thomas.
Special prayers for indisposed would also be held.
John Philipose Mar Chrysostum Mar Thoma Valiya Metropolitan will lead the inaugural prayer.
Philipose Mar Chrysostum, Joseph Mar Thoma, Zacharias Mar Theophilos, Suffragan Metropolitan, Geevarghese Mar Athanasios, Geevarghese Mar Theodosius, Euyakim Mar Coorilos, Joseph Mar Barnabas, Thomas Mar Timotheus, Isaac Mar Philexinos and Abraham Mar Paulose will preside over the sessions during the convention days.
Maramon is also famous as the birthplace of Palakkunneth Abraham Malpan, a 19th century leader of the Syrian Church of Malabar.
