Maramon Convention concludes in Kerala

The Maramon Convention, widely regarded as Asia's largest annual Christian gathering, concluded on Sunday, February 19, at Maramon near Kozhencherry, Kerala.

The 117th Maramon Convention saw tens of thousands of people in attendance, travelling from different corners of the country and around the world.

The week-long convention came to a close with the valedictory message delivered by Mar Thoma Metropolitan, Joseph Mar Thoma.

In his message, Joseph Mar Thoma challenged the mammoth crowd to keep firm faith and follow Christ's teachings to confront wider problems within the family and society.

Addressing lack of spiritual and moral values can help tackle some of society's vexing problems, such as crime, corruption and violence, he observed.

Organised by the Mar Thoma Evangelistic Association, the theme for this year's convention was "Arise, let us be going".

In addition to the Metropolitan, priests and bishops of the Mar Thoma Church, world renowned speakers addressed this year's convention.

Biblical discourses were given by renowned speakers, such as Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana from South Africa, Rev Kang-San-Tan from Malaysia and Rev Martin Alphons from the United States.

Earlier, the opening session was attended by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Ministers P J Joseph and Adoor Prakash, among other politicians.

Launched in the year 1896, the ecumenical event is held annually by the Mar Thoma Evangelistic Association, which is the missionary wing of the Mar Thoma Church.

The week-long event brings some 200,000 Christians belonging to different church denominations. Prayer, singing, preaching and Bible study occupy the major part of the convention programme.

Distinguished speakers who addressed the convention in the past include Rev Thomas Walker, Sadhu Sunder Singh, Dr G Sherwood Eddy, Dr E Stanley Jones, John R. Mott, Dr Bob Pierce, Dr John Haggai and a host of others.