Orthodox Christian Youth Movement

The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church is an ancient Church of India that traces its origin to as far back as A. D. 52 when St. Thomas, one of the Disciples of Jesus Christ came to India and established Christianity in the South Western parts of the sub-continent.The church is theologically and traditionally a part of the oriental orthodox communion of churches. The Indian Orthodox Church accepts the Alexandrian Christology like the Coptic Orthodox church and follows west Syrian rite liturgy.The liturgy now in use is the translation of the liturgy of the Antiochian Church which has been adapted for use in our church with a uniquely Indian touch.

The Orthodox Church functions under the Malankara Metropolitan with Headquarters at Devalokam in Kerala, one of the southern states in India. The Church, though modern in its vision and outlook, keeps the traditional oriental Orthodox faith and liturgy.

With many keralites moving to the gulf, US and European countries such as UK, Ireland and Germany to seek employment, the Syrian Orthodox Church now has a strong presence in many countries of the world. In the UAE, the Indian Orthodox diaspora is scattered over all the seven emirates. Our church has parishes and congregations in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Fujairah, Jebel Ali, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah. Jebel Ali parish is our newest parish.

• The Orthodox Christian Youth Movement was formed in 1936 at Mavelikara under the patronage of H.H. Mar Baselios Geevarghese II. Mr. Daniel Clery (late H.G. Daniel Mar Philoxenos Metropolitan ) was appointed as the first General Secretary in 1937.
• In 1954, Mr. T.C. Oommen was appointed as the full time General Secretary. During this period the Annual programs called Youth Week was started.
• In 1957 the first Annual Conference was held at Balikamatom, Thiruvalla.
• The Annual Conference held at Puthuppally in 1958 turned out to be a Milestone with uvajanasamajam being renamed uvajanaprasthanam and a resolve to start the publication of Orthodox Youth.
• The constitution of the movement was approved in the year 1962, and a Cover collection for raising fund was started along with Youth week during the same year.
• In May 31, 1986, the Youth Movement celebrated its Golden Jubilee.
• Diamond Jubilee celebrations were held at Pathanapuram in 1995.
• In 1999 a grand meeting called Uvajana Sangamam was held under the auspices of the Youth Movement at Kottayam.