Sunday School Association
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Sunday School Association |
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Sunday School AssociationSunday School Association is the students wing of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. Right from the beginning worship and study were conducted from time to time according to the facilities available in the Malankara Sabha.After the Koonenkurisu Vow' in 1653 during the VIth Marthoma's tenure due emphasis was laid on Catechism and Scriptural studies. During the 1765-1808 period, the study of sacraments and prayers were also included in the lessons. This was the beginning of the Sunday school in the Church. Later on as the Pulikkotil Thirumeni gave more importance to Catechism, Sunday school studies continued. During the tenure of Vattasseril Mar Dionysius as Malankara Metropolitan, Puthencavu Geevarghese mar Philexinos was appointed the Sunday school President in 1931 and Chandanapalli Mavelil Fr. K. David was appointed the General Secretary. Thus started functioning the Malankara Sunday School Samajam. From to 1961 Thomas Mar Dionysius was the president, 1958 after the two factions of the church came together the Sunday School Samajam of both sides were continued together. On 15 October 1964 it got its present form as "Orthodox Sunday School Association of the East" (OSSAE) There are at present 917 units of the Sunday Schools. They inculcate in the students Christians values and precepts and ensure their spiritual growth. There are 76798 students and 10210 teachers, 186 district inspectors and 14 district representatives (the data collected from the Sunday Schools in Kerala). Sunday School units are operating in the Orthodox Churches in Kerala and outside also overseas. Apart from the annual examinations, for classes 5 to 9 and calsses 10 and 12, competitions are conducted and certificates and prizes are awarded to those who win the ranks. The exceptionally good students are given scholarships from the K.David Cor Episcopa Endowment and monetary help from C.V.Goerge Cor Episcopa Endowment for medical treatment, education and marriage. In January a sunday is being observed as 'Charity Day' and its collection is donated to hospitals. People who chaired the Sunday school organizations: President Geevarghese Mar Gregorios (1964-66), Paulose mar Philexinos (1966-74), Mathews Mar Kurilose (1974-90) Mathews Mar Epiphanios (1990-). Director General: Kaniamparampil Kurien Cor Episcopa (1964- 74), K. David Cor Episcopa (1974- 75), C.V. Geroge Cor Episcopa (1975- 92) Fr. T. J. Joshua (1992-) Pubilcation officer: K. David Cor Episcopa (1964-74), Fr. T.G. Zacharia (1974-92), T. T. Chacko (1992-97), Fr. K.V Thomas (1998-) office Secretary : V. I Joseph (1979), C.U.Mathew (1981-) Under the auspices of the Sunday School Association, the Orthodox Vacation Bible School was started (OVBS) in 1960. Director: Fr. K.O. Thomas (1960- 81), Fr.J. Varghese (1978-84), Fr. M.V. Paulose (1984-87), Fr, K.V. Thomas (1987-) Rev.Fr.Kurian Thomas...... Ph. +91 481 462142 Secratary: Fr. M.V.Paulose (1960-78), Fr. J. Varghese (1978-81), Fr.raju Varghese (1981-84), E.A Joseph (1984-87), T .V. Kurian (1987). C.U.Mathew....... Ph. +91 481 563219 Address: Sunday School Office, Catholicate Aramana, Devalokam, Kottayam. Phone : 0481 (572890) Office Bearers H.G Mathews Mar Epiphanios Metropolitan(President) Fr. T. J. Joshua (Director General) |
