Orthodox Christian Youth Movement
Annual Report 2024-2025 Annexure 3
“Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)
The Diocesan Orthodox Christian Youth Movement (OCYM-UK EU AFR), now in its 13th year, continues its active Christian witness through worship, study, and service, shaping young minds within contemporary society. This report summarizes the impactful activities and achievements of the OCYM for 2024-2025, a year marked by significant engagement across the diocese, fostering spiritual growth, community building, and impactful initiatives through the dedication of its members, clergy, and leadership.
Diocesan Leadership and Committee Formation
His Eminence Abraham Mar Stephanos serves as President of the OCYM, providing invaluable guidance and leadership. The Diocesan Committee was formed on 1 July 2024, as per circular No. E-131/AMS/2024. Mr. Rajin V Poulose assumed the role of General Secretary, supported by Joint Secretaries Mr. Cucki Thomas and Mr. Manu John. Mr. Alvin Abraham was unanimously elected Treasurer at the OCYM General Assembly on 11 June 2024. His Eminence appointed Fr. Jeeson P Wilson as Vice President (E-141/AMS/2024) of the organisation.
This committee represents a significant milestone, being the first in the Diocese's history to be elected and formed under a structured format, in accordance with the OCYM constitution of the Malankara (Indian) Syrian Orthodox Church. Quarterly Diocesan meetings, held three times this year, play a vital role in the strategic decision-making and operational effectiveness of the OCYM.
Executive Committee:
· Vice President - Fr. Jeeson P Wilson
· General Secretary - Mr. Rajin V Poulose
· Joint Secretary - Dr. Cucki Thomas
· Joint Secretary - Mr. Manu John
· Treasurer - Mr. Alvin Abraham
Central Assembly Zonal Secretaries:
· UK & Ireland Zonal Rep. Dr. Anish Thomas
· Europe Zonal Rep. Ms. Sheena John
· Africa Zonal Rep. Mr. Nihal Paul Idiculla
Central Assembly Members:
· Mr. Abin Raju
· Mr. Ephrem Sam
· Ms. Jean Jaimson
Zonal Representatives
· UK North
o North England - Mr. Jojo Philip
o Scotland - Ms. Alena Alex
· UK Central
o Central West Mr. Chris Mathew
o Central East Ms. Anju Jacob
· UK South
o South - East Mr. Melvin Mathew
o South - West Ms. Maria Kochuparambil
· Ireland
o Northern Ireland - Mr. Melvin Aby
o Republic of Ireland - Ms. Dia Joseph
· Europe
o Europe East - Ms. Angeline Shaji
o Europe Central - Mr. Rosh Babu
o Europe West- Mr. Tiju Thomas
· Africa
o Mr. Aaron Koshy
Functional Leads
· Media and Editorial - Mr. Jobin Prince
· Hospitality- Mr. Reuel Elias and Mr. Bibin Bobachan
· Spiritual Coordinator- Mr. Jobin George
Ex Officio Ms. Abina Philip
Zonal Presidents:
This year we had Zonal president appointed by H.G Abraham Mar Stephanos as per Encyclical No. E-24/AMS/2025 for strengthening the mission of the Church among our youth at a micro-local level, ensuring that our faith and doctrine are deeply rooted in every part of our Diocese. The following priests were appointed for each Zones.
· North Zone, UK – Fr. Tiji Thankachan
· Central Zone, UK – Fr. Ricku S. Cherian
· South Zone, UK – Fr. Mobin Varghese
· Irish Zone – Fr. Stanly David James
· EU and Eastern Europe – Fr. Aswin Varghese Eappen
· Africa – Fr. Jobin Mammen Cherian
Central Assembly:
Our diocese is represented in the Central OCYM General Assembly by a delegation of ten members, including the Vice President, General Secretary, Joint Secretary (Cucki Thomas), Treasurer, Central Assembly Zonal Secretaries (3), and Central Assembly Members(3).
In a historic first for the Diocese, we participated in the Central OCYM elections held in May 2025, exercising our right to vote by postal ballot for the Treasurer and Central Committee Members for the 2025-2028 term. We express our gratitude to His Eminence Geevarghese Mar Yulios, President of the Central OCYM, and the Central OCYM office bearers for facilitating our participation.
Diocese Programs
AOYC 2024
The 2025 Youth Camp, held in North Wales from 11th to 13th October, welcomed a record number of 250 youth delegates. The three-day event, the camp commenced with evening prayer and concluded with Holy Eucharist in English, featured a distinguished speaker line-up, including renowned Oriental Orthodox theologian Rev. Fr. K. M George, young theologians Fr. Jibin Thomas Abraham and Ms. Tijana Petkovic Bertsch, along with presence of His Eminence Abraham Mar Stephanos. The timely theme, "Divine Algorithms: Orthodoxy in the Age of Artificial Intelligence," drew inspiration from St. John 16:13, "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth."
MOSES 2024
The inaugural MOSES 2024 conference, a three-day Diocesan-level Orthodox Christian Youth Movement (OCYM) event, took place in Zurich from 27th to 29th September 2024, hosted by St. Gregorios Indian Orthodox Church, Switzerland. This landmark conference, the first of its kind within the mainland Europe conference, welcomed over 40 youth representatives from 16 countries across the Diocese. Distinguished attendees included His Eminence Abraham Mar Stephanos, Diocesan Secretary Fr. Varghese Mathew, and Fr. Dr. Reji Mathews, Principal of Orthodox Seminary, Kottayam. The theme was based upon Isaiah 2:5, “Come, let us walk in the light of God”
Podcasts
The Diocese OCYM expanded its digital reach in 2025 with the release of two well-received podcasts: "Journey to the Manger" during the Nativity Lent and "Crossroads" during Great Lent. These podcasts, featuring 75 days of short messages by His Eminence Abraham Mar Stephanos, significantly boosted our social media presence and followers. We extend our gratitude to His Eminence for his contributions and to the Digital Media Team for their efforts in publishing the content across various platforms.
Jingle Fest 2024
An online Christmas carol competition, led by Mr. Manu John, Ms. Cucki Thomas, and Mr. Jobin Prince, this was supported by Ireland Zonal Coordinators Mr. Melvin Aby and Ms. Dia Joseph engaged ten churches across the Diocese during the 2024 Christmas season. Recorded carols were shared via social media, culminating in St. Mary's Indian Orthodox Church, Oxford winning the best song category and St. Stephen's Indian Orthodox Church, Colchester, securing the online voting prize. We extend our congratulations to the winners and our gratitude to all participants in this festive online choir extravaganza.
Prayer and Meditations:
OCYM UK Europe and Africa organised a zoom online evening prayer and meditation was on 01 November 2024 in the event of 122nd St. Gregorios of Parumala’s remembrance. The meeting was inaugurated by His Eminence Zachariah Mar Nicholovos and the meditation was led by Fr. Daniel Dennis Mathai
During the Mid lent, On 5th April 2025, the OCYM UK Europe and Africa and the Cambridge OCYM Unit hosted a Lenten Prayer & Meditation event at St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church, Cambridge. The event, graced by the presence of Diocesan Metropolitan H.G. Dr. Abraham Mar Stephanos Thirumeni, Fr. Benjamin, and Fr. Yakoob (Bethany Ashramam), provided a spiritually enriching experience for the youth through prayer, reflection, and fellowship. The event was led by Abin Raju and Ephrem Sam.
Great Lent Prayer
Throughout the 40 days of Lent, over 1000 participants joined online English prayer services via Zoom, hosted and led by various OCYM units across the Diocese. Each unit contributed prayer readings and reflections, which were subsequently shared on social media platforms. We express our sincere gratitude to the participating priests, OCYM units, and the Digital Media Team for their contributions. Special thanks to Mr. Jobin George, Spirituality Team Lead, for his exceptional organisation and management of these prayer services.
Saroopaya 2025
A Theological Art Camp for young adults, held in association with St. Thomas Hemel Hempstead on 25th and 26th January 2025, provided a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of art and theology. Led by Ms. Anju Jacob, with support from Ms. Aswathy Jacob (OCYM Secretary, Hemel Hempstead), the camp featured introductory sessions, guided art creation inspired by theological themes, led by Fr. Jeeson P Wilson, and concluded with Holy Eucharist celebrated by H.G Abraham Mar Stephanos and an exhibition/sale of the participants' artwork.
OCYM Zonal and Auxiliary wing Activities
OCYM zones organised a diverse range of activities throughout 2024-2025. The Ireland Zone fostered community through social gatherings, charitable work, and virtual spiritual sessions. The UK South Zone focused on interfaith dialogue and supported diocesan events. The Central Zone facilitated sporting events, youth programmes, and active online engagement. The North Zone prioritised spiritual development through conferences, Lenten initiatives, and prayer meetings.
Europe Zone members participated in conferences like Moses (Switzerland) Evoke (Germany) and Chain Prayer on the event of St. Gregorios remembrance (Malta), while Zonal Secretaries encouraged participation in local liturgies and online spiritual activities organised by the Student Hospitality Team. The African Zone, with its limited number ofSt churches, focused on supporting Sunday School and liturgical services.
Across all zones, activities ranged from social and sporting events to spiritual development programmes and charitable initiatives, demonstrating the multifaceted nature of OCYM's engagement with its youth members.
The Student Hospitality Team, connected with students and young adults in over 25 countries, fostering community through social media, weekly prayers, and Bible study. They also organised the inaugural London Orthodox Gospel Summit (LOGOS) and supported Holy Qurbana services in various locations. Creative initiatives included a Christmas reel campaign and an Easter music video. A virtual session on Holy Matrimony provided further spiritual guidance.
The Digital Media Team, focused on strengthening the diocese's online presence. Key initiatives included digital campaigns for major events like AOYC 2024 and Evoke 24, along with video editing support for projects like Jingle Fest, Podcast, Saroopaya, Great Lenten Prayer. The team also worked to enhance visual storytelling, grow social media engagement, and incorporate spiritual content into the diocese's digital platforms.
Financial Summary
Mr. Alvin Abraham serves as Treasurer of the OCYM. The following table summarises the financial position of the OCYM, Diocese of UK, Europe & Africa, as of 31 March 2025:
Income & Expenses 2024 - 2025 | |||
Income | Amount | Expenses | Amount |
Opening Balance: | |||
Cash at Bank | £129.53 | ||
AOYC 2024 | £28,562.27 | AOYC 2024 | £26,363.92 |
Saroopaya 2025 | £1,037.36 | Saroopaya 2025 | £456.82 |
Student Hospitality | £400.00 | Student Hospitality (Logos 2025) | £436.28 |
Incorrect Transfer | £82.00 | Refund for Incorrect Transfer | £82.00 |
Interest Earned | £79.48 | ||
Closing Balance: | |||
Cash at Bank | £2,951.62 | ||
Total | £30,290.64 | Total | £30,290.64 |
Conclusion
The 2024-2025 year has been a period of growth and achievement for OCYM. We are grateful for the dedication of our members, the guidance of our clergy, and the support of our parishes. We look forward to continuing our mission of empowering Orthodox Christian youth in the year ahead.