Martha Mariam Vanitha Samajam

Annual Report 2024-2025 Annexure 4

INTRODUCTION

Glory be to the Triune God.

By the grace and mercy of God Almighty, MMVS UK, Europe & Africa, remained steadfast in its commitment to spiritual growth and charitable endeavours under the prayerful shepherdship of H. E Abraham Mar Stephanos (Diocesan Metropolitan) and the leadership of Fr. P.J. Binu (Vice President).

Executive Committee & Meetings: An Executive Committee consists of General Secretary, Treasurer and Zonal Secretaries from different regions of the UK, Ireland, Europe & Africa working along with the MMVS Vice-President to coordinate the MMVS activities in our Diocese. Regular online committee meetings are conducted to plan and organise the activities as per the year plan.

SPIRITUAL ACTIVITIES IN THE YEAR

·         Zonal & Annual Conferences:

o  South Zone conference was held on Saturday 14th April at Mar Baselios Gregorios IOC Southampton with 130 participants.

o  Central Zone conference was held on Saturday 11th May 2024 at St. Mary’s IOC Oxford with 100 participants.

o  North Zone conference was held on Saturday 15th June 2024 at St. Behanan’s IOC North Wales with 110 participants.

o  The first Ireland Region (Ireland and Northern Ireland) conference was held on 7th September 2024 at St. Thomas IOC Dublin with 75 participants.

o   Africa Region conference was held on Sunday 02nd March 2025 at St. Thomas IOC South Africa with 40 participants.

o  The 14th Annual Conference was held on 19th October 2024 at St. Stephen’s IOC Birmingham with around 300 participants. The conference was based on the theme “Look into Christ (Hebrews 12:2)”.

·         St. Mary’s Intercession Prayer: The intercessory prayers to St. Mary (madhyastha prarthana) continues every Wednesday through ZOOM online platform with an average of 50 families participating regularly across the Diocese.

·         Shoonoyo Lent: During the 15 days of Shoonoyo Lent, MMVS UK conducted virtual evening prayer led by Rev. Fr. P. J. Binu and other priests in the UK Diocese. Around 100 families attended the prayer meeting during these days.

·         Bible Study: Regular online bible study classes are held on the 4th Wednesday of every month. Fr. Nithin Prasad Koshy (Vicar, St. Gregorios Orthodox Cathedral London) leads the classes based on ‘The Epistle to The Hebrews’.

·         Chain Bible Reading: MMVS continues to organise chain Bible reading during the Fasting & Lenten periods as per the advice of the Diocesan Metropolitan. More than 500 MMVS members across the Diocese actively participated in this.

·         Special prayer for children: Special prayers were conducted for children appearing for board exams across the diocese during their exam period.

 ANNUAL CENTRALISED EXAM:

The annual exam was held on 16th November 2024. We appreciate the hard work and dedication of all the 160 candidates, who have written the annual exam from UK, Ireland and Africa. Congratulations to Mrs. Meenu Mariam from St. George IOC Portsmouth for securing Third place in Akhila Malankara in Junior category.

 CHARITY

During the year 2024-2025, MMVS managed to do 4 charities.

·         INR 50,000 to an aplastic anaemia patient.

·         INR 100,000 (equivalent £) to Snehasparsham charity project.

·         INR 3,00,000 (equivalent £) to two cancer patient (INR 1,50,000 each)

CONCLUSION

As MMVS continues its mission of spiritual enrichment and charitable service, it remains a beacon of hope and faith within the Diocese. Through collective efforts and steadfast devotion, MMVS inspires others to embrace the values of compassion, unity, and service to glorify God in all endeavours.

Report submitted by:

Mrs. Ruby Denin (General Secretary)

Date 30/04/2025