Relationships with Other Christian MovementsMar Gregorios Orthodox Christian Student Movement

Syndesmos & Foreign collaboration

Syndesmos is a federation of orthodox youth movements and theological schools around the world. It was founded in 1953 and has now grown into a federation of 121 youth movements and theological schools in 43 different countries. Syndesmos enjoys the encouragement and blessing of all the local canonical orthodox churches. A major concern of Syndesmos has been the deepening and strengthening of the ties between the Orthodox and the OrientalOrthodoxChurches.

Malankara Orthodox Church has close association with Syndesmos. Our Church leaders like Rev. Fr. Dr. V.C. Samuel, H.G. Paulos Mar Gregorios, Mr. C. I. Itty, and Rev. Fr. Dr. K. M .George, were invited to speak in several meetings and programmes of Syndesmos.Rev. Fr. Philipos Thomas (L/L H.G. Philipos Mar Eusebius) and Rev. Fr. Joseph Vendrapally attended the 7th General Assembly held in 1968 at Rattvik, Sweden as observers. At this assembly, decision was taken to allow Oriental Orthodox youth movements to become associate members.

In the 14th General Assembly held in 1992 at Moscow, Russia, a new Constitution was adopted and Oriental Orthodox Churches were allowed to become federated members. M G O C S M and O C Y M of our church were represented by Rev. Fr. John Thomas, Rev. Fr. Kurian Daniel and Prof. E. Jacob John. Rev.Fr. Kurien Daniel was elected as a member of the Board of Administration.

H. G. Geevarghese Mar Coorilos, Rev. Fr. John Thomas, Rev. Fr. Kurian Daniel, Rev. Fr. Jobson Kottapurath and Prof. E. Jacob John attended the 15th General Assembly held at Kykko Monastery, Cyprus. Rev. Fr. John Thomas served as Vice President of Syndesmos (1997-'99).

The 16th general assembly was held at New Valamo Monastery in Finland and it was attended by H.G. Philipos Mar Eusebius, H. G.Yakob Mar Irenaios, Rev. Fr. John Thomas and Prof. E. Jacob John. Prof. E.Jacob John was elected Vice President of Syndesmos 1999-2003.

Rev.Fr. M.C.Cherian, (H.G. Zacharia Mar Theophilos), Rev. Fr. Kurian Daniel, Rev. Fr. K. Y. Wilson and Prof. E. Jacob John attended the 17th General Assembly held in 2003 at Durres, Albania and Rev.Fr. Kurian Daniel was elected as a member of the Board of Administration." Every year two delegates from MGOCSM attend the Taize camp in France. This is found enriching and edifying. Our members participate regularly in the programmes of NCCI, CMAI, AIACHE, ECC and KCC."