News: Vanisha Mascarenhas
Udupi, Oct 24: Euphoria Youth Fest 2023 hosted by St Mary's Orthodox Syrian Youth Association, Brahmavar, a youth organisation of St Mary's Orthodox Syrian Cathedral, Brahmavar was held on Sunday at the SMS Community Hall. Around 220 Konkani youth delegates from Orthodox Konkani Community churches namely St Peter and Paul Orthodox Syrian Church Kurady, St Mary's Orthodox Syrian Church Kandlur, St Anthony Orthodox Syrian Church Kolalgiri, St Thomas Orthodox Syrian Church Sasthan, St George Orthodox Syrian Church, Hosangadi, St Gregorios Orthodox Church Hulikal. St Mary's Orthodox Syrian Cathedral Brahmavar and congregations from Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Mandya attended the festival.
The inaugural programme was held in the morning. The vice president of the St Mary's Orthodox Syrian Youth Association Brahmavar, Aron Roche escorted the dignitaries to the stage, vicar general of the cathedral and president of the host Youth Association, Fr M C Mathai, assistant vicars, Fr David Crasta, Fr Lawrence D’Souza, Fr Abraham Kuriakose, Fr Joseph Chacko, Fr Antony Merwin D’Silva, cathedral trustee Milton Olivera, and secretary Lawrence D'Souza were present on the occasion. The programme began with a prayer song sung by girls of the youth organisation. Aron Roche, vice president of the St Mary's Youth Association welcomed the dignitaries on the dais and the participants of the event, Christon Rodrigues, secretary of the organisation florally greeted the dignitaries. The youth fest, Euphoria, was inaugurated by president of the host youth organisation and vicar general of the St Mary's Orthodox Syrian Cathedral, Brahmavar, Fr M C Mathai, all assistant vicars along with the vice presidents, representatives of different youth associations and congregations. Fr M C Mathai, addressed the gathering and motivated the participants. The inaugural function came to an end with the wise words of the president.
Elson Hirgan delivered the first session, during which he offered his extensive understanding of the benefits of youth and their crucial responsibilities with some great examples. Metropolitan of the Brahmavar diocese, his grace Yacob Mar Elias, graced the event with his presence and shared his wisdom with all the participants. Samson Barnes gave the second session of the day regarding career awareness for students and insights about education abroad. Soujanya Hegde in her session conducted a lot of engaging activities to all participants and she also discussed the transition from real life to screen time life. A few fast fun games were done by the host in between sessions.
The evening prayer was led by vicar general Fr M C Mathai and assistant vicars Fr Lawrence D'Souza, Fr Noel Lewis, Fr Joseph Chacko, and Fr Antony Merwin D’Silva.
Representatives from all churches, as well as assistant vicars, were present for the valedictory and presented their opinions and thoughts on the festival. As a symbol of gratitude, St Mary's Orthodox Syrian Youth Association, presented a memento. Christon Rodrigues, concluded the valedictory ceremony by thanking all the dignitaries, participants, sponsors and all those who were part of the event and event preparation.
An engaging cultural programme was also held where the youths demonstrated their talent. Swasthi was the disc jockey for the entertainment programme.