The 111th Maramon Convention, believed to be one of Asia's largest Christian conventions, began Sunday on the Pampa riverbank at Maramon, India.
The week-long event was organised by the Evangelistic Association."This convention is not just a meet of Marthomaites alone, instead it is being attended by all sections of Christians and people of all religions come to hear the speeches," said Dr Joseph Mar Irenaeus Suffragan Metropolitan, president of the Evangelistic Association of the Mar Thoma Church.
The convention was inaugurated at 2:30 p.m. by Dr Philipose Mar Chrisostom Mar Thoma Metropolitan, the Supreme head of Malankara Marthoma Syrian church. He said ‘only through love for all creations that man can forge a deep link with God, the creator.’
He also exhorted the gathering to lead man towards the love of God so as to transform the world totally. 'It is through words that we familiarise ourselves with Jesus Christ,' he added.
Delivering the keynote address, Bishop David J L Hawkins called for a sea-change in man's mindset to take on the challenges of modern world. Those who were poor in spirit would inherit heaven.
The first step was negation of egotism, he added.
Geevarghese Mar Athanasius and Rev Dr Johnson P Mathew were also present among others.
Around 100,000 people are expected to attend the Maramon Convention throughout this week.
