The Orthodox Christian Youth Movement (OCYM)

The OCYM: Nurturing Faith and Fellowship

The Orthodox Christian Youth Movement (OCYM) stands as the vibrant and dynamic youth wing of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, a beacon of faith, service, and community for generations of young believers. More than just an association, the OCYM is a spiritual home, a formative journey, and a powerful engine for the Church's future, deeply rooted in the ancient apostolic faith while actively engaging with the modern world.

Founded on the core principles of "Worship, Study, and Service," the OCYM provides a structured path for its members to deepen their relationship with God. Through regular prayer meetings, Bible studies, and participation in the Holy Qurbana, members are grounded in the rich liturgical and theological traditions of the Syrian Orthodox faith. This spiritual formation is paramount, equipping youth with the knowledge and conviction to navigate contemporary challenges with a strong Orthodox worldview.

OCYM Builds Faith, Fellowship, and Future Leaders

The OCYM’s mission extends far beyond the walls of the church. By organising conferences, retreats, and social gatherings, it creates a supportive network where young people can connect, share their experiences, and grow together in faith. This sense of belonging is invaluable, fostering friendships that often last a lifetime and strengthening the collective fabric of the global Malankara community.

A central pillar of the movement is its unwavering commitment to selfless service, or diakonia. OCYM units in parishes worldwide are actively involved in charitable projects, visiting the sick and elderly, organising blood donation drives, and supporting educational initiatives for the underprivileged. This hands-on service is the practical embodiment of Christ’s love, teaching members compassion and social responsibility.

Furthermore, the OCYM plays a crucial role in leadership development. It offers a platform for youth to cultivate their talents in public speaking, organization, and management, preparing them to become the future administrators, priests, teachers, and lay leaders of the Church.

From Prayer to Action: The Journey of OCYM, St. George Palarivattom

The St. George Orthodox Valiyapally, Palarivattom, is a vibrant hub of youth activity, driven by its dedicated OCYM and MGOCSM unit. Under the spiritual guidance of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, this dynamic group works tirelessly to foster the holistic development of its young members, focusing on spiritual growth, intellectual enrichment, and social responsibility.

The unit’s activities are a testament to its multifaceted mission. Spiritually, members actively participate in church events, organize prayer chains, and undertake pilgrimages to holy sites. Intellectually, they host a diverse range of programs, including motivational sessions, study abroad orientations, and awareness campaigns on critical issues like anti-drug abuse.

A strong emphasis on fellowship and talent is also evident. The unit organizes weekly meetings that foster a strong sense of community among youth, newly married couples, and parents. Their artistic and athletic talents are showcased through successful participation and hosting of diocesan-level competitions, where they have secured numerous prizes in events ranging from music and drawing to sports.

Beyond the parish walls, the youth demonstrate a profound commitment to social service and environmental stewardship. Initiatives have included distributing meals during Lent, making charitable donations to relief funds, and organizing an eco-art exposition for Sunday School students to mark World Environment Day. In a significant outreach effort, the unit donated a bicycle to support the vocational training of underprivileged girls.

The success of these initiatives stems from the energetic participation of its members and the unwavering support of the parish leadership. By channeling the passion of its youth into prayer, service, and creativity, the OCYM and MGOCSM unit of St. George Orthodox Church, Palarivattom, ensures a vibrant present and a hopeful future for the church and the wider community.