PHILADELPHIA ∙ The Masher Street Parish of St. Thomas Malankara Orthodox Church of Philadelphia officially opened the Sunday school year in a post-Holy Mass ceremony after a hiatus following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sunday School Principal Bismi Mariam Varghese welcomed everyone. Parish Vicar Rev. Dr. Johnson C. John led the prayer and inaugurated the new academic year. As a symbol of the church’s commitment to nurturing the faith and education of the youth, Rev. Dr. John also distributed Sunday school kits for children.

Former Principal Jaycee John spoke about the importance of Sunday School in the spiritual growth of children. The program concluded with prayer, benediction and the opening of the Sunday School General Assembly. The special feature of the inauguration is the traditional lighting of the lamp as a symbol of the light of knowledge and wisdom. Trustee Mani Thomas, Jain Kallarakkal, David Eapan, Dr. Andrea Kallarakkal and Sunday School representatives Nathan, Juan, Josiah, Joel, Micah, Ivin and Jaycelyn attended the event.