“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Mar Thoma Yuvajana Sakhyam (MTYS) is the youth department of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church. Established in 1933, MTYS functions as an approved body of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church. It was formed with the view that the youth of the church should accept Jesus Christ as their saviour and Lord and bear witness to His powers. A resolution of the Sabha Prathinidhi Mandalam in 1933 led to the formation of this group.
The first President of the Sakhyam was Rev. V.P. Mammen, the Vice Presidents were Rev. K.E. Oommen and Rev. C.M. John (later Juhanon Mar Thoma Metropolitan), and the first Secretary was Mr. V.E. Thomas (later Rev. V.E. Thomas, Singapore). Branches of the Sakhyam were set up in the parishes with a four-fold programme of worship, study, witness, and service. Dr. M. M. Thomas was appointed organizing secretary in 1945, and he was the full-time worker of the Sakhyam. Under his dynamic leadership, the Sakhyam struck deep roots and spread its branches far and wide.
Most of the parishes, both inside and outside Kerala, have branches of the Sakhyam. A group of such branches forms a centre (the Pradeshika Group). There are a number of such centres under each diocese. The Constitution of the Sakhyam prescribes that the President should be a bishop of the church.
IMMANUEL MAR THOMA YUVAJANA SAKHYAM
Immanuel Mar Thoma Yuvajana Sakhyam is a group of youth and young families who uphold the traditional values and culture, along with the understanding and importance of being and leading a Christian life with the challenges faced in today’s world.
The Youth League of our church meets every 1st and 3rd Sunday after the service at the church itself. The Youth League also conducts cottage prayer on the 2nd or 4th Sunday of every month at the houses of its respective members. The meetings include singing sessions, bible reading, a bible quiz, debate topics, and games.