Maramon meet begins with a call to conserve nature

‘Pampa riverbed shows signs of of degeneration’

Mar Thoma Metropolitan Joseph Mar Thoma, blessing the congregation after inaugurating the 123rd Maramon convention on the riverbed of Pampa at Maramon near Kozhencherry on Sunday.

The 123rd Maramon Convention, which is billed as Asia’s largest week-long annual Christian meet, began with a call to conserve the river Pampa and the environment on Sunday afternoon.

The convention is being held at its traditional venue on the riverbed of Pampa at Maramon near Kozhencherry.

Inaugurating the meet, Reverend Joseph Mar Thoma, the Mar Thoma Metropolitan, said the riverbed at Maramon is witnessing signs of degeneration. The once pure river water is now heavily polluted with waste flowing into it, he said, adding that environment conservation is very much a part of the ecumenism.

Yuyakim Mar Coorilos Episcopa, president of the Mar Thoma Evangelistic Association, said people have to protect both the river Pampa and the Holy Gospel.