Feature story
This initiative offers online Bible studies and e-units, fostering spiritual growth and a sense of community for students who are away from their local parishes. By leveraging technology, e-MGOCSM ensures students remain connected to their faith and peers, regardless of their location.
In the history of the 105-year-old Mar Gregorios Orthodox Christian Student Movement, 10 September 2024, stands out as a milestone. Known as the oldest Christian student organization in Asia, MGOCSM has always upheld its motto of “Worship, Study, and Service.” Now, with the launch of e-MGOCSM, the movement is embracing the digital age to reach Orthodox students across the globe.
Bridging spiritual gaps in a digital era
The spiritual arm of the Indian Orthodox Church (Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church), MGOCSM, has responded to the challenges of modern student life with a simple yet groundbreaking solution — connecting students through an online platform. The much-anticipated e-MGOCSM was launched via Zoom, expanding its reach to Orthodox students on college campuses far beyond parish boundaries, both in India and abroad.
Metropolitan HG Dr Abraham Mar Seraphim, MGOCSM’s new president, is one of the youngest bishops of the Orthodox Church and has been instrumental in pioneering this initiative. Previously, as Metropolitan of the Bangalore Diocese, His Grace brought together Orthodox tech and IT professionals to form the Fellowship of Orthodox Professionals. Now, with e-MGOCSM, he is extending a lifeline to students far from home.
The vision of e-MGOCSM
“This platform is for students who have migrated to different parts of India or abroad and do not have a nearby parish,” says Mar Seraphim. “We aim to foster a sense of community, reminding them that wherever they are, they remain part of the Orthodox family.”
E-MGOCSM’s mission is clear: to create virtual units, or e-units, that serve as hubs of fellowship and spiritual nourishment for students in geographically isolated areas. Mar Seraphim, currently Metropolitan of Thumpamon Diocese (Kerala), highlights how this initiative also addresses academic and personal needs, ensuring no student feels disconnected.
Nurturing fellowship in a digital age
Fr Dr Vivek Varghese, general secretary of MGOCSM, underscores the importance of technology in today’s spiritual landscape. “Many of our young students are migrating to new cities for education, and this initiative helps bridge the gap between them and their local parishes,” he says. “Through e-units, we aim to recreate the sense of fellowship that they once experienced at home, even if they are far from it.”
Harnessing technology for spiritual growth
One of the key offerings of e-MGOCSM is its weekly online Bible study, held every Wednesday at 8 pm Indian Standard Time. The inaugural session focused on the theme “Holy Qurbana: Insights from the Holy Bible.” These sessions have also expanded to include specialized groups such as the e-MGOCSM Medicos Forum, which brings together Orthodox medical students and junior doctors from around the world.
For students interested in joining these sessions, a helpdesk is available via WhatsApp for coordination. The initiative has already attracted students globally, reflecting the global footprint of MGOCSM and its commitment to nurturing the faith of its young members, no matter where they are.
One of the most distinguished MGOCSM alumni is Metropolitan Dr Paulose Mar Gregorios, a renowned theologian and former president of the World Council of Churches (WCC). His legacy serves as a reminder of the powerful role MGOCSM continues to play in shaping future generations of leaders.
The launch of e-MGOCSM marks a new chapter in the history of MGOCSM, one that embraces the digital age to ensure that Orthodox students across the globe stay connected to their faith, their community, and each other.
Learn more about the Mar Gregorios Orthodox Christian Student Movement
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