Meltho 2011 - the sixth annual three day convention of the Orthodox Parishes of Bangalore was held from 11th to 13th Feb 2011 at the Campus Crusade for Christ Auditorium, Lingarajapuram, Bangalore.

The convention discourses were lead by Diocesan Metropolitan His Grace Dr Abraham Mar Seraphim & the main discourse spread over three days was given by renowned convention speaker Rev Fr Zachariah Ninan (who is popularly known by the pen name "Zachair")

All the priests & Vicars took a keen interest and participated along with members of the respective parishes. Transport arrangements had been made from all parishes to the venue. A phenomenal number of devotees attended the convention on all three days & was supported by extensive media coverage.

The opening remarks were made by the Diocesan Metropolitan on the theme of the convention ”Christ Centred Life"
The young Rev. Fr. Zachariah Ninan elaborated this very eloquently in his inimitable oratory style quoting extensively from the Bible and from the lives of various public personalities and authors of the past and present. He exposed the many pretences of of humanity in their many facets of life in a humorous way and urged to correct the course through a "Christ centred life". The discourse revealed the deep knowledge of the speaker on wide ranging subjects - his thoughts creating a strong and lasting impression on all.
The discourses were interspersed with melodious Choir comprising members from St George Church, Indiranagar & St Marys Church, Begur singing devotional songs which enthralled the congregation.

Two books written by Rev. Fr Varghese Philip Idichandy - "Christhuvum vishudharum sreshtha dinangalil" & "Ninuvayude Mukham" were released on the opening day.
On the second day "San Thome" the parish diary of St Thomas Church, Bangalore East, which is entering its 9th year of publication, was released by His Grace Mar Seraphim.
On the third day, the second edition of Meltho 2011 supplement - a bilingual (Malayalam & English) full colour newspaper like broadsheet carrying articles by various members, especially children, was released.

As in the past, the book stall was functional on all days with Orthodox Church related books, CDs etc were on sale. MOMS Navajyothi Organisation also organised a stall where homemade items prepared by women from weaker sections of society were sold - the proceeds of which are redeployed for their developmental activities. The proceedings of the third & final day began with Morning Prayer followed by Holy Qurbana celebrated by His Grace Mar Seraphim. The convention discourse followed immediately afterwards.
During the closing remarks His Grace outlined the immediate plans of the Diocese and drew a road map for the same - among them, were plans for:

1. having one English service every week at any one place in Bangalore regularly

2. To establish a support service group to help Orthodox members coming into Bangalore for study or work to settle down and be attached to one of the Orthodox parishes to take care of
    their spiritual needs

3. Having a guest relations team in each parish to meet, greet and establish sustained contact from the parish to persons attending services infrequently / casually and to involve them
    more in the community and spiritual organisations

4. To encourage all members to be part of at least one of the spiritual organisations.

5. To establish a pre-marital counselling centre in Bangalore under the aegis of the diocese. Also, announced was an ambitious initiative to build a headquarters for the Bangalore Diocese
    on a budget of Rs. 5 crore - including associated facilities and a suitable institution. The funds are to be raised by a pledge from members of a month’s family income to be given in
    instalments spread over a year. The letter / pledge form will be snet by His Grace to all members by 15th April and is to be returned through the respective parishes by 1st June.

All were encouraged to work towards making Bangalore Diocese the model Diocese of the Orthodox Sabha.

His Grace also announced that a welcome is to be accorded to Bava Thirumeni His Holiness Moran Mar Baselius Marthoma Paulose II in Bangalore on March 26 / 27 in Bangalore and reminded all to block the dates and prepare to participate actively in the event.

The proceeds of the offertory on the third day is for the Andhra Mission of the diocese and the amount of Rs.1 lac was received.

The entire convention is funded by contributions from respective parishes and private donations and has successfully completed its sixth year - going beyond its objective to retain youth and the new generation more strongly to the Orthodox faith in the face of many new congregations trying to wean away Orthodox devotees. Tea and refreshments were served to all attending on the first and second days. On the third day too, after Holy Qurbana, breakfast was served.

His Grace Dr. Abraham Mar Seraphim give the closing benediction, which was followed by a sumptuous lunch for all.