On
the sandbanks of the Pampa River, thousands gather each
ARTICLE year for the Maramon Convention. This spiritual gathering
transcends mere tradition to become a living expression
of faith, fellowship, and renewal. Organised by the Mar Thoma Syrian
Church under the leadership of the Mar Thoma Evangelistic Association,
this convention began in 1895 and has grown into a dynamic spiritual
movement that continues to inspire generations.
More than just a series of sermons and hymns, the Maramon Convention
is a space where stories are shared, prayers are whispered, and lives are
transformed in communal worship. Rooted in the reformist spirit and
the eastern theology of the Mar Thoma Church, it seamlessly weaves
together tradition and contemporary relevance, addressing theological
discourse, ecumenical dialogue, and social concerns while remaining
anchored in biblical teachings.
This essay explores the historical evolution, enduring impact, and ongoing
relevance of the Maramon Convention. By tracing its legacy, we gain insight
into how this annual gathering has become a beacon of Christian witness,
uniting believers in a shared journey of spiritual growth and renewal.
Historical Genesis
Gospel teaching and interpretation lie at the heart of Syriac spirituality,
shaping faith through sacred traditions, liturgical hymns, and theological
reflections. The Syriac tradition, deeply rooted in the early Christian
Church, has emphasised the centrality of scripture in worship and daily
life. This scriptural foundation has influenced the Mar Thoma Church,
carrying forward the Syriac heritage while embracing reform and revival.
MARAMON
CONVENTION:
Where Faith and
Joel Srambican
Change Come Together
22 Malankara Sabha Tharaka II 2025 February
The Mar Thoma Church, as part of this Syriac renewal. Despite hardships, political turmoil,
spiritual tradition, has placed a strong emphasis on and periods of unrest, Maramon has remained a
biblical authority, aligning itself with early Syriac beacon of hope. As theological and technological
exegesis. The reformation movement led by Abraham advancements emerged, the convention
Malpan and Kaithayil Geevarghese Malpan played embraced progress while staying deeply rooted
a pivotal role in revitalising the Church during a in its rich traditions, ensuring that it remains
period of spiritual stagnation. Their efforts focused both eco-friendly and people-centred. From the
on restoring the primacy of scripture, simplifying start to date, the Maramon uses knitted coconut
church practices, and making worship more accessible leaves for making the temporary tent.
to believers. One of the significant reforms was
the translation of the liturgy into the vernacular, For anyone who attends Maramon, the
allowing believers to actively participate in prayer experience feels incomplete without the beloved
and understand the gospel message more clearly. hymn “Sthuthippin Sthuthippin Yesudevane,
This reformation movement not only reaffirmed the Halleluiah Paadi Sthuthippin”—a timeless
Church’s commitment to biblical teachings but also melody composed by Rev. Yusthus Joseph. Sung
gave rise to a renewed spirit of faith among the people at the close of every convention since 1895, this
of Malankara. sacred tradition, along with the benediction of
the Malankara Metropolitan, marks the heartfelt
Parallel to this period, we can see the Revival conclusion of Maramon each year. Yet, it is not
movement taking an affirming hold among the just an ending—it is the beginning of a prayerful
Christians in Kerala. The revival can be traced back wait for the next gathering.
to Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu, where CMS (Church
Mission Society) missionaries initiated a spiritual Maramon convention has the privilege of
awakening in 1860. This movement later spread to hosting many eminent speakers and theologians.
Travancore through Mathai Upadeshi and gained Thomas Walker, a British missionary, was a key
further momentum under the leadership of Vidhuwan speaker from 1899 to 1912. Sadhu Sundar Singh,
Kutty Achen (Justus Joseph). A significant turning a prominent Indian Christian preacher, graced
point came in 1864 when Mathews Mar Athanasius the convention in 1918, profoundly impacting
Metropolitan encouraged this revival. the attendees. Malankara Metropolitan and
the 20th successor to the throne of St. Thomas,
Ammal, Tamil convert Vedanayaka Sastri's daughter,
Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma Valiya
was granted permission to visit churches and inspire
Metropolitan, stated that his parents dedicated
believers through Christian songs. This period saw an
their lives to serving as missionaries for Christ
increased emphasis on personal transformation and
after being inspired by the speech of Sadhu
public confessions of faith, reinforcing the scriptural
Sundar Singh.
foundation of the Church.
Additionally, Dr. E. Stanley Jones, a celebrated
By the early 1890s, the Christian community witnessed
American missionary, addressed the convention
the emergence of several small yet influential prayer
from 1921 to 1970. The convention also hosted
group communions. These groups played a crucial role
luminaries such as John R. Mott, Nobel Peace
in revitalising spiritual life, emphasising scriptural
Prize laureate and President of the World
study and communal worship. The Mar Thoma
Alliance of YMCAs, whose words on peace and
Evangelistic Association (MTEA) formation on 5
unity among Christians had a profound impact
September 1888 at Kadavil Malika in Kallissery also
acted as a catalyst. As attendance at these gatherings on the attendees. Similarly, Dr. Bob Pierce,
increased, the need for a larger, more accessible venue the founder and president of World Vision,
became evident. Thus, in 1894, a decision was made inspired generations with his message of global
to organise a grand meeting, bringing believers from humanitarian outreach during his visits in 1964
various parishes together for spiritual edification. and 1966.
The inaugural convention took place from March In 1985, Astronaut Colonel James Irwin, who
9th to 18th, 1895, on the Manalpuram (Sandbed) of had spent hours on the moon, brought a unique
the Pamba River, opposite the Aranmula Temple. perspective to the convention. His testimony
The convention later moved to Parapuzha Kadavu of faith in the context of space exploration
near Maramon Church before settling at its current underscored the vastness of God’s creation
location. and the infinite possibilities of human potential
when aligned with faith. The significance of his
Evolution Over the Decades visit was heightened by his firsthand experiences
The Maramon Convention has endured as a steadfast in the most awe-inspiring setting known to
platform for fellowship, worship, and spiritual humankind.
February 2025 II Malankara Sabha Tharaka 23
The introduction of the microphone system in In those days, pits were dug in the sandbeds to discard
1936, brought from the USA by Dr. E. Stanley Jones, tobacco. As a continuing tradition, Wednesday is
revolutionised the convention's reach, allowing dedicated to raising awareness against social evils.
speakers' voices to resonate across the vast crowd.
The songs of Maramon have profoundly shaped the
Before this, people were shouting from person to
Christian musical landscape. Each year, new songs
person to tell the message. Similarly, the accordion
are composed for the convention, many of which
was first used in 1956 by John T. Seamonds, adding
become integral to the Christian music genre. These
a new dimension to worship music. The dedication
songs would be used across the denominations.
service for children, initiated in 1951, remains an
integral part of the convention, now held in the Furthermore, the convention has historically
dedicated children’s "Kutti-Pandal." provided a platform for women's voices in spiritual
discourse. As early as 1905, female speakers like Mrs.
The convention celebrated its centenary in 1995, an F.S. Nicholson and Miss S.C. McKibbin led special
event marked by a special postal cover issued by sessions and Bible classes for women, highlighting
the Indian Post and Telegraph Department. Today, the event's progressive stance on gender inclusion
as the convention marches toward its 130th year, within the church community.
it remains a beacon of spiritual unity and a symbol
of Kerala’s rich Christian heritage. Conclusion
Socio-Cultural Significance Today, the Maramon Convention continues to be a
cornerstone of spiritual rejuvenation for countless
Beyond its religious dimensions, the Maramon believers. Held every February on the Pampa River's
Convention holds profound socio-cultural sandbed, the week-long event features sermons, Bible
importance. It is a unifying event, bringing together studies, and discussions addressing contemporary
individuals from various social strata to engage in issues through a Christian lens. Its enduring appeal
collective worship and reflection. The convention has lies in its ability to adapt to changing times while
also been a beacon of social harmony; for instance, steadfastly upholding its core mission of fostering
in 1936, Mr. C.V. Kunjiraman, a prominent leader faith, unity, and social responsibility. There is more
from the Ezhava community, was invited to speak, to talk about and write about Maramon, but its left
exemplifying interfaith dialogue and mutual respect. due to space constraints.
Many other socio-political leaders have also spoken
Maramon is more than just a gathering; it is a sacred
at the convention; R. Balakrishna Pillai, Dr. Sashi
pilgrimage to a tent of renewal, where prayers rise
Tharoor is a few leaders who have spoken at this
like incense and community is woven in faith. And
gathering.
as each Maramon Convention draws to a close,
During a time when tobacco use was widespread, our hearts begin a prayerful wait for the next. Our
the speeches at Maramon sparked a social pilgrimage is almost over; we are ready for the 130th
transformation, leading many to abandon the habit. Maramon convention, a time to resubmit ourselves.
CONGRATULATIONS...
Mr. Joash T. Sam,
S/o Mr. Sam Thankan (Member of MT
Church in Oman) entered the prestigious
“India Book of Records-2025”. He is the
fastest child to solve 4 x 4 Rubin’s Cube.
Rev. Sajan Varghese (Vicar)
24 Malankara Sabha Tharaka II 2025 February
