MAR THOMA YUVAJANA SAKHYAM (YOUTH FELLOWSHIP)

The Mar Thoma Yuvajana Sakhyam was organized with a view that all the young people in the Church should accept Jesus Christ as their saviour and Lord, and bear witness to His saving power. It was organized in 1933 by a resolution of the Sabha Prathinidhi Mandalam. The first president of the Sakhyam was Rev.V P Mammen and 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. Mr. M M Thomas (later Dr. M M Thomas) was appointed as Organising 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 form a center. There are a number of such Centres under each Diocese. The Constitution of the Sakhaym prescribes that the President should be a Bishop of the Church. The Sakhyam publishes a monthly magazine called Yuvadeepam (Malayalam) and Ripples (English) with articles of interest to the youth and with focus on the needs of the Church and Society. It also contains Bible reading notes for daily devotional study. The Sakhyam also publishes an annual calendar. The establishment of the Youth Center in Adoor and in Bangalore has been an important achievement of the Sakhyam. It provides facilities for the youth to hold study conferences, retreats and other meetings. The center has accommodation for about 200 young people to camp there.

The Sakhyam provides incentive for the development of the varied talents of young people by organizing studies on topics of current interest, and competition in sports, games, and cultural activities.

Gospel tours are arranged to mission centers so that the young people get a first hand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities of the mission fields. Gospel distribution squads are trained to distribute the scriptures in different places. Youth conventions are held on Diocesan and regional basis to promote study, and dedication of life. Campaigns are held against alcoholism and other social evils. In pursuance of such projects a vigilance corps is operating. Vocational guidance is being provided in a few branches. There are also self-employment projects under the auspices of the branches and centers. The Yuvajana Sakhyam works for meeting the varied needs of the growing generation. The Golden Jubilee of the Sakhyam was celebrated in 1985. An Administrative block of the Sakhyam was completed near the Sabha Office near Tiruvalla as Jubilee Memorial Project. It was inaugurated in 1986.

About the Diocese Sakhyam

The Yuvajana Sakhyam of the UK, Europe & Africa Diocese exists to help young people grow in faith, fellowship and service. Our focus is on creating a space where youth can strengthen their relationship with Christ, support one another, and use their gifts for the life of the Church and society.

Sakhas across the Diocese organise regular gatherings centred on worship, Bible study, service projects, leadership development, and cultural activities. The Sakhyam continues the wider vision established in 1933: guiding young people to witness Christ through their lives and actions.

Annual Youth Conference 2025

The most recent Youth Conference was held in 2025 with over 230 delegates from parishes across the UK and Europe. The conference brought together youth for worship, sessions led by clergy and resource persons, workshops, sports, and fellowship. The event created a strong sense of unity and identity among the young people of the Diocese and marked one of the highest recorded attendances in recent years.

Other Initiatives

• Youth Retreats conducted regionally for prayer, Bible study and community time.
• Youth Sunday celebrated across all parishes, with youth leading worship and various responsibilities during the Holy Qurbana.
• Charity Engagement where youth volunteer in community projects and support mission initiatives of the Church.
• Leadership Development through workshops, discussions and parish-level responsibilities.

The Yuvajana Sakhyam remains committed to building a generation rooted in faith, equipped to serve, and ready to lead the Church in the years ahead.