St. Stephen's Orthodox Cathedral Pilgrim Centre, Kudassanad
WORSHIP STUDY SERVICE
Established 1927

History & Legacy of the Movement

A century of spiritual glow, unwavering faith, and dedicated community service at St. Stephen's Orthodox Cathedral, Kudassanad.

Spiritual Heartbeat

Worship, Study, and Service

The Pallibhagam Orthodox Christian Youth Movement (popularly known as the Pallibhagam Youth Movement) is the vibrant spiritual heartbeat of St. Stephen's Orthodox Cathedral in Kudassanad. Operating under the foundational motto and vision of Worship, Study, and Service, the movement plays a crucial role in the spiritual, social, and cultural development of both the church and the wider society.

"Playing a vital role in shaping generations of faithful leaders, anchoring community growth in deep-rooted Orthodox traditions and dynamic charitable action."

100 Years
Pallibhagam Youth Movement Emblem

Pallibhagam Youth Movement

St. Stephen's Orthodox Cathedral Pilgrim Centre, Kudassanad

Origins and Early Beginnings

Pioneering youth organization in Malankara

Long before the official establishment of the Orthodox Christian Youth Movement (OCYM) as the youth association of the Malankara Orthodox Church, the young people of St. Stephen's Orthodox Cathedral were already active under a banner known as 'Youvajana Samajam', starting in 1927. Following the formal formation of the Malankara Orthodox Christian Youth Movement, our Youvajana Samajam got affiliated to OCYM and became a prime unit of it.

As we proudly mark a momentous century of our youth organization in Kudassanad, we take immense pride in the fact that long before the formation of our broader Malankara Orthodox Youth Movement, we already had a structured youth organization active at St. Stephen's Orthodox Cathedral right from the very beginning.

Community Fellowship

Our Members & Leadership

United in faith, worship, and service under spiritual guidance.

Pallibhagam Youth Movement Members and Senior Members with Vicar and Assistant Vicar

Pallibhagam youth movement Member and Senior Member with Vicar and Asst Vicar

Active Ministry

Core Activities & Spiritual Growth

Nurturing souls through regular fellowship, worship, and personal enrichment.

Weekly Gatherings

Youngsters congregate at the unit office every Saturday evening, where keynotes are delivered by Bishops, Priests, and other leaders.

Prayer & Worship

Regular monthly Stoudo prayer gatherings, special Shunooyo retreat services, prayer sessions, and distribution of refreshments and nercha kanji.

Character Building

Founded on the principle that youthful personality contains spiritual bliss, paving the way for character-building through annual four-day student conferences.

Classes & Seminars

Informative classes and seminars on diverse topics, including specialized sessions commemorating historical figures like Geevarghese Mar Gregorios.

40
Premier Youth Publication

Publications: Yuvadeepthy

The pride of Kudassanad's literary journey! Yuvadeepthy serves as the official mouthpiece of the movement and a pioneering voice in Malankara.

1984

Began as a handwritten manuscript with a dedicated governing constitution.

1987

Transitioned to print, officially launched by H.H. Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Mathews I.

2014

Proudly celebrated its milestone 30th anniversary.

2024

Celebrated 40 glorious years of uninterrupted literary excellence.

Historical Timeline

Major Milestones & Parish Contributions

Landmark achievements that left an indelible mark on St. Stephen's Cathedral and the wider church.

2000

Massive Christmas Star

Began the beloved tradition of erecting a massive, 32-foot-tall Christmas star in the church courtyard every year.

2003

All-Malankara Arts Festival

Initiated the Akhila Malankara Sunday School Kalolsavam, open to all Sunday School students across the Malankara Orthodox Church.

2005

First Kaalvilakku

Installed the very first traditional standing brass lamp (Kaalvilakku) at the Kudassanad church.

2015

Diocesan Championship

Won the Overall Championship at the Chengannur Diocesan Arts Festival through stellar performances and teamwork.

2018

Navathy (90th Anniversary)

Celebrated 90 years with a grand Deepasikha Prayanam torch relay starting from Puthencavu Cathedral, culminating in a mega-conference where a newly constructed house was gifted to a needy family.

2023

Kaalkuris Dedication

Dedicated a sacred stone cross (Kaalkuris) to the cathedral, further enriching the pilgrim centre's spiritual landmarks.

Social Welfare, Healthcare & Community Outreach

Living out the gospel through tangible service and compassion

Dialysis Kit Distribution

Launched and inaugurated a dialysis kit distribution scheme in 2020 as part of ongoing charitable healthcare initiatives.

Student Support Systems

Established social aid funds for backward students and formed the Gregorian Students Cell to nurture intellectual and mental well-being.

Blood Donor Network

Operates a leading blood donor network catering to emergency medical needs both within and outside the church community.

Anti-Narcotics Cell

Operates an active Anti-Drug Campaign (Lahari Viruddha Cell) to combat rising substance usage among teenagers and youth.

Women Empowerment

Implements support schemes such as Jeevan Jyothi financial aid and the Anfranjian project aimed at women's self-reliance.

Environmental Campaigns

"Clean City - Green City" initiatives and tree-planting programs ("Plant For Future" clove, rambutan, and coconut saplings).

Alms Distribution (Annadanam)

Conducts regular food and alms distribution programs across various regional centers, including peace homes in Chengannur, old age homes in Pathanamthitta, charity centers in Mavelikara, and care homes in Kuttanad.

Excellence & Honors

Awards and Recognition

Consistent recognition at the Diocesan and All-Malankara levels for organizational excellence.

2007 – 2008

All-Malankara Best Unit

Recognized as the Best Youth Movement Unit in the Malankara Church, with unit secretary Jogi George honored as Best Unit Secretary.

2016 – 2017

Diocesan Best Unit

Awarded the Best Youth Movement Unit in the Chengannur Diocese.

2017 – 2018

All-Malankara Best Unit

Once again honored as the Best Youth Movement Unit across the entire Malankara Orthodox Church.

2023 – 2024

A+ Grade & Best Unit

Received an A+ Grade and selected as the Best Youth Movement Unit in the Chengannur Diocese.

2024 – 2025

Consecutive Excellence (A+ Grade)

Maintained its standard of excellence by achieving an A+ Grade and being honored consecutively as the Best Youth Movement Unit in the Chengannur Diocese.

Community Feedback

What Others Think About Us

Read reviews and feedback from parishioners, visitors, and well-wishers.

Spiritual Leadership

Legacy and Leadership

The unit holds a proud legacy of fostering spiritual leadership. Five priests currently serving in the Orthodox Church are former members of this unit, and His Grace Dr. Gabriel Mar Gregorios Metropolitan (a member of the parish) is also a proud alumnus of the Pallibhagam Youth Movement. Furthermore, numerous members from this unit have been elected to the central committee of the Malankara Orthodox Christian Youth Movement (MOCYM).