The Marth Mariam Vanitha Samajam (MMVS) is the Women’s wing of the Indian Orthodox Church. It is one of the major spiritual organizations of the Church and includes all its female members. The organization was founded in 1928 aimed at the spiritual progress of women. The founders named it “Marth Mariam Samajam”after the Blessed Virgin Mary whom they accepted as their interceding saint. It was started under the patronage of the Late Very Rev. M.C.Kuriakose Ramban and with the leadership of K.M. Annamma and co-workers.
Motto
Prarthikkuka, Pravarthikkuka, Prakasikkuka.
Administration
MMVS-UK has taken various steps to co-ordinate the spiritual activities in United Kingdom in the year 2010 under the guidance of then Diocesan Metropolitan HG Dr Mathews Mar Thimothios.
The MMVS activities in the Diocese is currently headed by the President (Diocesan Metropolitan) HG Abraham Mar Stephanos, coordinated by the Diocesan Vice-President and the executive committee, which includes the General Secretary, Treasurer, and Zonal Secretaries from the UK, Ireland, Europe, and Africa. To effectively manage these activities across the diocese, it is divided into six zones: UK North, UK South, UK Central, Ireland, Europe, and Africa. Each parish has a respective unit in every church, led by the Vicar and a Unit Secretary, functioning in coordination with instructions from the Diocese. This structured approach ensures that the spiritual and community activities are well-organized and accessible to members across different regions.
Spiritual Activities Of The MMVS
Annual Conferences
The annual conferences were held every year in October hosted by various parishes in our diocese. The conference normally starts with Prayer, Inauguration, Presidential address, Theme presentation, Quiz / Song competition and group discussion, finishing off with a concluding prayer. Members from all over the UK normally participate in this meeting. Around 200 members normally participate for the Annual Conferences.
Zonal Conferences
Zonal conferences are held in different zones each year -UK South Zone, UK Central Zone and UK North Zone. In 2024 we started conducting the Ireland Zonal conference, uniting all the parishes in Belfast and Republic of Ireland. The meetings are normally arranged by the Zonal secretaries with the help of unit secretaries and the programme schedules are same as Annual Conference.
Annual Central Exam
The Annual centralized exam conducted every year with the questions sent from the MMVS Central Office at Kottayam, Kerala, India. These exams are normally conducted in the different zones on the same day and at the same time.
Wednesday Prayer
During the pandemic, many members missed participating in spiritual activities. To address this, MMVS initiated online prayers and devotional talks to maintain spiritual fellowship. This initiative has continued to this day, evolving into a weekly event.
Every Wednesday, intercessory prayers to St. Mary are conducted via online platforms. These sessions are led by the MMVS Vice-President and various priests from different parishes across the Diocese. The online format has allowed members to stay connected and spiritually engaged. MMVS prayer coordinator is coordinating these meetings with the support of unit secretaries.
Lenten Prayers
Online prayer meetings and devotional talks are conducted during the Lenten periods like feast of Pentecost, the Great lent, Shoonoyo lent etc. We have more than 75 families attending these prayers regularly.
Continuous Bible reading
MMVS members across the diocese are actively participating the continuous scripture reading day and night, during the Lenten periods. This dedicated practice allows them to immerse themselves in the holy scripture, fostering a deeper spiritual connection and reflection on the teachings of their faith. The commitment to reading the scriptures around the clock highlights the importance of this sacred time and the collective devotion of the community.
Charity Fund Raising
Every year, MMVS makes charity donations from its funds which includes Snehasparsham charity project by Catholicose. Additionally, members initiate special collections during emergency situations.