By IANS
Maramon (Kerala) : Kerala is once again set to host the Maramon convention, billed as the largest Christian congregation in Asia, which brings together bishops and priests from across the world.
The 113th convention, which begins here Sunday, is held under the aegis of the Syrian Mar Thoma Church, headquartered at Thiruvalla, about 100 km from Thiruvananthapuram. Maramon is situated on the banks of the Pampa river, about 20 km from Thiruvalla.
Bishop Maake J. Masango (South Africa), Rev Charles Price (Canada) and Myron S. Augsburger (the US) are the main speakers at the convention, which would be inaugurated by Joseph Marthoma Metropolitan, the supreme head of the Mar Thoma Church.
The weeklong convention will have a series of prayer and devotional music sessions.
Over the years, the Maramon convention has undergone several changes with religious aspects taking a back seat. The event in recent years sees a mad rush of politicians from various parties, who make their presence felt among their electorate.
The Mar Thoma community has nearly a million believers spread across Kerala.
Going by past records, close to quarter million people are expected to converge at Maramon to hear the addresses of the special invitees and the top clergy of the Mar Thoma church.