Archdiocese of the Syriac Orthodox Church for the Eastern United States

06/22/2026

06/22/2026

On Sunday, June 21, 2026, His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak celebrated the Holy Liturgy at Mor Gabriel Parish in Haworth, New Jersey, assisted by V. Rev. Fr. Saliba Er, in the presence of V. Rev. Fr. Joseph Shabo and V. Rev. Fr. Aziz Hadodo. During the Holy Liturgy, His Eminence ordained the deacons to the rank of Qoruye (Readers).

In his sermon, His Eminence began by reminding the newly ordained Qoruye that their service begins by staying close to Christ and His Holy Altar through prayer and worship. He encouraged them to always serve with humility, remembering that true greatness comes through serving others, and not by seeking honor.
His Eminence also reminded them to love the Holy Scriptures and the teachings of the Church and the Syriac (Aramaic) language, to continue growing in faith, and to respect and obey their clergy, knowing that humility is the foundation of every ministry. He encouraged them to be examples of Christ wherever they go, letting their lives reflect their faith, and reminded them to remain faithful, because God calls us to be faithful in our service.

His Eminence concluded by praying that the Lord may strengthen the newly ordained Qoruye to serve His Church with humility, purity, and joy. He also congratulated the parish of Mor Gabriel, the faithful, the newly ordained deacons, and their families on this blessed occasion.

06/21/2026

On Saturday, His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak celebrated the Holy Liturgy at St. Helen Syriac Orthodox Church in Indianapolis, assisted by V. Rev. Fr. Samer Youhanoun.

In his sermon, His Eminence reflected on the Gospel reading from Mark 6:4–13, “A Prophet Without Honor.” He reminded the faithful that sometimes we can become too familiar with the blessings God has given us and forget their true value.
His Eminence spoke about how the people of Nazareth saw Jesus but failed to recognize who He truly was because they lacked faith. He reminded us to always welcome Christ in our lives with a faithful heart and never take His presence for granted.

He also mentioned the mission of the Apostles and how Christ sent them out with trust in God, teaching us that the Church changes lives through the power of Christ and that we are all called to share His love through our words and actions.

As we celebrated Father’s Day, His Eminence also reminded us to pray for all fathers, grandfathers, and spiritual fathers, that God may strengthen them and guide them in their sacred calling.

06/21/2026

Happy and Blessed Father’s Day

06/18/2026

Yesterday, Wednesday, June 17, 2026, the students of God’s Children Academy enjoyed a special visit to the Archdiocesan Gift Shop to purchase Father’s Day gifts for their fathers.

The children had a wonderful time shopping and choosing gifts with love. At the end of their visit, their teachers encouraged them to give back to the Church by visiting the Chapel, where they lit candles, prayed together, and placed their remaining change in the candle offering box.

May God bless all fathers for their love, guidance, and sacrifices. Happy Father’s Day!

06/18/2026

250 registered. Only 100 spots remain. 🤍

⏳ Just 14 days left until registration closes.

If you’re planning to join us at SFG 2026, don’t wait. Registration closes June 30 — or sooner if capacity is reached.

🔗 Link in bio | suryoyofamilygathering.com

06/18/2026

God’s Children Academy Father’s Day Shopping 🫶🏼🤍

06/15/2026

✨ The 2026 Suryoyo Family Gathering Program is Here! ✨

Take a look at what’s in store for SFG 2026: inspiring spiritual messages, engaging workshops, fellowship, activities, VBS, prayer services, and special evening programs for the whole family.

We can’t wait to spend this unforgettable weekend together. 💜

⏳ Only 15 days remain to register!

Registration closes June 30th, or sooner if capacity is reached. If you’re planning to join us, now is the time to secure your spot and begin preparing for a blessed weekend of faith, fellowship, and forgiveness.

🔗 Register today at suryoyofamilygathering.com

06/15/2026

On Sunday, June 14, 2026, His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak celebrated the Holy Liturgy at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Paramus, New Jersey, assisted by V. Rev. Fr. Joseph Chamoun and Rev. Fr. Joseph Shammas, in the presence of the local clergy.

During the Holy Liturgy, His Eminence ordained Full Deacon Peter John Meno to the holy rank of Priesthood for the Mission Parish of St. Jacob of Serugh in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Following the ordination, Rev. Fr. Peter Meno delivered a sermon in which he first thanked our Lord Jesus Christ for this great blessing. He spoke about his feelings as he was elevated to the rank of priesthood and expressed his gratitude to His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak for his prayers and fatherly leadership, for his love, guidance, support, and for allowing this blessed ordination to take place. He lovingly remembered his late father, who also served as a priest, and spoke about the impact his father had on his life and spiritual journey.

He also shared his excitement and commitment to serving the faithful of St. Jacob of Serugh Mission Parish in Charlotte, North Carolina, and expressed his appreciation to his home parish, St. Mark’s Cathedral, for their prayers, support, and encouragement throughout the years.

Following the Holy Liturgy, the faithful gathered in the Syriac Social Hall to celebrate this joyous occasion by cutting a cake in honor of Rev. Fr. Peter Meno’s ordination to the holy rank of priesthood.

06/13/2026

Under the auspices of His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak, on Friday, June 12, 2026, the Archdiocesan Educational Committee organized the Annual Commemoration of Sayfo, the Syriac Genocide. The evening began with a special prayer service for the Sayfo Martyrs.

Following the Holy Gospel reading, His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak delivered a sermon reflecting on the memory of Sayfo and the faithfulness of the martyrs who endured persecution for the name of Christ. His Eminence reminded the faithful that although our people suffered greatly, they never lost their faith, and emphasized that we remember Sayfo not with hatred or revenge, but with truth, prayer, and faith. He also encouraged the youth to honor the memory of the martyrs by remaining faithful to Christ, living their faith, and becoming witnesses of His light in the world. His Eminence concluded by praying that the memory of the Sayfo Martyrs may strengthen our Church and guide future generations to remain steadfast in Christ.

Following the sermon, attendees had the opportunity to listen to several family testimonies recounting the experiences of Sayfo in their villages. A poem prepared by Amy Hannoush was also presented in both Aramaic Syriac and English, featuring the words of Mor Jacob of Serugh. The commemoration continued with a procession to the Sayfo Monument, where the faithful participated in the Teshmeshto d’Suhde (Service of the Martyrs), offering special prayers in remembrance of the martyrs. The evening concluded with light refreshments in the social hall of the Mor Aphrem Center in Paramus, New Jersey.