Patriarch John X celebrated the Divine Liturgy (Sunday of the Pharisee and the Publican) at Our Lady of Balamand Patriarchal Monastery, with the participation of Metropolitan Saba (Esber) of New York and all North America, Patriarchal Assistant Bishop Moussa (Al-Khasi), Archimandrite George Yaacoub, Abbot of the Monastery, Archimandrite Yaacoub Khalil, Dean of the Institute of Saint John of Damascus, a group of priests, deacons, the Balamand family, and a crowd of faithful.
During the Divine Liturgy, and with the blessing of Patriarch John, Deacon Paul from the Archdiocese of North America was ordained to the priesthood. The latter will establish a monastery in the archdiocese.
In his speech, Patriarch John addressed Father Paul, the new priest, saying: “The Church’s message to you today is to be humble, following the example of your Lord Jesus, who humbled Himself until death, the death of the cross. We pray for you today that the Lord might strengthen you to establish a monastic life in the monastery affiliated with our archdiocese in America.”
Patriarch John pondered the importance of today’s priestly ordination in Balamand Monastery, upon Metropolitan Saba’s request and through his efforts. He stressed its meaning: “All of us, here and in America, are molded with Christ Jesus who dwells in us in our Antiochian Church. We seek to preserve this deposit of faith in the Church of Antioch that bears witness to the word of truth, to Christ Jesus all over the world.”
Patriarch John congratulated the Lebanese people on the new government.
He recalled with hope the devastating earthquake that struck the region two years ago and urged our children in Antioch to remain strong in faith and steadfastness. In conclusion, Metropolitan Saba gave a speech in which he thanked Patriarch John for his care and stopped at some activities in his archdiocese.
He stressed that the appointment of Deacon Paul as a priest in Balamand, at the hands of Patriarch John, is evidence of loyalty to the Patriarch and confirmation that the heart of our church beats here.
