On Friday May 27, 2016 His Holiness Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II presided over the holy liturgy in Mor Aphrem Chapel at Mor Aphrem center celebrated by His Eminence Mor Timotheos Matta Alkhoury, the patriarchal-vicar of the Patriarchal Archdiocese of Damascus. Their Eminences Mor Dionysius Jean Kawak, Patriarchal Vicar of Archdiocese for the Eastern USA, and Mor Selwanos Boutros Al-Nehmeh, Archbishop of Homs, Hama and Environs, were also present.
During his message, His Holiness addressed the clergy present at the Holy Liturgy, thanking them all for their devotion in their ministry and carrying the Christian message to their parishioners with care, love and dedication.
He also decorated Rev. Fr. Anton Sabha, priest of St. Matthew’s Church in Boston in MA, Rev. Fr. Yacoub Youhanon, Priest of St. John the Baptist church in Villa park in IL, and Rev. Fr. John Kouki, Priest of Mor Athanasius church in Tampa in FL, with the Pectoral Cross in recognition for their years of faithful service and work with the community.
