Sunday 24th of July was the final day of the Syriac Orthodox Church Annual Convention, for the year 2016, held in Jacksonville, Florida. With the presence of His Eminences Mor Dionysius John Kawak, Archbishop patriarchal Vicar for the Eastern united states. His Eminence Mor Clemis Eugene Kaplan, Archbishop patriarchal Vicar for the Western states, The Holy Qurobo (Divine Liturgy) was celebrated by His Eminences, Mor Selwanus Petros El-Nemeh, Archbishop of Homs, Hama & Environs, and His Grace Mor Maurice Amsih, bishop patriarchal delegate for Jezeerah and Euphrates.
H.E. Mor Clemis Eugene Kaplan delivered a very remarkable sermon about the theme of the convention (and they were called Christians first in Antioch). He explained how our people suffered through the ages from continuous persecutions for their faith, and how they diligently persisted in spreading the word of God everywhere they existed.
When the Holy Liturgy concluded, the Clergy and all the parishioners went to the Church of the Zunoro, prayed the supplication of St. Mary and did a procession with the Zunoro of the Virgin Mary where all the participants were blessed by it. Then His Eminence Kawak accompanied with their eminences and the priests held the prayer of foundation blessing for a church hall in the premises. Afterwards, all were invited for a BBQ prepared by the ladies of the parish.
