On December 16, 2017 St. Matthew’s Syriac Orthodox Church in Boston organized a Christmas Recital to glorify the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. His Eminence Archbishop Mor Dionysius John Kawak Patriarchal Vicar of the Eastern United States Archdiocese blessed the gathering by his presence, and he was accompanied by Very Rev. Fr. Saliba Kassis, Very Rev. Fr. Maroutha Hanna and Rev. Fr. Mathias Shaltan
In his welcoming words, Rev. Fr. Anton Sabha, Pastor of St. Matthew’s Church, introduced the recital with a short spiritual reflection and words of thanks to His Eminence, the guest Priests, the choir, the organizers and the community. The one hour recital was in three parts and included hymns, and songs for the occasion in three languages: Syriac, Arabic and English. The choir was composed of adults and kids, and it was conducted by Deacon Razek Siriani who also thanked His Eminence, the choir for their performance, the parish council, the organist, and the parents of the kids. The Christmas recital was offered for Peace in the world; especially in the Middle East, and for the safe return of the two abducted archbishops of Aleppo: Yohanna Ibrahim and Bolos Yazji. At the closing of the recital, His Eminence Kawak addressed the choir with words of thanks and praise for their wonderful performance, blessed and encouraged the community to attach themselves to church and rejoice the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
