His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak, on March 2nd, 2018 celebrated the Holy Liturgy at St. Aphraim Church in Washington, D.C. During the liturgy, he ordained Deacon Aphrem Al-Faham as the new Parish priest. The majority of the clergy from the Eastern Archdiocese of the United States were in attendance of the ordination. The newly ordained priest gave a speech in which he thanked God for His calling to service and reminded everyone that the church needs us just as much as we need the church.
Also during the liturgy, His Eminence honored Father Eli Shabo by thanking him for his faithful service and commitment in serving the Parish of St. Aphraim as its very first priest. Afterwards, the clergy shared an Agapy meal to celebrate the occasion.
