On Sunday, May 27th, 2018, His Eminence Archbishop Mor Dionysius John Kawak, celebrated the Holy Liturgy (Qurobo) at St. Afrem Syriac Orthodox Church in North Lake, Illinois. During the Holy Qurobo, His Eminence ordained the following deacons (shamoshe):
Readers: Gabriel Chamoun and Simon Armoush.
Sub-deacon: George Kourieh and Hilal Hendo.
His Eminence was assisted by Rev. Fr. Fr. Sharbel Bcheiry (pastor of the church) and Rev. Fr. Ephram Adde, in the presence of Very Rev. Fr. Gabriel Adde.
After the Deacons ordination, His Eminence celebrated the ceremonial communion for some children of St. Afrem Parish: Logan Shoudis, Gabriel Bcheiry, Hannah Asoofi, and Donel Jerji.
In his sermon, His Eminence spoke directly to the children celebrating Ceremonial Communion, engaging them in a question and answer session about the spiritual education they received in preparation for this event. Then he instructed the newly- ordained shamoshe about the real meaning of being a servant of the Holy Altar. And he offered congratulations to the deacons and to their families.
Afterwards, His Eminence, the Clergy, and the children of Ceremonial Communion and the newly- ordained shamoshe were congratulated and welcomed into the Church Hall by the congregation.
