On the occasion of the celebration of Golden Jubilee of priesthood and the retirement of Very Rev. Fr. John Khoury, priest of St. Mary Church in Paramus – NJ, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II attended the reception organized in the honor of Very Rev. Fr. John Khoury.
The reception included a performance of St. Mary Church Choir as well as a video presentation of the biography and important achievements of Very Rev. Fr. John during the 50 years of priesthood.
His Holiness spoke about the love of service and the zeal to keep the orthodox faith and Syriac traditions alive that are distinctive traits in Fr. Khoury’s personality.
His Holiness also honored Very Rev. Fr. John with a Syriac pectoral cross especially made from wood.
Their Eminences Mor Dionysius John Kawak, Patriarchal Vicar for the Eastern USA, Mor Titus Yeldho, Archbishop of the Malankara Archdiocese for Northern America, and Mor Silvanos Ayub, Archbishop of the Knanaya Archdiocese in America and Europe.
His Eminence Mor Dionysius Jean Kawak also spoke about the many virtues of Very Rev. Khoury and thanked him for his ministry to the church and parishioners.
In turn, Very Rev. Fr. John thanked His Holiness and their Eminences, as well as his brothers priests and the parishioners he served and promised that he will always do his best to serve the Syriac Church.
