Resurrection Day this year was celebrated on Sunday, April 8, 2018 at all of the parishes of the Syriac Orthodox Eastern United States. This day became more remarkable as the Archdiocese celebrated its first Holy Liturgy at the new St. Mark’s Cathedral, where His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak was assisted by V. Rev .Fr. Joseph Chamoun and V. Rev. Fr. Augeen Alkhouri. Among those in attendance were several deacons and the choir of the cathedral, as well as a large number of the faithful. Also present were the Mayor of Paramus, NJ, Mr. Richard LaBarbiera, and the Mayor of Montvale, NJ Mr. Mike Ghassali, as well as the Sheriff of Bergen County, Mr. Michael Saudino.
His Eminence, in his sermon, spoke about the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, and how we have to witness His resurrection. In our church, we have always witnessed Jesus Christ to the world and continue to do so. He congratulated everyone on this special occasion, as well as on the first liturgy of the new cathedral. At the end of his sermon, His Eminence parted with the following encouraging words directed at our young men and women, “Dear Youth, your parents have planted the seed. It is now your turn to make sure that this seed grows into a beautiful tree that bears much fruit. We give responsibility to you. Some people say that the youth is the future, but the youth is our present and future. You are called to be servants of our Lord and build up the Church of God now! May the Risen Christ, the giver of life, grant you all a blessed life as a new creation in Christ.”
“Qom Moran Men Qabro, Shariro eth Qom”
“Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!”
