Under the Auspices of Their Eminences Mor Clemis Eugene Kaplan and Mor Dionysius John Kawak, on Thursday, June 27th to Sunday, July 30th, 2023, the Archdiocese of the Syriac Orthodox Church for the Eastern US hosted the Annual Suryoyo Family Gathering at the Mor Aphrem Center in Paramus, New Jersey. Under the theme: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth (3 John 1:4).
On the opening day the participants were led by evening prayers and shown a movie together with families and the movie was “I Can Only Imagine”.
The following day on Friday, July 28, 2023, the day started with morning prayers. His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak then welcomed everyone near and far who joined in the Suryoyo Family Gathering and shared a short spiritual message about “What it Means to Walk in Truth.” On the same day a spiritual lecture was given by Rev. Fr. Anthony Andrews on the topic “Leading by Example.” Rev. Fr. Gabriel Hanna delivered a lecture to the Jr. Youth about “The Way and the Truth.” Abuna Gabriel then opened the floor for a Q&A. Lilyan Andrews the wife of Rev Fr. Anthony Andrews spoke to the Youth about “Truth versus Lies.” A VBS was also hosted on the theme of “Babylon” and “Daniel’s Adventure” for little children. The night was concluded by evening prayers.
On Saturday, July 28, 2023 the gathering began with morning prayers. Followed by a spiritual message from V. Rev. Fr. Aziz Hadodo. Then Fr. Anthony Andrews spoke to the families on “Faith and Family.”
On Sunday, July 30th, 2023, the Annual Suryoyo Family Gathering was concluded by the Holy Liturgy presided by His Holiness Mor Ignatius Aphrem II which was celebrated by V. Rev. Fr. Joseph Chamoun and during the Holy Liturgy Rev. Fr. Anthony Andrews delivered the sermon on the blessing of feeding the Four Thousand.
