On Friday, May 3rd, 2024, His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak assisted by Rev. Fr. Gabriel Alkass, celebrated the service of worship of the Crucifixion Of our Lord Jesus Christ on Good Friday, at the Parish of the Virgin Mary in Paramus, New Jersey.
In his sermon, he spoke about the Cross in our Syriac tradition. His Eminence explained to the faithful that it is not only in the words of prophecy that we find the path to the Holy Cross but also in the stories of our forefathers, that we discern shadows of the ultimate sacrifice to come. He went on by saying “In the rich tapestry of the Syriac Orthodox tradition, the Cross stands as a beacon of divine love, redemption, and victory over sin and death.”
He reminded them that wherever we are, no matter how far from God we may have wandered, or the path we have traveled, we are never too far away, and we are never abandoned. He concluded by reminding them that as we look upon the Cross, let it be a reminder of God’s unending love for us, the price paid for our redemption, and the path we are called to follow. “May it inspire us to live our lives worthy of the calling we have received, bearing our crosses with faith and courage, and spreading the light of Christ’s love in a world in dire need of hope.”
