On Wednesday, January 1, 2025 with the blessings and presence of our Patriarch His Holiness Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Archbishop Mor Dionysius John Kawak, and V. Rev. Fr. Joseph Chamoun celebrated the Holy Liturgy at St. Mark’s Cathedral on the occasion of the New Year, the Feast of the Circumcision of Jesus, and the Feast of Saints Basil, Gregory, and the Fathers Fr. Joseph, on behalf of His Holiness and His Eminence, extended warm greetings, wishing everyone a blessed and prosperous New Year, filled with peace, joy, and good health. In his sermon, Fr. Joseph reflected on three important themes, the Covenant, Holiness, and Commitment. He reminded the faithful of the significance of the Circumcision of Jesus, marking His entry into the covenant with God’s people. Fr. Joseph called on the faithful to reflect on their own baptism and to live out the covenant as children of God, committed to lives of holiness and obedience.
He emphasized that holiness is not a passive state, but one that requires sacrifice, devotion, and active effort. Saints Basil and Gregory exemplified this through their tireless service, their dedication to the truth, and their profound commitment to the Christian faith. Fr. Joseph concluded his sermon by reflecting on the importance of commitment in the Christian journey. As the new year begins, many make personal resolutions, but he challenged the congregation to focus on their commitment to God and to one another. After the Liturgy, they gathered in the Social Hall.
