On Sunday, February 2, 2025, His Eminence Mor Andrawos Bahhi, Patriarchal Vicar for Youth Affairs and Christian Education celebrated the Holy Liturgy, assisted by V. Rev. Fr. Joseph Chamoun in the presence of His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak. During his sermon, His Eminence Mor Andrawos reflected on the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord and the story of St. Simeon the Elder, who held the infant Jesus in his arms at the Temple. His Eminence posed a powerful question to the faithful: “Who is carrying who?”He reminded us that while St. Simeon physically carried Jesus, it is truly Jesus who carries St. Simeon and the entire world. His Eminence also addressed the question, “Did Jesus and Mary need to be purified?” The answer, he affirmed, is no. However, Jesus underwent the purification to fulfill the Law of Moses. This act of obedience serves as a lesson for all of us.
His Eminence encouraged the faithful to reflect on their own lives and consider how much more we are called to fulfill the commandments, sacraments, and teachings of the Church and the Holy Bible. His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak also blessed the newly elected Youth Board of St. Mark’s Cathedral. The Holy Liturgy concluded with a procession, marking the feast day. It was a blessed occasion filled with prayer and tradition.
