On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, His Eminence Mor Anthimos Jack Yakoub celebrated the Holy Liturgy assisted by Raban Saliba Er in the presence of His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak at Mor Gabriel Church in Haworth, New Jersey, on the occasion of the Transfiguration of our Lord and the feast of Mor Gabriel. In his sermon, His Eminence spoke about the Transfiguration and shared how Jesus once asked His disciples a question: “Who do the crowds say that I am?” Then Jesus asked the disciples, “But who do you say that I am?” And His Eminence reminded the faithful how Jesus was speaking to those who had walked with Him, witnessed His miracles, His healing of the sick, the feeding of the multitudes, and even the raising of the dead. Yet only one spoke, Peter who said, “You are the Messiah, Son of God.”
He also shared how even today, this question from Jesus “Who do you say that I am?” is still hard to answer with only the mind. It’s only by faith that we can begin to understand how God humbled Himself, allowed Himself to be rejected, beaten, and crucified for our salvation. His Eminence Mor Anthimos also spoke about the appearance of Moses and Elijah with Jesus, explaining that they represented the Law and the Prophets Moses being the figure of the Law, and Elijah representing the Prophets. He shared how they were speaking with Jesus about His coming sacrifice and the purpose of His mission to save the world.
He also mentioned Peter’s reaction, when he said, “Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” not knowing what he said. His Eminence reminded us that if a king is present, the honor and focus belong to the King first and that Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, the One who brings salvation.
Finally, he concluded with the words from Luke 9:34–35 “While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were fearful as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!’” And when the voice had ceased, Jesus was found alone reminding us once again that He is the beginning and the end.
