His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak, Archbishop, Patriarchal Vicar of the Eastern Archdiocese of the Syriac Orthodox Church in the United States, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Paul Syriac Orthodox Church in Santee, San Diego, upon the invitation of His Eminence Mor Clemis Eugene Kaplan, Archbishop, Patriarch Vicar of the Western Archdiocese.
During his sermon, Archbishop Kawak reflected on the Gospel from Luke 17:1–10, offering the faithful three essential lessons for their Christian life. First, he reminded everyone of the Lord’s warning not to be a cause of stumbling to others, encouraging each person to be a source of light, not a reason for doubt, in the lives of those around them. He then spoke about the importance of forgiveness, just as God continually forgives us we also need to forgive others. His Eminence explained that forgiveness is not just a word we say but a conscious act of love that sets the heart free.
Finally, he emphasized that true faith is not expressed in words alone but in humble service and obedience to God, reminding the faithful of Christ’s words: “We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.”
He concluded by inviting everyone to make the disciples’ prayer Lord, increase our faith a daily request, living a faith that is active in love, forgiveness, and service.
They also did a Teshmito D’Kuhne for the late Archbishop Mor Gregorios Saliba Shmoun of blessed memory, and at the end of the Holy Liturgy, His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak thanked His Eminence Mor Clemis Eugene Kaplan for his invitation and warm hospitality, and also thanked the parish priest Abuna Khouroyo Louis Yacoub and the faithful of St. Paul Church for their love, and devotion to the life of the Church.
