On Friday, December 12, 2025, the Standing Conference of Oriental Orthodox Churches (SCOOCh) held their Annual Pan-Orthodox Christmas Concert at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Paramus, New Jersey. Our Syriac Orthodox Choir led the concert with the prayer of Abun D’Bashmayo, followed by a warm welcome from His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak. His Grace Bishop David then shared a few simple and meaningful words with the faithful about the Nativity of our Lord and the unity of the Orthodox Church. Their Eminences Archbishop Titus and Archbishop Elpidophoros also offered a special spiritual homily. The event was emceed by the Secretary of the Standing Conference of Oriental Orthodox Churches, Rev. Archdeacon Gebre Kristos Nicholas Siniari.
We were blessed to hear the choirs from:
Armenian Orthodox Church Choir
Greek Orthodox Church Choir
Joint Greek / Antiochian Choir
Ethiopian Orthodox Church Choir
Malankara-Syriac Orthodox Church Choir
Coptic Orthodox Church Choir
Syriac Orthodox Church Choir
Each choir prayed in its own language and sang in its own beautiful tradition. Yet all were united in one Orthodox faith, one prayer, and one worship centered on God.
Photos courtesy of Mr. Dimitry Faltas
