Reopening Holy Liturgy at the Church of the Virgin Mary in Parmaus, New Jersey and the conclusion of the gathering for the Centennial of the Urhoyan Migration
On Sunday, September 28, 2025. The Syriac Orthodox faithful gathered with great joy at the Church of the Virgin Mary in Paramus, NJ for the Divine Liturgy marking the reopening of the church after renovation and the centennial of the Urhoyan migration from Edessa (Urhoy) to Aleppo (1924–2024). The Holy liturgy was celebrated by His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak, assisted by Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Shabo and Rev. Fr. Joseph Shammas.
In his sermon, His Eminence spoke about “Remember the Baskets” from (Matthew 16:5–12). Among his key lines, His Eminence reminded the faithful, that “the church looks beautiful but God desires more than a beautiful building, He desires holy people.” His Eminence also added “Let this renewed church be two things, a school of remembrance and a workshop of mercy.” He connected his sermon with the faith of the ancestors who journeyed from Urhoy to Aleppo, affirming that our Lord who sustained them will continue to bless their children and our church. As a conclusion to his sermon His Eminence offered his many thanks to Rev. Fr. Gabriel Alkass, parish council, committees, builders, donors, volunteers, deacons, and the choir, as well as all who worked on the Centennial commemoration. The celebration closed in an atmosphere of unity to serve Christ and neighbor with renewed love.
