On Saturday, January 10, 2026, His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak celebrated the Holy Liturgy, assisted by Rev. Fr. Alan Shaltan, at St. Stephen Parish in Miami.
In his sermon on the feast of Saint Stephen the Protomartyr, His Eminence reflected on Stephen’s unique place in the life of the early Church as both a deacon of service and a martyr of bold witness. Drawing from the Book of Acts, he explained that Stephen was chosen not merely for practical administration, but because he was “of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 6:3).
His Eminence emphasized that the diaconal ministry is fundamentally spiritual: true service is born from a heart filled with prayer, humility, and love for Christ.
His Eminence also highlighted Stephen’s courage in proclaiming the truth, reminding the faithful that authentic discipleship does not compromise when challenged. He pointed to Stephen’s steadfast confession of Christ even unto death and to the heavenly vision granted to him: “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56). The sermon further underlined Stephen’s Christ-like forgiveness, especially in his final prayer for those who stoned him: “Lord, do not charge them with this sin” (Acts 7:60).
Concluding, His Eminence called the faithful to learn from Saint Stephen for today’s world: to serve the Church with a Spirit-filled life, to bear witness to Christ with courage, and to respond to trials with forgiveness rather than resentment taking up the cross daily (Matthew 16:24, NKJV). Echoing the spirit of the Fathers, he presented Stephen as a living icon of the Gospel where love becomes stronger than hatred, and faith becomes brighter than fear.
