Under the Auspices of His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak, on Saturday, February 21, 2026, the Syriac Orthodox Archdiocesan Youth Ministry of the Eastern United States hosted their annual Winter Youth Day Retreat on the theme “Be Transformed” (Romans 12:2). This all-day program was led by His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak, Archbishop and Patriarchal Vicar of the Eastern United States, His Eminence Mor Andrawos Bahhi, Archbishop and Patriarchal Vicar of Youth Affairs and Christian Education, and our Archdiocesan Youth Priest Rev. Fr. Joseph Shammas.
The day began with an opening prayer and introduction, setting our hearts and minds on Christ. It continued with the first session, a spiritual message from His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak on the call to repentance, “Be converted, that your sins may be blotted out” Acts 3:19, reminding the youth to turn back to God with a sincere heart. After the spiritual message, the youth gathered in small groups to discuss questions reflecting on being created in God’s image (Gen 1:26) and called to return to Him.
After a short break, the retreat continued with a second session, a spiritual message from His Eminence Mor Andrawos Bahhi on walking in newness of life, “Walk in newness of life” Romans 6:4, encouraging us to live our faith daily. This was followed by another opportunity for our youth to gather in small groups to discuss dying and rising with Christ and embracing our new identity in Him. The day continued with dinner and fellowship, with youth gathered from over seven parishes across our Eastern Archdiocese.
In the evening, in a joint event organized by our Archdiocesan Youth Ministry and Suryoyo Family Gathering, faithful of all ages, youth and adults, gathered as a spiritual family lifting our hearts to the Lord in evening prayers at St. Mark’s Cathedral. The day-long spiritual program ended with a keynote spiritual message on “Be Transformed” (Romans 12:2) delivered by His Eminence Mor Andrawos Bahhi. Following the spiritual program, the faithful were welcomed to the Suryoyo Community Hall for refreshments and fellowship. We thank the Lord for this blessed and beautiful day spent growing together in faith, hope, and love.
