On Friday June 27, His Eminence Archbishop Mor Dionysius John Kawak presided over a Youth Spiritual Night at Sts. Peter and Paul Syriac Orthodox Church in Southfield, MI in the presence of Rev. Fr. Imad Al Banna, parish priest, and Rev. Fr. Joseph Shammas, Youth Priest.
The evening began with Ramsho (Evening) Prayers, prepared by Fr. Imad. During the service, His Eminence read from the Holy Gospel according to St. John 14:1–6 and delivered a sermon focused on verse 6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” The Youth Choir beautifully chanted spiritual hymns prepared for the evening service.
Following the prayers, Rev. Fr. Joseph Shammas delivered a spiritual lecture titled “What is Truth?” referencing John 14:6, he explored this profound question through the lives and missions of St. Peter, the fisherman, and St. Paul, the student of the Law. Fr. Joseph emphasized how both Apostles’ lives were transformed after accepting Christ as the only Truth, encouraging the Youth to follow their example in their own spiritual journeys.
The evening continued with an interactive group discussion, prompting the youth to reflect on their personal lives and how they might grow closer to God by following the path of the Apostles. The program concluded with fellowship, questions for the clergy, and shared learning.
