The Holy Liturgy Concelebrated by the Oriental Orthodox Churches

by Babu Jacob

Saturday, February 4th 2006, a blessed day, indeed a blissful day for the ancient Oriental Orthodox Churches and for the faithful in the North-Eastern part of USA. More than 350 people belonging to the Armenian, Coptic, Ethiopian, Malankara Syrian Orthodox (including the North American Knanaya Community) and the Syriac Orthodox Churches assembled to participate in the Concelebration of the Divine Eucharist by their beloved local hierarchy at the beautiful St. Mark’s Syrian Orthodox Cathedral, Teaneck, New Jersey. Evidently, the Almighty was pleased seeing the unity among His flocks and withheld the man-predicted rainy weather to grace the day an efficacious one. People arrived at the cathedral en masse even before the scheduled time to witness this blissful event. 

At 9 AM the Morning Prayer lead by His Eminence Mor Titus Yeldho, the Archbishop of the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Archdiocese resumed, followed by the traditional procession (RASA) and formal reception of the Prelates. At 10 AM the con-celebration of the Holy Eucharist began with the Chief Celebrants, His Eminence Archbishop Mor Cyril Aphrem Karim of the Syriac Orthodox Church, His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian of Armenian Orthodox Church, His Grace Metropolitan Mor Severios Abraham of the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church of India, His Eminence Archbishop Mor Titus Yeldho of the Malankara Archdiocese of the Syrian Orthodox Church in North America, His Grace Bishop David of the Coptic Orthodox Church, His Eminence Archbishop Mor Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim of the Syrian Orthodox Archdiocese of Aleppo, Syria, and Bishop Vicken Aykazian of the Armenian Orthodox Church. In the absence of Archbishop Abune Matthias, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahado Church was represented by several faithful lead by Rev. Fr. Michael Greene and Reverend Deacons. This solemn occasion was also blessed with the presence of about 60 priests and deacons of the above churches. 

The Malankara Archdiocesan Choir under the direction of Rev. Dn. Jerry Jacob and lead by Mr. Ginu John & troupe presented an exemplary performance through out the entire Holy Service. The Sermon of the day was given by His Eminence Archbishop Mor Titus Yeldho and the vote of thanks by Very Rev. Eapen Ezhamalil Corepiscopos. 

Finally, an oriental feast was served to all with entertainment provided by the melodious Malankara Archdiocesan Choir. This year’s Concelebration symbolizing the unity among the world’s mainstream Oriental Orthodox Churches, was hosted by the Malankara Archdiocese of the Syrian Orthodox Church in North America.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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