~Pastor’s Message of August 29, 2021~

” The memory of the righteous is celebrated with songs of praise, but the Lord’s testimony is sufficient for thee, O Forerunner. Thou wast shown indeed to be the most honorable of the prophets, for in the waters thou didst baptize Him Whom they had proclaimed. After suffering with joy in behalf of the truth, thou didst proclaim even to those in Hades the God Who appeared in the flesh, Who taketh away the sin of the world, and granteth us Great Mercy.”  APOLYTIKION OF THE BAPTIST’S BEHEADING IN TONE TWO

Dear to Christ the members of St. George,

Grace and blessings to you.

As I write my last message this Sunday on this great Feast of the Beheading of St. John, I give glory to Him who strengthen me and was with me for the last 4 years of my ministry in Toronto. My last serving day will be Tuesday September 14^th on the Feast of the Elevation of the Cross. Please, after Tuesday September 14^th do not contact me for any church matters but call Fr. George Mokbel, your new pastor.

Please, give Fr. George and his family all your support and love the same way you did to me and my beloved Khouryia Manal. I will be around Toronto for few weeks more until I can pack and move to Houston, Texas, but I will be attending another church.

If you like to help me packing, let me know. I will still be in church both Sundays September 5^th and the 12^th but I will not write any more messages.  There will be a Liturgy on Tuesday September 7^th, and Monday night September 13^th. It is a good way to finish my ministry in Toronto with the Elevation of the Cross. I have served the community of St. George with all my strength and my whole being 100%. I thank God for His help during my ministry here, and I ask for forgiveness for any shortcomings.

St. John Chrysostom writes on the Priesthood: “For the priestly office is indeed discharged on earth, but it ranks among heavenly ordinances; and very naturally so: for neither man, nor angel, nor archangel, nor any other created power, but the Paraclete (Holy Spirit) Himself, instituted this vocation, and persuaded men while still abiding in the flesh to represent the ministry of angels.”

In servant Christ and your servant,