Archdiocese of Australia and NZ: Ordination of Priest Father John Kushaba and Sub-deacon Fariz Yokhanis

2010-04-11

‘Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit’ Matthew 28:19

In the blessed morning of April the 11th 2010, the first Sunday after the resurrection of Christ, the consecration of a priest and sub-deacon took place at St Hurmizd’s Cathedral by H.B Mar Meelis Zaia, the Metropolitan of the Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand and Lebanon. A large congregation of priests, deacons and faithful gathered to witness this blissful event offering prayers, support and comfort for the individuals that were to be ordained and begin their life-time service to our Holy Church.

H.B Mar Meelis laid his blessed hand on Deacon John Aprim Kushaba which was lifted to the ranking of priesthood to continue his service for the Assyrian Church of the East and in particular guiding the Saints Peter and Paul Parish, an English speaking parish that that will soon have their own premises in Cecil Park, God willing. On this note, Father Genard Lazar, the current parish priest of Saints Peter and Paul, will be relieved from his position in the parish and pursuit a new role in preaching the life-giving word of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in the Diocese of California upon the request of H.G Mar Awa Royel, the bishop of the diocese.

Along with the ordination of Father John, Fariz Yokhanis after years of hard work and commitment to the church was also elevated to the ranking sub-deaconhood for this diocese.

We pray that God may hold their hands and guide them for the exaltation of the church and so that ‘their light may shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven’ Matthew 5:16

Photos provided by Egoiste Photography - Richard Babanour