Ceremonial Communion and Commemoration of St. Georges – Damascus

On May 6, 2019, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II celebrated the Holy Qurobo at St. Georges Patriarchal Cathedral, for the Commemoration of St. Georges, Patron Saint of the Cathedral, and the ceremonial communion of children from the Patriarchal Center for Religious Education – Bab Touma, Damascus.

 
He was assisted by their Eminences Mor Timotheos Matta Al-Khoury, Patriarchal Vicar in the Patriarchal Archdiocese of Damascus, and Mor Anthimos Jack Yakoub, Patriarchal Vicar for Youth Affairs and Religious Education.
 
In his sermon, His Holiness recalled the martyrdom of St. Georges, and asked the intercession of the Great Martyr. He then spoke about the Holy Communion in the tradition of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch; he assured that this is a ceremonial communion, for a child partakes of the Holy Mysteries right after Baptism and Confirmation.
 
His Holiness spoke about the meaning of communion and how Bread and Wine become the Body and Blood of Christ by the act of the Holy Spirit Whom the priest invokes during the Qurobo.
 
His Holiness added that he who approaches to partake of the Holy Mysteries should approach readily, in due manner, and with humbleness. He then congratulated the Children, their parents, the Patriarchal Center for Religious Education, for this occasion. He finally concluded by commanding the Children to be disciples for the Lord, listen to His words, and always do what pleases Him.
 
During the Qurobo, His Holiness presided over the Service (Teshmeshto) of the Martyrs before the icon of St. Georges in the Cathedral.
 
Finally, the Children and all who were present partook of the Holy Mysteries.

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