Holy Qurobo for the Feast of Transfiguration and Conclusion of SYGG – Sweden

On August 4, 2019, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II celebrated the Holy Qurobo at Mor Jacob of Nisibi Cathedral in Södertälje, Sweden, for the occasion of the feast of Transfiguration as well as the conclusion of the fifth Suryoyo Youth Global Gathering.
 
He was assisted by their Eminences: Mor Julius Abdelahad Shabo, Archbishop of Sweden and Scandinavia, Mor Dioscoros Benjamin Atas, Patriarchal Vicar in Sweden, Mor Timotheos Moussa Al-Shamani, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Mor Mattai Monastery, Mor Dionysius Jean Kawak, Patriarchal Vicar for the Archdiocese of the Eastern United States of America, Mor Nicodemus Daoud Sharaf, Archbishop of Mosul, Kirkuk, Kurdistan and Environs, and Mor Anthimos Jack Yakoub, Patriarchal Vicar for Youth Affairs and Christian Education.
 
The reverend priests, deacons, and choir of the cathedral served the Qurobo, in the presence of the youth taking part in the SYGG, as well as a large crowd of faithful.
 
In his sermon, His Holiness spoke about the significance of the feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ. He pointed out to two important aims of this event. His Holiness considered that the Lord wanted to show His disciples part of the glory that awaits the one who believes in Him; he wanted to lift their minds and thoughts towards the heavenly things instead of the materialistic and worldly things. His Holiness also said that this event aimed at making the disciples, as well as every Christian, think seriously about who Jesus was, is He just the great teacher Jesus of Nazareth Who was doing good? Or is He Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God who came for our salvation?
 
His Holiness, thanking the Lord for the success of the fifth SYGG, considered that this gathering puts the youth before the same question, and give them the chance to experience the personal relationship with the Lord Jesus and the living together with clergy and youth from the various Syriac Orthodox dioceses all over the world.
 
During the Qurobo, His Eminence Mor Anthimos Jack Yakoub spoke about the main goals of the SYGG and ultimate vision of the gathering. He also thanked all those who took part in organizing and preparing for the SYGG in Sweden.
 
Several youth then gave testimonies about their participation and experience in the past few days at the SYGG; the youth considered the gathering to be a life-changing experience that brought them closer to our Lord and with their spiritual fathers and leaders.
 
Then His Eminence Mor Julius Abdelahad Shabo gave a speech in which he welcomed His Holiness as well as all their Eminences and the youth taking part in the SYGG. His Eminence also thanked His Holiness for the special care he is showing to the Suryoyo youth.
 
After the Qurobo, a memorial photo for the gathering was taken.

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