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Installation of Rev. Fr. Tony Yakoub as New Priest for the Congregation of the Holy Belt of the V. Mary, Ventura

The Holy Belt of the V. Mary congregation was filled with eager anticipation and palpable excitement as they prepared to celebrate a momentous occasion on the evening of September 24, 2024: the official installation of Rev. Fr. Tony Yakoub as their new priest. The solemn liturgy, held at St. Ephraim Cathedral, was the culmination of this collective anticipation. This event marked a significant milestone for the parish, bringing together faithful members from Ventura and beyond to witness the ancient liturgical tradition.

The installation service, a moment of profound significance, was overseen by His Eminence Mor Clemis Eugene Kaplan, Archbishop of the Western United States of the Syriac Orthodox Church. His presence and guidance, a beacon of reassurance and connection, were a source of strength for the congregation. He appointed Rev. Fr. Tony Yakoub as the new priest to serve the congregation's spiritual needs. Clergy members from nearby parishes, along with deacons, choir members, and lay leaders, participated in the service, which featured traditional Syriac chants and hymns invoking the blessings of the Holy Spirit on Fr. Yakoub's ministry.

In his homily, Archbishop Mor Clemis Eugene Kaplan spoke about the sacred responsibility of priesthood, highlighting the role of the priest as a shepherd who leads his flock with love, wisdom, and humility. His words were a powerful call to service, igniting a flame of inspiration in Rev. Fr. Tony Yakoub to be a tireless servant of God and a source of inspiration for the community, especially during spiritual and social challenges. The congregation, deeply moved by the metropolitan’s words, was inspired and committed to supporting their new priest in this noble endeavor.

Rev. Fr. Tony Yakoub, known for his dedication to the church and deep theological understanding, expressed his gratitude to God, the Archbishop, and the congregation in his first address as the new priest. "This is a humble and blessed moment for me. I come with a heart full of love and commitment to this congregation, and together, we will walk in our Lord's footsteps. Through the Virgin Mary's intercession, I am deeply humbled by this opportunity to serve this beloved congregation. With God's grace and the Virgin Mary's intercession, I will strive to guide this community in faith, love, and unity," Rev. Fr. Yakoub shared with the gathered faithful.

An extraordinary moment of the day came after the service when Rev. Fr. Yakoub offered a rare and profoundly sacred blessing with the Holy Belt of the Virgin Mary. The part of the belt that Rev. Fr. Yakoub had brought to the congregation is a venerated relic in the Syriac Orthodox tradition believed to offer divine protection and blessings. Each attendee was individually blessed with the Holy Belt, infusing the ceremony with a palpable sense of divine presence and grace.

Following the blessing, the parish council of the Holy Belt of Virgin Mary congregation prepared a grand reception in the St. Ephraim social hall. This reception followed the installation ceremony, where parishioners could greet and welcome their new priest. Many expressed excitement and optimism about Rev. Fr. Yakoub's leadership, praising his commitment to fostering spiritual growth and community outreach.

As Rev. Fr. Tony Yakoub takes on his new role, the Congregation of the Holy Belt of the Virgin Mary looks forward to a future of renewed faith and more profound spiritual connection under his guidance. His pastoral leadership is expected to bring fresh energy to the parish, especially the youth, enrich its liturgical life, and expand its charitable efforts in Ventura.

The congregation, a vibrant part of the Syriac Orthodox Church, continues to uphold the ancient traditions of the faith while serving the local community through spiritual guidance, social services, and cultural activities. With Rev. Fr. Tony Yakoub at the helm, the faithful look forward to a future filled with hope, unity, and spiritual renewal. Congratulations.