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Local churches of the Western Archdiocese gather for periodic clergy meetings to discuss the rites and celebrations of the Church.

Date: October 10, 2023
Location: St. Ephraim Cathedral Center

In a proactive display of unity and collaboration, clergy members from various local churches within the Western Archdiocese convened at St. Ephraim Cathedral Center on May 01, 2025, for their regular clergy meeting. The event focused on the significance of church rites during feasts, aiming to unite and enhance spiritual experiences for congregants across the archdiocese.

The meeting commenced with an opening prayer led by His Eminence Mor Clemis Eugene, emphasizing the importance of fellowship among the region's diverse congregations. “As we gather first to offer our heartfelt condolences for the late Hekmat Neama Alkassis, the father of our beloved Very Rev. Fr. Saliba Kassis, and pray in his memory, may our compassionate Lord give him the share of His saints in His kingdom. Second, to unite the rites of church feasts and avoid unnecessary instructions, let us remember our shared mission: to nurture faith, promote love, and celebrate our traditions,” the Metropolitan remarked.

The Very Rev. Fr. Saliba Kassis read what he quoted from Saint Jacob of Sarough's poem about the Resurrection of the Lord. The clergy members engaged in lively discussions on contemporary topics.

One of the central themes of the meeting was the planning of ceremonial practices and rites that must be unified according to the notices in the festival book M’ad’odono. The clergy discussed the following rites:

Divine Liturgy, Baptism, Matrimony, Washing of the Feet, Passion Week, Funeral, and SYG Suryoyo Youth Gathering of the USA, which St. George hosts from July 10-13, 2025.

The gathering concluded by inviting all churches in the archdiocese to collaborate on community service projects, particularly during church feasts, reinforcing the spirit of togetherness and charity at the heart of their shared faith.

After the meeting, the clergy members shared the mercy meal offered by Very Rev. Fr. Saliba Kassis in memory of his late father’s spirit.

After leaving the meeting, the group felt a renewed sense of purpose. By collaborating and innovating, they aim to enhance the worship experience during the upcoming celebrations while continuing to foster a strong sense of community within the Western Archdiocese.