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Renovation of St. Ephraim Cathedral, Burbank

On Saturday, October 30, 2021, after its renovation, St. Ephraim Cathedral was filled with the joy of its new look. His Eminence Mor Clemis Eugene Kaplan, with His Eminence Mor Jusinus Boulos Safar, Archbishop of Zahle and Beqaa, Lebanon, celebrated the renewal prayer service rite, assistant with many clergy deacons and faithful of many churches gathered to join the joyful event of the cathedral.

At the end of the renewal prayer service, during his speech, His Eminence Mor Clemis Eugene thanks His Eminence Archbishop Mor Justinus Boulos for his presence and participation in blessed events prayers. Also, he thanks His Excellency the consul of Iraq in Los Angeles, Mr. Wassim Rafo, and his blessed family members, the clergy, representatives, and faithful of all attendant churches.

In his speech, His Eminence recalled the St. Ephraim Cathedral, saying,

"… Dear faithful, this is a great occasion in the history of our St. Ephraim Cathedral as you know that St. Ephraim Church was founded in Hollywood, California, in 1962, by a few Syriac Orthodox families led by the late very Rev. Fr. Fadel Fedail. The community-acquired Church building on 900 N. Hoover St. in 1967 has been growing ever since. In the mid-seventies, the membership had grown to about 60 families. In the late seventies and early eighties, membership increased to several hundred families because of the large-scale immigration from the Middle East.

After the passing away of the Very Rev. Fr. Fadel Fedail in 1982, Rev. Fr. Nimeh Farah served the community until the end of 1985. In January 1986, the Rev. Fr. Joseph Terzi took over the service of the church. But the natural expansion and prosperity of the church did not begin until after August 1989, when it moved to this building located in Burbank.

In November 1995, the Holy Synod headed by loving memory the Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I, Iwas, for the benefit of the faithful, decided to divide the Archdiocese of the United States and Canada into three Archdioceses, one of which is our Western United States Archdiocese. His Holiness further appointed my humble self Patriarchal Vicar for the newly created Archdiocese. When I started my duties in April 1996, I decided that St. Ephraim church be a Cathedral of the Western Archdiocese since it was the only church with such facilities—from then, the cathedral entered a new era.

We appreciate all those who contributed to St. Ephraim church and cathedral in their faith, prayers, time, wisdom, administration, and donations from purchasing this building with generous contributions. I wish to thank those who served this cathedral, especially the community's founder, the late faithful Joby, and Helen Louis. May they rest in peace. Also, all parish councils and St. Ephraim's organizations from the beginning until nowadays. And we pray for the rest of their spirit of the loving memories of those who served it spiritually, very Rev. Fr. Fadel Fedail, the founder of St. Ephraim church, and pray for Khourye Farmouz, may God keep her in good health. Also, we remember the late Rev. Fr. Nehme Farah. May God bless his spirit with eternal life among the saints. Also, we remember those who served the cathedral spiritually after them, Rev. Fr. Joseph Terzi, from 1986 to 2001. And in 2001, Rev. Fr. Louis Yacoub took over the service of the cathedral, and in 2004, Fr. John Seif joined him, and in 2010, very Rev. Fr. Abdulahad Shara, who settled in our Archdiocese as a retired priest. May Lord God reward them abundantly by bestowing upon them sound health and prolonging their life. In October 2012, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Malak Hanna has ordained as a priest to minister St. Ephraim cathedral spiritually.

Years ago, when we started to paint the altar, we didn't finish it because it did not fit our dream. It was our dream to see the cathedral in a new look. When Rev. Fr. Gabriel wanted to make the dream to reality, by our guidance and his efforts, the assistance of the parish council, contributions of the faithful, and their encouragement, the cathedral started its first renovation ever and turned into this magnificent new look.

On this occasion, I wish to recognize all those who put effort into this project by awarding Rev. Fr. Gabriel Hanna, the priest of this blessed cathedral, recognizing his great faith, love, good standing, and efforts to the St. Ephraim cathedral project…" At this moment, his Eminence appreciated Rev. Fr. Gabriel Hanna for awarding him with a cross and Recognition certificate.

His Eminence ended his speech with this "…Congratulations to our community for these actual and essential accomplishments. May their work be for the glorification of God and the prosperity of His Holy Church.

With St. Peter, the apostle, we pray for you, saying, "May the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, (may He) perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you." 1 Peter 5:10. 10. May God bless our people, Amen."

Following the prayers service, all attendees enjoyed the meal was prepared by the ladies auxiliary of St. Ephraim Cathedral.