First Oriental Orthodox Clergy Gathering

On Tuesday, January 08, 2013, St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church had the honor to host and welcome the first gathering of the Oriental Orthodox priests of the Greater Hamilton – St. Catharines area.

By the initiative and invitation of Fr. Serop Azarian, Pastor of the said church, the following clergymen gathered at the church a little before 11 am.

Very Rev. Fr. Lazarus – Ramban Corepiscopa and Vicar of St. Gregoios Indian Orthodox Church.

Fr. Metias Said Ibrahim – St. Mina Coptic Orthodox Church of Hamilton.

Fr. Antonius Zikry – Pastor of St. George and St. Mercuius Coptic Orthodox Church of St. Catharines

Fr. Hanna Isaac – St. Mark Syriac Orthodox Church of Hamilton.

Fr. Serop Azarian – Pastor of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church of Hamilton and St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church of St. Catharines.

The fathers proceeded to offer a shortened version of the Morning Worship Service of the Armenian Orthodox Church in English, which was prepared by Father Serop. Following the prayers, the fathers gathered in the Alexanian Hall to be welcomed by Father Serop in the name of the Armenian Orthodox Church and His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, Primate of the Armenian Church of Canada.

Each of the fathers introduced themselves and their respective churches and traditions. The meeting included a brunch, prepared by Der Hayr. Conversations included topics of tradition, to events in the Middle East, names Iraq, Egypt and Syria, India and Armenia, as well as seeking solutions to current issues in local churches and respective national churches.

The meeting was a greatly productive and a good success, the fathers greeted one another again in the love of Christ, we wish every father great health and grace from above and a very happy New Year and Merry Christmas, the fathers are scheduled to meet again after Easter this year, in St. Mark Syriac Orthodox Church.

To our triune and praised God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit be the glory in heaven, and eternal love, peace and brotherhood to the Oriental Orthodox Church.