On Sunday, January 5th, His Eminence Metropolitan Silouan presided over the Divine Liturgy at our Cathedral parish to celebrate the Feast of Theophany. During the service, His Eminence ordained our brother Ramy Haddad to the holy diaconate, giving him the name Ephraim in honor of Saint Ephraim of Katounakia. Assisting Metropolitan Silouan were Fr. Jonathan (Holy Cross Parish, Morecambe), Fr. Michel, Fr. Dmitry, and Fr. Dcn. George. Following the Divine Liturgy, the service of the Great Blessing of the Waters was celebrated, after which the faithful collected Holy Water to take home.
In his homily on the occasion of ordaining Deacon Ephraim, His Eminence spoke about two essential virtues for the newly-ordained deacon to uphold: humility and a spirit of service. He has also emphasized the significance of families offering their children to the Church, either through the priesthood or monastic life, and expressed his gratitude to Deacon Ephraim for dedicating his life to God and His Church. Sayedna highlighted Deacon Ephraim’s journey, which included studying at the St. John of Damascus Institute of Theology at Balamand University, growing spiritually, and now serving the Church.
Addressing the deacon directly, His Eminence likened his ordination as a celibate clergyman to a wedding, explaining that the Church is now his spouse and that, as part of this sacred relationship, the congregation represents his spiritual family and his commitment to serve them with love and devotion. He encouraged families to support their children’s interest in serving the Church and underscored the profound value God places on young men dedicating themselves to the ministry.
The divine services were followed by a festive luncheon at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel in Kensington. The gathering concluded with the cutting of a celebratory cake. The food and fellowship were truly wonderful, reflecting the spirit of the Feast.
Wishing you all a blessed Feast of Theophany! We extend heartfelt thanks to all who joined us for this beautiful celebration and the ordination of Deacon Ephraim. We wish the newly-ordained deacon and his family many blessed years!
