2011-02-20
At the invitation of the “Pastoral Centre of the Orthodox Patristic Heritage” in the Archdiocese of Tripoli, and the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Ephraim of Tripoli, His Eminence Metropolitan John held a series of lectures between 18th and 20th of February 2011.
His Eminence arrived at the episcopal centre on Friday the
18th, and started his activities in Shekka where he was received, at
the church of Transfiguration, by the Rev. Fr. Ibrahim Shahin, the
parish priest, accompanied with other priests and faithful and prayed
all together the Vespers.
After the Vespers, Rev. Fr. Antonius Souri welcomed His
Eminence on behalf of Metropolitan Ephraim who was compelled to be
absent on account of previous obligations, and thanked the visiting
Metropolitan. His Eminence explained in his lecture the importance of
the effective participation of the youth in the liturgical offices.
On Saturday the 19th February after celebrating the Divine
Liturgy, His Eminence John, met the priests of the Archdiocese, in the
presence of Metropolitan Damaskinos (of Brazil) and Bishop Ghattas, the
abbot of our Lady of Balamand patriarchal monastery and Dean of St.
John of Damascus Institute of Theology. Photo Album
H. E. Ephraim opened the meeting asking the metropolitans to
present a general idea about their dioceses and the pastoral activities
in them. Then, H. E. John delivered a speech about: “The Role of the
Priest in Liturgy and Worship”, which was enriched by pastoral questions
based on it.
On Saturday evening at 4:00 pm everyone moved to St. Marina’s
Church in Amioun where they prayed the Vespers service served by the
parish’s priest, Fr. Michael Alashkar, and the diocesan choir. Photo Album
After the prayers they went to the theater of the charitable
association of “Alnahda” in Amioun, where the main lecture was
delivered by Metropolitan John entitled: “Knowing God through the
Liturgy and the Sacraments”. A huge number of faithful from the diocese
and from outside of it including the students from St. John of Damascus
Institute of Theology and officials attended the lecture and together
shared the Agape after it.
On Sunday the 20th, H. E. John celebrated with H. E. Ephraim
the Divine Liturgy in St. George’s cathedral of in Al-Mina. H. E.
addressed the faithful, speaking in his sermon about the repentance
which finds its best way in returning towards the merciful God.
The Sermon (Audio)
