Orthodox churches in Syria, UAE, and Sweden celebrate first communion of parish children

ZALIN, Syria / SHARJAH, UAE/ SÖDERTÄLJE, Sweden — Over the weekend, Orthodox churches in North and East Syria, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Sweden celebrated the first communion of their parish children.

At the Syriac Orthodox Virgin Mary Church in Zalin (Qamishli), North and East Syria, Archbishop of Gozarto (Jazira) and Euphrates Mor Maurice Amsih presided over the Divine Liturgy of the First Communion for 43 children. The church’s two priests, Father Saliba Abd Allah and Father Abd al-Masih Yousef, deacons and deaconesses, parents of the children, and a large number of believers attended the ceremony.

During his sermon, Archbishop Amsih emphasized the significance of the Eucharist in the lives of believers and the importance of teaching children to abide by Church teachings and Christ’s commandments. He urged the children to follow Jesus Christ in humility, love, and obedience and to lead righteous lives, just as Jesus did.

The Armenian Church in Sharjah also celebrated the First Communion for the Syriac Orthodox parish. The ceremony was attended by the Armenian Parish Archbishop Mor Bartholomews Nathanael and the priest of the Virgin Mary Church in Abu Dhabi, Father Antonios Lahdo.

Archbishop Nathanael emphasized the role of parents in raising children according to biblical teachings and encouraging them to adhere to the Church. He also urged parents to teach their children Christian prayers and rituals to help them live fruitful and effective lives.

The Syriac Orthodox Church in Södertälje, Sweden, celebrated the First Communion of 44 parish children in the presence of Father Malek Acho. During the ceremony, Father Acho highlighted the significance of children as the foundation and future of the Church.

In his address, he stressed the importance of imparting a good Christian upbringing to children. He encouraged parents and guardians to teach children the values and principles of Christianity and to foster an environment of faith and love within their families.

Father Acho’s message emphasized the critical role of parents and the community in shaping the spiritual and moral development of children. The ceremony was a joyous occasion, celebrating the children’s entry into a deeper relationship with Christ and their growing involvement in the Church.