Nomination of deacons and deaconesses for ordination at Syriac Orthodox Church of St. Jacob of Nisibis Church in Sweden
VÄSTERÅS, Sweden — A ceremony led by Metropolitan of the Syriac Orthodox Archdiocese of Sweden and Scandinavia Archbishop Mor Yuhannon Lahdo, along with Patriarchal Vicar Mor Dioscorus Benjamin Atas, marked the nomination of several deacons and deaconesses for ordination at St. Jacob of Nisibis Church in Södertälje.
The event featured a Divine Liturgy rich in the traditions of the Syriac Orthodox Church. Fifty deacons and deaconesses were nominated to serve in various clerical roles, a significant milestone for the Church. A highlight of the ceremony was the consecration of Deacon Sanharib Hanna as Archdeacon — the first such appointment made by Archbishop Lahdo since assuming his episcopal duties.
A Call to Service
In his address, Archbishop Lahdo underscored the spiritual and pastoral significance of the ordination process, highlighting the vital roles of the deacons and deaconesses in preserving the Church’s language, heritage, and faith. He urged them to collaborate closely with priests and bishops to strengthen the Church and its community.
The Archbishop called upon the newly nominated deacons and deaconesses to embody lives of virtue, humility, and deep faith, reflecting the teachings of Christ. He emphasized their responsibility to serve as role models in their dedication to the church and society.
This sacred ceremony reaffirms the Syriac Orthodox Church’s enduring commitment to its traditions and its mission to cultivate spiritual leaders for future generations.