Brother Sergey: "I am Yours.." (Ps 119: 94)

The Franciscan Church of Saint Savior in the Old City of Jerusalem is full of faithful – today is the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul. Their images, placed near the altar, express the power and strong faith of the apostles. In a moment all present will rise in a joyous surge to greet the entering procession of priests. Today, during the festive mass, Archbishop Antonio Franco, Vatican Ambassador in Israel, will ordain six deacons and three priests, whose families and friends have come to be with them. Among the faithful there are some members of our Hebrew speaking Catholic communities from Jerusalem, Jaffa and Haifa. We are here to share the joy with our Franciscan brother Sergey, well known and loved in our kehillot, who will be ordained to the diaconate.

In his homily, Mgr. Franco preaches about essential spiritual change that takes place in the brothers receiving ordination – now they must show the true face of Christ to the world. The Archbishop's touching words resonate in the hearts of all present. The solemn and moving ordination ceremony arouses happy smiles and loud applause. All of us, present at the solemn liturgy, are overwhelmed by an inexpressible feeling of joy and unity in the Lord. How wonderful to hear a sermon in Italian, to pray in Latin, to sing "Our Father" in Arabic!

When the mass is over, the "newborn" priests and deacons, dressed in new bright red vestments, take a common photo. Sergey is surrounded by friends from our kehillot. We congratulate him and also take photos together. Friendly conversation goes on in the reception hall, where Franciscans prepared delicious refreshment for the guests.

Mazal Tov, dear Sergey! "Blessed are all they that fear the Lord: that walk in his ways. (Ps 128: 1)

See more photos here