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The periodic meeting of the priests of the Archdiocese of the Western USA local churches

On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, the clergy from local churches within the Archdiocese of the Western United States gathered at St. Ephraim Cathedral for their semi-annual meeting. Under the spiritual leadership of His Eminence Mor Clemis Eugene Kaplan, the event provided an opportunity for priests to come together for a day of fellowship and discussion.

The meeting began with a prayer and a brief meditation on Matthew 25:14-25, led by His Eminence. He emphasized the importance of unity, pastoral care, and service to the community. His Eminence discussed the key points of this parable, which included:

• Equitable Distribution of Resources: The parable shows that God gives people various talents or resources according to their abilities. He distributes three talents to three servants, each according to his or her ability.
• Responsibility for Investment: Servants are responsible for using the talents they have been given. They must invest them in the best possible way to achieve a return.
• Results and Evaluation: When the Lord returns, He evaluates each servant's performance. Servants who successfully invest their talents are rewarded, while those who did not invest their talents but hid them are rebuked.
• Call to Action: This parable encourages people to take initiative and not be afraid to take risks in using what they have to their advantage, whether in work or in spiritual life.
• Consequences: The parable shows the consequences of not taking advantage of blessings. The servant who concealed his talent faces punishment, reflecting the importance of using what we have to serve others and for the common good.

This parable conveys messages about wise resource use, striving to maximize blessings, and recognizing individual responsibility in life.

Then, the discussions began within the clergy about their service and the difficulties they confront.

The agenda was then processed. Key topics included a monthly priests' meeting, Church activities, Funerals, the Epiphany ritual, the procession in the Lord's feasts, and Sunday School Books.

- Youth:
A- The annual family conference at St. Ephrem Cathedral, which will include the Syriac Youth Day from February 28 to March 2, 2025
B- St. George's Church will host the Syriac Youth Gathering in the United States (SYG), which is held annually between the Syriac churches in the United States of America from July 10-13, 2025
C- The annual youth camp organized by the youth of St. Ephrem Cathedral between March 28-30, 2025.

His Eminence ended the meeting with a prayer. A luncheon followed the meeting. Subsequently, His Eminence bid farewell to the priests and prayed for them and their churches.