Ordination of New Deacons at St. Peter Chaldean Cathedral How do you feel about becoming a deacon? On Friday, December 08, 2006, His Grace Mar Sarhad Yawsip Jammo presided, with Assyrian Bishop Mar Bawai Soro in attendance, over the blessing of 29 lectors (10 male and 19 female) and 15 Sub-deacons, and the ordination of three deacons: Deacon Keith Esshaki, Deacon Wisam Jadan, and Deacon Essam Yadago. The ceremony began at 6 PM and was followed immediately by Holy Mass, which concluded around 8:30 and was followed by a dinner in the Church hall. Congratulations to all of those who have made this dedication to the service of the Church! A few of the ordained were asked how they felt about this special event and what did the ordination mean to them. The following are some of their comments:     Keith Esshaki / Deacon:   I’m humbled and honored to be called by the Lord to become a close servant in His ministry. All I can say is that I’m not worthy and I only ask for the Lord’s blessings to show me what He wants me to do and give me strength by the prayers of His most holy mother. I’m dedicated to be the Lord’s servant in His work of bringing us all into the fullness of grace in the Father. During the ordination ceremony on Dec. 8th and for many days afterwards I really felt the presence of the Holy Spirit. I experienced an exhilarating feeling that I have never experienced before especially with the generous care that His Excellency Bishop Sarhad Jammo gave us and the magnificent ordination ceremony. We are encouraged and strengthened by Bishop Sarhad’s zeal for the Lord. Being a deacon makes me part of the clergy and I’m most honored to be a brother to and work so closely with Bishop Sarhad and Fathers Michael, Sabri, Felix, Andrew, and Paulos. Our Chaldean liturgy is the most authentic reflection of what the Lord Jesus intended for the way we worship•     Stephen Nissou / Lector:   As a young kid I felt it was my vocation to teach as a Catechism teacher. Through selfless efforts of volunteering at the parish I felt like there was more I could do to be closer to the Lord. I feel this ordination was a call from God to my commitment and desire to become a Lector and serve at the church Masses to witness the miracle of the Eucharist. At the moment of my ordination I felt like I was turning myself to God and I felt peace in my heart. Through prayer and the encouraging people around me, I hope to reach out in different ways to our community •   Clint Gorou / Lector: It means opportunity. An opportunity to become closer to God, an opportunity to enjoy an activity with my dad, and an opportunity to show a change to my family. I believe this is my calling,.. . .and it is an honor. It also means chance, a chance to work for God. I've lost a lot but from this I hope to gain more. This is my opportunity to become closer to God, my opportunity to learn•     Lauren Naoum / Lector:  Becoming a Lector was a great honor for me. I believe choosing to become a Lector was the next step in my spiritual journey with Christ and a means of bringing me closer to the Church. The classes I had to take were difficult and time-consuming, yet now that I look back they were all worth it. Being able to effectively proclaim the Word of God and serve others within the Church community is truly a fulfilling experience•   Kusay Arabo/ Lector and Sub-deacon: I am honored and humbled on being ordained a Sub-deacon and the Holy Spirit has inspired me. Being a Sub-deacon means I will have the opportunity to serve in the Mass, help with instruction of Catechism, and be able to serve the Church and the community of believers.  I will also be able to lead in prayers, continue to grow in knowledge about the Faith, and serve the Church in any of its needs.  I am grateful for receiving another of God’s endless blessings•