On Saturday, May 16, the
Maronite Servants of Christ the Light attended the ordination and elevation of
Fr. Georges El-Khalli, pastor of Our Lady of the Cedars in Boston, to the rank
of periodeut, with the title of reverend monsignor, by His Excellency, Bishop
Gregory J. Mansour.
In attendance and
concelebrating with Bishop Gregory was His Excellency, Bishop Nicholas Samra,
the Melkite Bishop of America; Chorbishop Joseph F. Lahoud, retired pastor of
Our Lady of the Cedars; Chorbishop Joseph Kaddo, pastor of St. Anthony of the
Desert in Fall River; Msgr. Peter F. Azar, pastor of St. Anthony Church in
Lawrence; Msgr. David George and a number of other clergy.
The priestly rank of periodeut is
unique to the Eastern Catholic Churches, especially the Maronite Church, which
still observes all nine ranks of priesthood corresponding to the nine choirs of
angels. A periodeut is higher than an ordained priest, and one step below the
rank of auxiliary bishop or chorbishop, and shares in some responsibilities and duties
of the bishop.
On the following day,
Sunday May 17, we attended Divine Liturgy celebrated by Msgr. Georges as periodeut
at Our Lady of the Cedars, Boston, in thanksgiving for his elevation and
ordination. May
God grant Msgr. Georges the grace and fortitude to continue to faithfully carry
out his mission.
