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ArameansPatriarchal Bull for the Mor Yuhanon Church, São Paulo (1958)
A patriarchal document issued in 1958 marking the laying of the foundation stone and the inauguration of Mor Yuhanon (Saint John the Baptist) Church in São Paulo, Brazil. It records the ceremony, acknowledges clergy and benefactors, and offers blessings for the growth of the Syriac Orthodox community.
The letter reads:
"PATRIARCHAL BULL
Laying of the Foundation Stone
On April 21 of the year 1958, a Monday, at 3:00 PM, we laid the foundation stone of the Church of Saint John the Baptist in São Paulo, on the land donated by the late João Gabriel, who was generous and zealous for our Church. With the participation of Dom (Mor) Athanasius Yeshou Samuel, Archbishop of the United States and Canada. Present at this solemnity was Mr. Ignatius Ferzeli, Orthodox Metropolitan of São Paulo, with his clergy, and other priests of ours and other Eastern Churches, and a massive presence of our spiritual children from the capital of São Paulo.
The solemnity of this launch was beautiful and solemn, enriched by sacred hymns and chants in Aramaic, and accompanied by beautiful music in Portuguese, offered by the Government of São Paulo.
May God grant well-deserved rest, in the dwellings of light, to the most kind soul of the late João Gabriel, protecting and blessing his widow and children, giving them the desired material and spiritual prosperity.
May God realize the dream of our faithful to see the aforementioned Holy Church built. We exhort and encourage our spiritual children, whether the president of the Parish Council of the Church of Saint John the Baptist or its members, to strive for the building of the referred church and in everything necessary for its growth.
May God help you, in order to practice everything that pleases His Holy Name. As a pledge of our gratitude, we leave our blessing in this Patriarchal Bull.
São Paulo-SP, April 21, 1958
Inauguration of the Church
On August 10, 1958, a Sunday morning, we inaugurated and consecrated the aforementioned Church in a beautiful spiritual solemnity. The building of the Church was done in record time for me and for the majority; it was a miracle from God. This is proof of the zeal, affection, and dedication of the president and other members of the Parish Council and other faithful. May God help you to always perform good deeds. Amen!
São Paulo-SP, August 10, 1958"
The letter reads:
"PATRIARCHAL BULL
Laying of the Foundation Stone
On April 21 of the year 1958, a Monday, at 3:00 PM, we laid the foundation stone of the Church of Saint John the Baptist in São Paulo, on the land donated by the late João Gabriel, who was generous and zealous for our Church. With the participation of Dom (Mor) Athanasius Yeshou Samuel, Archbishop of the United States and Canada. Present at this solemnity was Mr. Ignatius Ferzeli, Orthodox Metropolitan of São Paulo, with his clergy, and other priests of ours and other Eastern Churches, and a massive presence of our spiritual children from the capital of São Paulo.
The solemnity of this launch was beautiful and solemn, enriched by sacred hymns and chants in Aramaic, and accompanied by beautiful music in Portuguese, offered by the Government of São Paulo.
May God grant well-deserved rest, in the dwellings of light, to the most kind soul of the late João Gabriel, protecting and blessing his widow and children, giving them the desired material and spiritual prosperity.
May God realize the dream of our faithful to see the aforementioned Holy Church built. We exhort and encourage our spiritual children, whether the president of the Parish Council of the Church of Saint John the Baptist or its members, to strive for the building of the referred church and in everything necessary for its growth.
May God help you, in order to practice everything that pleases His Holy Name. As a pledge of our gratitude, we leave our blessing in this Patriarchal Bull.
São Paulo-SP, April 21, 1958
Inauguration of the Church
On August 10, 1958, a Sunday morning, we inaugurated and consecrated the aforementioned Church in a beautiful spiritual solemnity. The building of the Church was done in record time for me and for the majority; it was a miracle from God. This is proof of the zeal, affection, and dedication of the president and other members of the Parish Council and other faithful. May God help you to always perform good deeds. Amen!
São Paulo-SP, August 10, 1958"