Meet Our Speakers
The spiritual leaders guiding us through a weekend of faith, fellowship, and forgiveness.
His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak
Patriarchal Vicar, Archdiocese of the Eastern United States
Born in Damascus, Syria, His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak has faithfully served the Syriac Orthodox Church for more than three decades. After completing his theological studies in Damascus and earning a Master’s degree in Eastern and Oriental Liturgics from the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome, he was ordained to the priesthood in 1994 and later elevated to the rank of Archbishop in 2010.
Throughout his ministry, His Eminence has served the Church in Syria, Europe, and the United States in pastoral, educational, and administrative roles. In 2016, he was enthroned as Patriarchal Vicar for the Archdiocese of the Eastern United States, where he continues to shepherd the faithful with dedication and care. Close to his heart is the spiritual growth of the Church’s youth and the strengthening of parish life.
With a deep love for the liturgical life of the Church and a heart for guiding souls closer to Christ, His Eminence continues to serve as a faithful shepherd, teacher, and spiritual father to the community.
Rev. Fr. Yuhanes Bar Saliba
Parish Priest, Yoldath Aloho Maryam Hengelo, Netherlands
Abuna Yuhanes BarSaliba has served as parish priest of Yoldath Aloho Maryam (Holy Mary Mother of God) in Hengelo, Netherlands since his ordination in October 2020.
Raised in a faithful Syriac Orthodox family, he grew up surrounded by the life of the Church. A deacon from childhood, his faith was nurtured by the loving example of his parents, the guidance of his uncle, and meaningful summers spent in monasteries. Although he did not originally plan to become a priest, through prayer and discernment with his wife and family at Mor Gabriel Monastery in Tur Abdin, God’s calling became clear. As he simply puts it, “God called, and we answered.”
For Abuna Yuhanes, ministry is a gift of grace. He treasures walking alongside families, blessing children, and witnessing people grow closer to God in their own unique journeys. When reflecting on Matthew 6:12, Abuna Yuhanes speaks of both its challenge and its beauty: we constantly seek God's forgiveness, and we are equally called to forgive others. In a fast-moving world, he reminds us that real life is found in nurturing relationships, with God and with one another. His hope for SFG attendees is simple, we grow in faith and forgiveness daily, becoming closer to God and stronger together as His people.
Outside of ministry, Abuna Yuhanes enjoys music and plays the baglama, especially church melodies, though, as he humbly notes, "very amateurishly." He jokes that he is like a Swiss Army knife, multi-talented and ready to serve, and carries in his heart many unwritten books and hymns he hopes one day to bring to life.
Rev. Fr. Timothy Wissa Magharious
Presbyter, Archangel Michael & St. Mena Church Staten Island, New York
Rev. Fr. Timothy-Wissa Magharious serves as a presbyter at Archangel Michael & St. Mena Church in Staten Island, New York, within the Diocese of New York and New England. He has served in lay ministry for over thirteen years and was ordained to the priesthood in 2024.
Fr. Timothy grew up being both served and serving in the same parish where he now ministers as a priest. Witnessing the hand of God at work in His church, transforming lives through grace and mercy, deeply shaped his calling. After much prayer and discernment, he accepted the invitation to dedicate his life fully to Christ and His people, describing the priesthood as an incredible and undeserved honor.
One of the most meaningful parts of his ministry is standing before the altar, laying every burden at the Lord's feet, and witnessing the healing power of God's forgiveness in the lives of His children. A mission trip to Kenya eleven years ago profoundly shaped his faith, teaching him to see Christ in those he serves and to forgive by looking beyond the person in front of his and recognizing the image of God within them.
Reflecting on Matthew 6:12, Fr. Timothy speaks of forgiveness as both humbling and freeing. He believes forgiveness is not weakness, but strength rooted in Christ, and that without it, the heart remains imprisoned.
His prayer for SFG attendees is that each person leaves understanding that forgiveness is essential for healing and salvation, and that we take a meaningful step forward, whether to forgive, to ask for forgiveness, or to begin a deeper journey of restoration with God.
Outside of ministry, Fr. Timothy enjoys sports and nature, especially basketball, hiking, and watching the beauty of a sunrise or sunset unfold.