On Friday, August 30, 2024, Friars Moses Johnmaria FIDELIS, Naim TOUMA and Andrè Vahid RAHBARGHANAAT, all members of the Provincial Custody of the Orient and the Holy Land, were ordained to the deaconate by the imposition of hands and the consecratory prayer of the Most Reverend Martin KMETEC, OFM Conv., Archbishop of Izmir (Smyrna), Turkey. The event took place at the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua in Istanbul. Others present included Friar Carlos TROVARELLI, the Minister General; the Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Joseph, Spouse of the B.V.M. in Romania, Friar Damian-Gheorghe PĂTRAȘCU; and Friar Anton BULAI, the Custos of the Provincial Custody of the Orient and the Holy Land.

The Mass began at 7:00 p.m. and was attended by friars from the Custody, as well as a number of priests performing ministry in Turkey, various deacons, some friars who were in Turkey for a formation pilgrimage hosted by the Federazione Inter-mediterranea Ministri Provinciali (for friars who have been solemnly professed for one to five years), some friends of the newly professed and the faithful from the Basilica of St. Anthony and other churches in Istanbul.
In his homily, Archbishop KMETEC spoke warmly and paternally, exhorting the newly ordained to always maintain an attitude of service. Drawing upon the readings that had been proclaimed earlier, he stressed the important work that deacons should carry out, namely, serving the Lord, the Liturgy and the People of God, especially the poorest and neediest.
After the final blessing, the new deacons joyfully took part in a fraternal agape meal with all those present.
May the Lord bless the new deacons through our father St. Francis, and may they be given the grace to always be courageous witnesses in the service of the Gospel, the altar and the poor.

Friar Petru VÂRGĂ