Metr. Saba Visits Torrance Parish on Thomas Sunday
Photo: Antiochian Archdiocese / Flickr
TORRANCE, CA — On April 19, 2026, Metr. Saba, accompanied by Bp. Anthony, visited St. Matthew Church in Torrance as part of a broader April 18–26 pastoral tour across Southern California, which includes multiple parish visits, youth events, and patronal feast celebrations.
During the Sunday of Thomas, the hierarchs celebrated Orthros and the Hierarchal Divine Liturgy, joined by local clergy and visiting deacons. Along with parish priest Fr. John Mahfouz, concelebrating clergy included Fr. Josiah Trenham, well known for his Patristic Nectar channel and publishing company. In his homily, Metr. Saba emphasized the Resurrection as an ongoing reality, calling on the faithful to live transformed lives marked by peace, love, and trust in Christ.
Following the service, the Metropolitan honored Dn. Barsoum on his twentieth anniversary in the diaconate. A festive agape meal followed, where he answered questions and encouraged spiritual growth, stressing both human effort and divine grace. He also urged the parish to pray for provision amid space limitations.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Metr. Saba visited 11 parishes during Holy Week.
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