His name is Father Johnny Kozah, and with a simple “yes,” he began a lifelong commitment with his ordination at the Lebanese village where he grew up, Deir El Ahmar in the Bekaa Valley.
He’s the newly ordained Maronite priest who drew his entire village together to celebrate his new chapter with God.
In a three-part video series, posted by @Eastern_Christians on Instagram, twin brothers Charbel and Giovanni Lteif, 21-year-old Maronite Catholics from Lebanon, showed how what started as a beautiful celebration for Father Johnny turned into a village party.
Watch the full story below:
Women of all ages tossed rose petals to the priest, and while many applauded him as they walked together with him from his home to the church for his first Divine Liturgy, others sang and danced.
From monks to priests to nuns to friends to family members, the Mass was held outside the chapel.
“When an entire village in Lebanon gathers to celebrate and welcome its new priest, you might think it’s a wedding, and in many ways, you wouldn’t be mistaken. For the man has just entered a lifelong union with God, a bond that not even death can separate…”
“This is the beauty of Christianity in Lebanon. The entire community gathers to celebrate the ordination of its new priest. You might think it’s a wedding, and in many ways, you wouldn’t be mistaken. A priest has just entered a lifelong union with God, a bond that not even death can separate.”
In a third video, Father Johnny carries the Holy Eucharist on his head in procession, a beautiful gesture of union with Christ, reminding the church of Christ's Real Presence in the Eucharist.
“When a new Maronite priest is ordained, he carries the Most Holy Eucharist on his head in procession. This solemn act expresses his union with Christ, who is truly present in the Eucharist, which becomes the center of his life and priestly ministry.
"He is then entrusted with distributing the Body and Blood of Christ to the faithful. Just as Jesus gave His life for the salvation of the world, the priest now offers his life in service to Christ for the salvation of the souls entrusted to his ministry.”
The Lteif brothers have built a massive social media presence by sharing the beauty, the traditions, and the depth of Eastern Christianity through their lens.
The Maronite Church is one of the 23 Eastern Catholic Churches, while the Roman Catholic Church is the only Western church. All 24 Catholic churches are in full communion with one another and united with the Holy Father and the Vatican.
The difference between a Maronite church and a Roman Catholic church is in some of its traditions, rituals, and liturgies.