On September 11, 2025, the Antiochian House of Studies (AHOS) received a heartfelt letter of gratitude from †Dom Theodore Ghandour, Patriarchal Vicar for the Antiochian Orthodox Church in Rio de Janeiro.
Writing to the President, Dean, Director, professors, and staff of AHOS, Dom Theodore expressed his deep appreciation for the warm hospitality and brotherly welcome he experienced during the recent Practicum residency, held from August 21 to September 6, 2025. Having attended as a special guest, he shared that it was an honor to participate in aspects of the residency program and to witness firsthand the life of the community.
In his message, Dom Theodore highlighted the excellence of the AHOS curriculum, the quality of instruction, and the evident dedication of faculty and staff. He also spoke of the inspiring spiritual atmosphere that permeated the residency, particularly through the daily cycle of morning and evening services, which beautifully wove together academic study and spiritual formation.
A special note of gratitude was also extended on behalf of Subdeacon Gregory, a student from the Patriarchal Vicariate of Rio de Janeiro, who has been entrusted to AHOS for theological education and pastoral formation. Dom Theodore emphasized that the Antiochian House of Studies’ mission of preparing future servants of the Church is a blessing not only to individual students but also to the wider Orthodox family.
Closing his letter, Dom Theodore invoked the intercessions of the Theotokos, praying that the Lord would continue to bless the Antiochian House of Studies and the Antiochian Village, granting strength and wisdom to its leadership, faculty, and staff in their noble ministry of theological education and spiritual guidance.
The Antiochian House of Studies, in turn, extends its heartfelt thanks to †Dom Theodore for his presence and participation in the residency program, which enriched the experience of both students and faculty alike.
