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.
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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
