28 September 20101, Burbank, USA. On Tuesday, September 28th the annual Oriental Orthodox clergy conference and joint Divine Liturgy was held at St. Ephraim Cathedral. The Liturgy began at 10 am and was according to the Rite of Syriac Orthodox Church. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the Armenian Church of Cilicia, H.E. Archbishop Mor Clemis Eugene Kaplan, Prelate of the Syriac Orthodox Church of the Western US, and H.G. Bishop Serapion, head of the Coptic Orthodox Church, presided over the Liturgy. There were also in attendance many priests from all three Archdioceses. H.E. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian of the Armenian Church of Etchmiadzin apologized for not being able to attend due to meetings.

His Eminence welcomed his brothers in Christ, and spoke about the importance of the joint Oriental Orthodox events. During the Eucharistic liturgy, hymns were presented by the Armenian churches and Coptic church in Armenian and Coptic, as well as the Syriac hymns. Several priests participated in the Liturgy by reading or chanting certain prayers.

During the Liturgy Rev. Fr. George Touma presented a informative lecture on St. Philoxenus of Mabug, in which he discussed "Does the Holy Spirit depart from a person when he sins and return when he repents?"

Following the Liturgy, a group photo was taken and all the Eminences and priests were welcomed to the social hall for an Agape Meal. During the luncheon His Grace Bishop Serapion and H.E. Moushegh Mardirossian spoke about the Celebration of the Holy Cross, discussing the readings and rites of the feast in the Coptic and Armenian tradition.

The annual clergy conference and Liturgy is a beautiful and blessed gathering. We pray for the success of the joint Oriental Orthodox gathering and the unity of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic church throughout the whole world.