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| Saint Ignatius Maloyan is not merely a story from the past, but a call to rediscover the meaning of true faith and courage in our time.” -Monsignor Basil Sousanian |
Bishop Sousanian presents the award to Jonathan Ayoub during the Mass ** “I assure you, the importance of today is not to be clapping for me; but to finally shine a light on the incredible deeds this Church has done for decades, all whilst in silence.” - Jonathan Ayoub
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Faith rewarded: The story behind Jonathan Ayoub’s honour
9/06/2026
(See translation in Arabic section)
Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l: On Sunday, June 7th, a Mass and celebration were held at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, an Armenian Catholic Church in Sydney. The Mass was presided over by His Excellency Bishop Basil Sousanian, Patriarchal Vicar. The Armenian Catholic Church of Australia has a large congregation.
Following the Gospel reading, Bishop Sousanian delivered a homily on the martyr Saint Ignatius Maloyan and Jonathan Melhem Ayoub, who was elevated to the patriarchal rank in recognition of his outstanding service to the Church and the community.
After the Mass, a celebration was held in the church hall to honour Mr Ayoub. During the celebration, Bishop Sousanian delivered a speech praising Jonathan, followed by a speech of thanks from Mr Ayoub’s mother, Danielle Ayoub. Afterwards, the Melhem Ayoub family hosted a luncheon at a seafood restaurant, attended by many guests, amongst them, H.E Bishop Basil Sousanian, H.E Ambassador Charbel Macaron and wife Joel, Salim Nicolas, OAM, President of the Australian Lebanese Chamber of Commerce (ALCC), Dean Fadia Ghossayn, OAM, founder of Australian Lebanese Foundation, Camil Shalala, President of the Australian Lebanese Christian Council, in addition to a number of businessmen including George Ghossayn, Richard Andary, Danny Nicolas, OAM, Fahd Rahme, as well as Prof. George Melhem, and many other guests.
 Bishop Sousanian
Bishop Sassounian said: “Saint Ignatius Maloyan is not merely a story from the past, but a call to rediscover the meaning of true faith and courage in our time.”
He lived during a difficult period of severe persecution, yet his faith never weakened. Instead, his spirit grew stronger, and his attachment to the Lord Jesus Christ deepened.
His Grace emphasised that Saint Ignatius teaches believers the importance of remaining firm in faith, especially in a world marked by doubt, rapid change, and uncertainty. He reminded the faithful that Christianity is not merely a collection of beliefs but a living personal relationship with Christ, enabling people to live according to God’s will regardless of the challenges they face.
The Bishop also highlighted the courage of Saint Ignatius, noting that it was based not on physical strength but on the power of the Holy Spirit. Saint Ignatius faced death with peace and confidence, trusting in the eternal life promised by Christ. His example, Bishop Sassounian said, calls Christians to overcome fear and bear witness to their faith and values with confidence.
As a bishop, Saint Ignatius was also presented as a true shepherd who remained committed to his flock despite personal danger. His life reminds every believer of the responsibility to support, encourage, and guide others toward Christ. Bishop Sassounian concluded that Saint Ignatius was a martyr of love, whose deep love for Christ was expressed through service, sacrifice, and unwavering faith.
His Grace then spoke warmly about young Jonathan Ayoub, praising his generosity, humility, and selfless service. He said Jonathan’s life reflects the Gospel teaching: “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Bishop Sassounian described Jonathan as a living witness of compassion, whose giving seeks no reward and whose example inspires others to follow the path of humility, service, and love. He prayed that God would bless Jonathan, strengthen him, and multiply the good he has sown among others.
Jonathan Ayoub
In a heartfelt acceptance speech, the recipient of the Armenian Catholic Church’s highest honour expressed profound gratitude to His Beatitude Raphael Bedros Minassian, Patriarch of the Armenian Catholic Church, describing the recognition as a deeply humbling moment for both himself and his family.
Reflecting on the origins of his family’s relationship with the Armenian Catholic Church, he recounted a remarkable story spanning more than four decades. His late grandfather, George Ajami, was of Armenian heritage, although he had limited ties to the Armenian community. Following his unexpected death in Lebanon, the family faced a difficult situation. Under local customs at the time, custody of his three young children could have been transferred away from their widowed mother, Nawal Ajami.
Then Father Raphael Minassian — now Patriarch Raphael Bedros XXI Minassian — intervened. Without having met the family beforehand, he ensured that the children remained in their mother’s care. Recognising the academic promise of the eldest child, he also arranged financial support for her education until graduation. The assistance was provided freely, without conditions or expectations.
The family eventually migrated to Australia and lost contact with the Church for more than 40 years. In 2022, during a visit to Lebanon, the family had a remarkable reunion with His Beatitude Raphael and Bishop Georges Assadourian. The speaker described the moment as both emotional and transformative, noting that the honour being bestowed upon him today is rooted in the compassion shown to his family decades earlier.
He spoke passionately about the charitable work of the Armenian Catholic Church, particularly its ongoing support for struggling families throughout Lebanon and Syria. Through donations and humanitarian assistance, the Church continues to provide food parcels, educational support, medical treatment, and life changing surgeries for those in need. He noted that the Church regularly shares updates on the families it assists, not out of obligation but as a reflection of its transparency and genuine care.
“The more I deal with this remarkable Church,” he explained, “the more humbled I become by its unwavering compassion, generosity, and commitment to serving humanity.”
The speaker praised the Church for extending its care beyond ethnic or denominational boundaries. He highlighted that the Church had helped his grandmother, a Maronite Lebanese widow, at one of the most difficult moments of her life. Decades later, it was once again demonstrating its generosity by honouring him, a devout Antiochian Orthodox Christian, with its highest distinction.
Special tribute was paid to His Beatitude Raphael Bedros Minassian, whom he described as a man of extraordinary humility, wisdom, and holiness. Although their initial meeting was brief, he said he was immediately struck by the Patriarch’s compassion and closeness to God. He further observed that the kindness and humility displayed by clergy and faithful throughout the Armenian Catholic Church reflected the example set by its leader.
The speaker also offered warm praise for Bishop Georges Assadourian, whom he described as one of the kindest and most compassionate individuals he had ever encountered. He recalled being welcomed like a lifelong friend and spoke of the Bishop’s tireless dedication to helping disadvantaged families, particularly in Syria, where he continues to serve despite challenging and often dangerous circumstances.
He commended Bishop Assadourian’s selflessness, noting that, despite personal health challenges, he remains focused on the wellbeing of others. Through regular messages, photographs, and updates from the communities being assisted, the Bishop has provided a constant reminder of the impact that generosity and compassion can have on people’s lives.
The recipient also expressed deep gratitude to his parents, acknowledging their role in fostering the family’s ongoing relationship with the Church. He credited his mother with rekindling the connection that began with the support she received as a young student, while praising his father for his enthusiastic support of the Church’s charitable mission.
In conclusion, he stressed that the occasion should not be viewed as a celebration of his personal achievements. Rather, he said, it should serve as recognition of the Armenian Catholic Church itself and its decades of quiet, selfless service.
He said: “I assure you, the importance of today is not to be clapping for me, but to finally shine a light on the incredible deeds this Church has done for decades, all whilst in silence.”
He concluded by praying that the Armenian Catholic Church would continue to inspire communities around the world and remain a beacon of compassion, service, and Christian love for generations to come.
Patriarch honours Jonathan Ayoub
Raphael Bedros XXI Minassian
Servant of Jesus Christ by the Mercy of God. Catholicos Patriarch of the House of Cilicia
Patriarch of the Armenian Catholic Church. To our beloved son, Jonathan Ayoub
With profound spiritual joy and in prayer to our most merciful God, we hereby bestow upon you the Order of Saint Gregory the Illuminator.
This medal, bearing the name of our holy patriarch, stands as a testament to your unwavering faith, steadfast dedication, and many years of humble and loyal service.
The mission of our Church is to safeguard and nurture the faith, identity, and belonging of our children living in the Diaspora. Through your tireless service, you have embodied this sacred mission, becoming a living witness to the enduring light of our Christian heritage.
We offer you our heartfelt gratitude and assure you of our continual prayers. With fatherly love, we extend to you our patriarchal blessing.
Bishop Georges Assadourian Praises Jonathan Ayoub
In a heartfelt letter addressed to Jonathan Ayoub, Bishop Georges Assadourian, Auxiliary Bishop of the Armenian Catholic Patriarchate and Bishop of Damascus, paid tribute to Jonathan’s generosity, compassion, and commitment to serving vulnerable families in need.
Bishop Assadourian recalled that the story began in July 2022, during his visit to Australia with His Beatitude Patriarch Raphael Bedros XXI Minassian. During that visit, he met Danielle and Joanna Ajami, reconnecting with a family he had known decades earlier in Lebanon.
Shortly after returning to Beirut, Bishop Assadourian met Jonathan Ayoub. From their first meeting, he recognised in him a spirit of devotion, courage, and concern for the poor and vulnerable.
Together, they began a journey of humanitarian service. Families in need found comfort knowing that:
“Do not fear… Jonathan is thinking of you.”
The letter also highlighted Jonathan’s support for the sick, students, and struggling families, helping cover the costs of medical care, education, and housing.
He described Jonathan as a living example of the Gospel in action and thanked his parents for the values that shaped him.
Bishop Basil Sousanian – Speech in Church Hall
Today we gather not only in worship, but in gratitude for the life and witness of a man whose generosity has become a living testimony among us – Jonathan Ayoub.
Scripture teaches us in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Jonathan’s life reflects this truth with great strength.
Jonathan embodies what it means to be a servant hearted benefactor. His giving is not transactional; it is transformational. He gives not from excess, but from conviction; not for recognition, but from compassion.
In a world often driven by self interest, Jonathan shows us a different way – the way of Christ.
May the Lord continue to bless Jonathan, strengthen him, and multiply the good he has sown.
Danielle Ayoub
In a heartfelt speech delivered during a gathering held in honour of her son, Danielle Ayoub expressed deep gratitude and pride for the meaningful recognition bestowed upon him by His Beatitude Raphael Bedros XXI Minassian, Catholicos Patriarch of the Armenian Catholic Church.
Danielle said the honour granted to Jonathan was especially close to her heart because it came from a Church that had played an important role in her own life. She proudly noted that Jonathan had received the highest Patriarchal Order at a young age, describing it as an extraordinary recognition.*an honour that was first awarded to the Hungarian prime minister by his beatitude and now, for only the second time, to Jonathan.* Congratulations habibi Jonathan.so proud of you.
The occasion carried deep personal meaning because of Danielle’s long connection with His Beatitude. She recalled that, decades earlier, after the passing of her father, he was the priest who helped determine whether she and her siblings would remain in the full custody of their mother.
Danielle also paid warm tribute to Bishop Georges Assadourian, describing him as a central figure in the family’s renewed relationship with the Armenian Catholic Church.
She explained that Jonathan had initially been reluctant to hold a gathering in his honour, as the family preferred to support charitable work quietly. However, Bishop Assadourian believed such service should be recognised, not for personal praise, but as an example for future generations and a way to encourage generosity within the wider community.
She also revealed that the Church had once sponsored her education for several years, without being asked and without conditions. That act of generosity, she said, became a lifelong source of gratitude and inspiration, giving her resilience and perseverance.
Danielle reflected on the mysterious ways in which faith and destiny work.
Concluding her speech, Danielle recalled Mother Teresa’s reminder that life is ultimately judged not by wealth or titles, but by whether one feeds the hungry, clothes the naked, and welcomes the homeless. Her final message was one of gratitude and responsibility: to celebrate life’s blessings while never forgetting those who have just as much right to dignity, hope, and life as everyone else.
Melhem Ayoub
In a warm and heartfelt speech, Melhem “Malcolm” Ayoub welcomed guests and expressed pride in his son’s charitable work.
He described the occasion as a blessed day and said his pride was not in academic or business achievements, but in Jonathan’s commitment to helping others.
Melhem paid special tribute to his wife, Danielle, crediting her for raising their children with strong values and always standing beside the family through daily challenges.
He also thanked His Beatitude Raphael, Bishop Georges Assadourian, and Bishop Basil Sousanian for their love, faith, and support, concluding that:
“There is no greater satisfaction in life than knowing you have made a difference in another person’s life.” |
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