The following is a reprint from the 1998 37th National Melkite Convention Journal Book sponsored by the Annunciation Cathederal, which was dedicated to Archbishop Joseph Tawil. May his memory be eternal!
ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH TAWIL
TITULAR BISHOP OF MYRA,
FORMER PATRIARCHAL VICAR OF DAMASCUS,
BELOVED EPARCH EMERITUS
Leaving your native country, lifestyle and language some twenty-eight years ago, you humbly submitted to the will of the Holy Spirit. You traveled to a distant land and adopted new customs, methodologies and systems. You became or us "A Man For All Reasons." You quickly set about planting the seeds of the many beautiful flowers of your Eparchy that we enjoy to this day. You set in motion organizations and commissions that are the veins, sinews, bones and flesh of the Body of the Holy Church in America. You came to be, with pride, our voice in the gatherings of the Holy Synod of Antioch. You made a mark for the Melkite Greek Catholics on the map of these United States. Travelling from the East coast to the West coast and from the North to the South, you came to hear the needs of your children. You established new spiritual homes for those wishing for parishes of their own, while at the same time you tended to the communities already established. You defended our long-standing Apostolic rights in circles that needed to hear our just and fair claims. You never hesitated to remind us of who we were and what we ought to be. Your appreciation of our roots was shared by all in your every word. Your blessing of the faithful; encouraging of the youth, young adults, seniors, men and women, American and Arab born; chiding us when we went astray; feeding the multitude of those in need here and abroad ... all of this and more will be remembered always. The challenge to all of us to "Have The Courage To Be Ourselves" (Christmas Pastoral, 1970) will ever ring in our hearts. The enveloping of your omophorion over the members of your flock displayed your concern and love for your people. You labored long and hard, enduring many obstacles from within and without, to protect your spiritual children.
The list of your accomplishments is endless and is appreciated by all who have been touched by you, holy Father Joseph. You have been and continue to be loved by your Bishops, priests, deacons, religious, seminarians and faithful. We kiss your hand as it is the hand of Christ in our midst. Your continued presence among us is a blessing from God. From that evening that you spent in this very Cathedral, surrounded by eager priests and seminarians, exhorting us to work together, hand in hand, to the day that you chose to pass on your holy omophrion to the Hierarchs who have followed you, your prayers, direction, inspiration, advice, love and cautions continue to be an underlying grace giving us life. A simple "thank you," Sayedna, is not enough for all that you have done and been for us. Our prayer to the Author of All Good gifts is for your health, long life and understanding of our deep love and appreciation for you. May He Who began this work in you repay you with His choicest blessings and abundant mercies. Well done, good and faithful servant ... !