Spiritual Direction and Soul Friendship:On what was supposed to be Dad’s/Grandad’s 95th birthday “The Thrice Blessed V. Rev. Cor-Episcopo Fr. Boutros Touma Issa Ramo Khoshaba Marya (2025+)

BY THE COLLATORS AND EDITORS OF THE BOOK V. Rev. Cor-Episcopo Fr. Boutros Touma Issa Ramo Khoshaba Marya, the husband of Bathqyomo Marine Khoury-Issa (our Mum/Tata). V. Rev. Fr. Issa whom we simply refer to as our Dad is our family's rock, a very caring father and grandfather who sacrificed beyond measures for us his children, grandchildren and for the whole family. Dad/Grandad is a pillar of wisdom, a knowledge depository and a reservoir, a grand, impressive and distinguished Priest. An outstanding leader, a professional author, a talented poet, and most importantly a very respectful, and humble servant at the Lord's altar within the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch. V. Rev. Cor-Episcopo Fr. Boutros Touma Issa was born in Bartleh on 8 February 1931 and entered eternal sleep on 11 January 2025 just few days shy of turning 94. Thus, this book comes partly in appreciation of such a great personality that might not be repeated in the human history, that is V. Rev. Cor-Episcopo Fr. Boutros Touma Issa. This book also serves to mark what would have been the 95th birthday of our father (Dad) and grandfather (Grandad/Jido) V. Rev. Cor-Episcopo Fr. Boutros Touma Issa. This book will provide some insights in the immense influence on us his children/grandchildren through his spiritual guidance on each one of us, and soul friendship with each and every one of us. This is felt a very simple way to honour such a great person whom we refer to as our rock, our teacher, our mentor, our spiritual companion, our soul friend, and the wisdom fountain in our lives whom we miss very dearly, but simultaneously as Dad/Grandad taught us we know that we will all meet again. As indicated by the contributors it is a challenging task to choose from the several virtues and values instilled in us through the brilliant teachings of our Dad, the beautiful memories with our Dad/Grandad, and it will be impossible to mention Dad without including Mum/Tata Bathqyomo Marine Khoury-Issa, as both were in sync with each other throughout our lives. Thus, though the book is an appreciation of Dad/Grandad, but Mum/Tata will have a mention throughout.