Thanks be to God I quit smoking about 15 years ago. Before I quit, the children, especially at the Antiochian Village and when I visited parishes, would constantly bug me and beg me to quit. I smoked from a young age as was the custom in those days before we knew how bad smoking was for our health. Unfortunately, it was an addiction and “while the spirit was willing the flesh was weak.” As such, I struggled with the desire to quit and the encouragement of many of the faithful, however, I was unable. Finally, with the help of a local doctor, I used “the patch” and, together with God’s help and the prayers of many of the faithful, I was able to overcome this dreadful addiction. Now, I can’t even stand to be around smoke or people who are smoking and I encourage and even sometimes yell at people who still smoke, especially the young people. My heartfelt advice to our youth is please, you have knowledge about the effects of smoking and its addictive nature that was not available to us as youth. We had an excuse, you do not. Therefore, don’t start because it is much harder to quit than it is to start.

With much love,

Bishop ANTOUN

The Right Reverend Bishop Antoun

Auxiliary - Diocese of Miami and the Southeast

Help Prevent Tobacco Use