The smell of incense permeated the entrance of Mother of God Church in Southfield last month during a historic ordination, the first time two priests were ordained during the same service.

Carrying the Bible, Patrick Sitto led the procession as Matthew Zetouna, 27, and Bashar Sitto, 41, proceeded down the aisle of the church with clergy and deacons from around the country and across the border from Canada. Hundreds of people filled the church pews, back room and the overflow room set up inside the church hall.