One of the members of the U.S. cargo ship that was attacked by Somali pirates a couple of weeks ago received a warm welcome from his church Sunday.

Members of the St. John Baptist Church in Harlem celebrated the safe return of William Rios.

He was one of 19 crew members aboard the Maersk Alabama-- the American ship hijacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia April 8.

Rios told his fellow church members that their prayers helped him survive the ordeal.

He also said it was the Lord who gave the crew strength.