APRIL 2016 W e are responsible for training our children and grandchildren to live the Way of Christ boldly. How do we provide them with the best academic education in an Orthodox Christian environment that nurtures faith, love, and truth in their hearts? The Saint Constantine School, our new Antiochian Orthodox School in Houston, is accepting applications for all grade levels, including kindergarten (K4 & K5) through undergraduate college. It is a very exciting time as the school opens its doors for Fall 2016. Located at 6000 Dale Carnegie Lane (59 S & Hilcroft) Fr. James, Fr. Symeon, and Fr. Richard Petranek (St. Paul's), all members of the Board of Directors, blessed the new campus, located at 6000 Dale Carnegie Lane. We ask for the prayers and support of the faithful as the faculty and staff prepare for classes in the Fall. To apply or find more information about Classical Christian education at TSCS and our experienced, motivated educators, please visit our website at saintconstantine.org. St. George Orthodox Christian Church 5311 Mercer Street Houston, TX 77005 (713) 665-5252
Sunday Of Orthodoxy/Mother s Day Party St. George was honored to host the annual Pan-Orthodox gathering of clergy and faithful for the Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers. We were especially blessed by the presence of Abbess Paraskevi and the nuns of St. Paraskevi Monastery. Following the service, Fr. James gave a challenging sermon encouraging us to not only reverence the icons, but to imitate those saints depicted in the images. We especially thank the Ladies Altar Society who prepared a delicious Lenten meal for the over 300 people in attendance. Babysitting Provided Page 2
Food For Hungry People Program Each year St. George participates in the Archdiocese Food For Hungry People Program. Collection Boxes are available at the Church. In addition to our Lenten fasting and prayer, we as Christians are called to care for our brothers and sisters in need through almsgiving. It is in them that we find the face of Christ. Below is an interactive way for children and adults us to fill our boxes while being mindful of all the blessings we have received from His goodness. Page 3
St. George Tea Party S t. George hosted another wonderful Tea Party filled with joyful moments and delicious delicacies. Many thanks to Chair Basma Dwairy and her committee for the endless labor that went into making this event so fantastic. Khouriya Gigi was our emcee. The day was highlighted with bee autiful decor, entertainment from Andrew Hallack, tasty food and sweets and a few words from Father James who highlighted how St. Basil instructs that we should be like the bee who goes from flower to flower seeking that which is good and leaving behind that which is not. Page 4
St. George Tea Party Page 5
Young Adult Monastery Trip/Generations/Vacation Bible School At St. George St Paraskevi Monastery Trip Young Adults traveled with our Youth Director George Katrib on Saturday, March 12 to visit the Monastery of St. Paraskevi in Washington, TX. Once again the sisters offered holy hospitality to the young adults who spent time praying and enjoying the beauty of God s creation. baptisms March 6 Jonathan Jimmy Zaid son of Jimmy & Sonia Zaid March 8 Jeaneatte Rodriguez March 12 Naya Nicole Karadsheh daughter of Fares & Rawan Karadsheh March 12 Hanna Walker March 20 Andrew Atallah Khoury son of Atallah & Nadine Khoury March 26 Magdalen Rabih Wehbe daughter of Jeremiah & Julia Nassif Vacation Bible School March 27 Richard Jawad Raphael Zaid son of Jawad & Samantha Zaid b at St. George June 6-10, 2016 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. weddings March 5 George Murr & Mahdieh Parizi March 10 Leith Kalef & Jeaneatte Rodriguez funerals March 15 Butros Jiries Baba March 25 Fares Nezha Page 6
St. George Feast Day Luncheon/Lazarus Saturday Festivities Page 7
St. George Orthodox Christian Church 5311 Mercer Street Houston, TX 77005 (713) 665-5252 www.stgeorgehouston.com CHURCH STAFF Pastor V. Rev. Fr. James Shadid Associate Pastor Rev. Fr. Symeon Kees Pastor Emeritus V. Rev. Fr. Joseph Shahda Youth Director George Katrib Secretary Octavia Odom