Saint George Orthodox Christian Church 5311 Mercer at Bissonnet Houston, Texas

Volume XV, Issue II Summer 2012

A Quarterly Newsletter for the Faithful of Saint George Orthodox Christian Church in Houston, Texas

MESSENGERThe

If you go to travelocity.com and try to find a ticket to go to Babylon, you will come up with a message such as "destination unknown" or "no route to that location". However Babylon could easily be discovered behind the doors of St. George as we hosted our annual Vacation Bible School program, June 11 -15. Among the participants, 123 children, 49 teens and 34 adults assembled to produce a fabulous week of singing, dancing, crafts & games in addition to learning of God's love, traditions of the Church and an exploratory walk through the life of a prophet!

The theme of the week was a study of Prophet Daniel's life while in captivity in Babylon. Children learned lessons about Daniel's devotion to GOD, Daniel's friends - the three holy children in the furnace, and of course Daniel being saved in the lions' den. What a blessing it was to see our hall filled with children singing praises to our Lord! What a special joy it was to have Kh. Gigi return to the stage to lead our “celebration” and our own Fr. James to be “Daniel”!

Vacation Bible School has grown through the years. We are overjoyed to share this time with our brothers and sisters in Christ who come from various Orthodox parishes from the greater Houston area, and from out of state, to gather for the glory of GOD and His children! This is truly a pan-orthodox program that speaks boldly to our children that we are all one Orthodox Christian Church.

Much gratitude goes to our ever-devoted Church School Director Susie Sobchak who organized this amazing week. She, as well as Irene Cassis from Annunciation Cathedral, gathered volunteers to produce a program that included singing, food, arts and crafts and even a tented "market place" for the children to visit each day! A huge 'thank you' goes to all our adult and teen volunteers that make everything run smoothly! This program would not be as effective without our faithful volunteer army!

Each year our VBS program chooses a community service project for the children and staff to support. This year we chose to support The Treehouse in Wichita, KS, a pro-life organization that offers support, counseling and guidance to new mothers. Over the week, our VBS program raised $1500 to provide 150 baby kits for this worthwhile organization.

We hope and pray that the lessons our children learned during the week strengthen their walk in the faith. Our children, like Prophet Daniel, are growing up in a world that tries to lead them away from obedience to the one true GOD. May He keep them safe and wise, as they struggle to serve Him and Him only.

Getting to Know Our Family in Christ

St. George is blessed to welcome Octavia Battles as our new parish secretary. Octavia is a native Houstonian and moved to Sugar Land when she was 12 years old. Last year after searching, she was led to the Orthodox Faith and was chrismated this past May. She is an active member of The 40 Holy Martyrs in Sugar Land.

Octavia graduated from Texas Tech University in 2003 and has worked in the commercial interior design industry for the past 8 years. The opportunity to work at St. George came about when she was already interested in pursuing other fields, particularly within the Orthodox Church. Though she did not know which direction was right for her, she was very blessed to not need to explore this for long. After some consideration and prayer, she most happily accepted the offer to the position of secretary.

When asked about working at St. George, she said, "If you would have told me a year ago where I would be today, I wouldn't have believed you. I'm honored to have this life-changing position and look forward to many years with the St. George family." We welcome her and her ministry into our midst!

Getting to Know

Our FAMILY

in CHRIST

OCTAVIA

BATTLES

Page 2

Please plan to join us for the 6th Annual St George

Saturday, September 8, 2012

ST GEORGE MORTGAGE FUND

This year the proceeds will go toward the

a e S

v

he te

tDa !

gourmet Luncheon Seminar &&

GGSSLL Tickets for

sale in hall

Archdiocese Convention 2013

Page 3

Page 4

What’s Happening at St George?

BIBLE STUDY . . . started a special summer program that meets bi-weekly or so (check your bulletin, or call the office), right after Saturday Vespers. We are fortunate to have a dedicated brother from the Mid East, Adnan Trabulsi, MD, lead the class. On June 2, he laid the groundwork for St. Paul's Book of Ephesians which we started reading in depth on June 16.

Please join us with open hearts and minds for an inspiring 2-3 hour discussion of a challenging Epistle written by the divinely appointed 'ambassador in chains who opens his mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel' (6:19-20) and to affirm that we "also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit." (2:22).

BOOKSTORE . . . continues to search out resources for building up the Body of Christ. While we have added resources for adult Orthodox Christians, we are in need for some more resources for children. Therefore, I am asking parents for ideas and advice on what the bookstore can do to assist our younger members of the Body in their path to salvation.

We have also been discussing ways to reach out to non-Orthodox individuals who are seeking God and His true Church. Please be in prayer for us in our efforts to minister to the lost in new but Orthodox ways.We still need volunteers to help in the bookstore on Sundays after Liturgy. You do not have to be an expert on icons or books to help out. We just need you to process purchases, a transaction made easy through our new inventory system. If you decide to assist us, please come see us at the bookstore, or email us at bookstore@stgeorgehouston.com.

CHURCH SCHOOL . . . is now on summer break, but the fun continues! The winners of the 2012 Creative Festival “The Bible fills us with eternal joy” were announced at the DOWAMA PLC, hosted by St. Joseph AOC here in Houston. The 2012 Creative Festival theme of St. John of Damascus produced 22 winners from our Church. We had a total of 40 Creative Arts entries, 11 Writing, 3 Poetry, 5 Photography, 3 Film (one entry was a shared project by two students). And the winners are:

Creative Writing: Creative Arts:th stAnna Sobchak 10 Grade Assad Ganim 1 Gradeth thTony Trabulsi 7 Grade Anastasia Stilkenboom 4 Gradeth thWilliam Hoekel 6 Grade Sofia Michael 7 Gradeth thElia Hanna 5 Grade Mark Saber 9 Gradeth th

Simon Merheb 4 Grade Nicole Sobchak 10 Gradeth

Danielle Shahin 10 Grade

Photography: Poetry:th ndGanim J. Ganim 4 Grade Danielle Semine 2 Gradeth thVictoria Mousa 7 Grade Alexander Zaibaq 8 Grade thSabrina Farah 7 GradethTristan Shahin 8 Grade Film:

th thAnna Sobchak 10 Grade Hanna Fares 7 GradethDimitri Hermantas 7 GradethRaymond & Rogette Saba 8 Grade

thMark your calendar: The 2012-2013 Church School Year will start on Sunday September 9 , 2012.

Registration dates: August 19, 26, and Sept 2, 2012.

FELLOWSHIP OF ST JOHN THE DIVINE… recently held their elections. We welcome the following new officers for 2012-13: President Olga Faour, Vice-President Rosalie Abercia, Secretary Cindy Salczenko, and returning Treasurer Loretta Prontka. Many thanks to outgoing officers: President Kim Barrow, Vice President Tawfiq Jallouq and Secretary Cindy Richards for their service!

FAITHFULNESS * FUN * FELLOWSHIP

Page 5

At their last meeting, the Fellowship graciously agreed to sponsor a family picnic in September (Fellowship of St John the Divine month). Jeff and Cindy Salczenko will chair the picnic. The event is open to all parishioners. Families are encouraged to bring their own food, grills will be provided. More details to follow soon.

FINANCE COMMITTEE . . . presented the following reports at the Spring General Parish Meeting in June:

4/30/2011 12/31/2011 4/30/2012

General Funds:Operating Funds ($8,483) ($37,783) $21,264

Restricted Use Funds $73,130 $112,989 $93,936

Total General Funds $64,647 $75,206 $115,200

HRA Checking Account: $2,055 $2,723 $2,543

Investment Accounts:Capital $366,990 $338,733 $379,432

Charity & Memorial $120,874 $120,731 $120,735

Total Investment Accounts: $487,864 $459,464 $500,167

Organizational Accounts:Ladies Altar Society $123,469 $126,492 $141,836

Teen SOYO $4,346 $1,066 $2,301

St. John the Divine $10,373 $7,866 $7,360

St. Nicholas Men's Society $11,699 $3,614 $6,421

Bookstore $5,819 $5,953 $7,214

Total Organizational Accounts $155,706 $144,991 $165,132

Total Church Funds: $710,272 $682,384 $783,042

Balance of 2013 Archdiocese Convention

Loan Amount of $10,000.00 $4,208 $4,008

St.�� George �� Orthodox �� Church Summary�� of �� Funds �� Report

Dec. 31, 1/1 - 4/30 1/1 - 4/30 1/1 - 4/30

2011 Actual 2012 Budget 2012 Actual 2011 Actual

Income:Pledge Income $539,231 $203,000 $232,486 $202,067

Other Income $99,265 $34,317 $27,657 $30,702

Total Income $638,496 $237,317 $260,143 $232,769

Expenses:Staff Expenses $297,991 $106,173 $109,886 $101,324

Archdiocese - Region $71,484 $22,316 $17,024 $22,138

General Overhead $246,398 $77,671 $72,792 $76,736

Other Expenses $19,387 $6,300 $1,381 $3,224

Total Expenses $635,260 $212,460 $201,083 $203,422

Income over Expenses: $3,236 $24,857 $59,060 $29,347

2011 Mortgage Fund Contribution $44,500

St.�� George �� Orthodox �� Church Operating �� Statement

Page 6

FUN * 2012 Vacation Bible School: Babylon-Daniel’s Courage in Captivity * FAITHFULNESS *

Page 7

Camp Saint Raphael - Session I * Parish Life Conference - Houston Galleria * Ladies Altar Society

Page 8

What’s Happening at St George?

FOOD PANTRY. . . is having a SIZZLING SUMMER FOOD DRIVE: While we're enjoying the lazy days of summer let's be mindful that hunger doesn't take a vacation. Our food pantry shelves are bare and need restocking in order to provide for those who seek aid from St. George and to contribute to local shelters. Please pick up a list of suggested items on the food pantry table. “Whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? ...let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and truth” I John 3: 17-19

LADIES ALTAR SOCIETY . . . are pleased to announce the new officers for 2012 2013: Nada Farah, President; Faika Zaid, Vice President; Juliette Zabaneh, Treasurer; and Sana Zeibak, Secretary. The Ladies Altar Society of St. George, Houston, Texas, consists of 49 active members who meet on the second Wednesday of each month. We will resume our meetings at 11:00 AM on September 12, 2012 in the Conference Room, 2nd floor of the Administration Building. We hope to see all members attend this very important first gathering. If you are not already a member, we welcome you to join us for a visit and see how our Ladies come together to support religious, humanitarian, social, and scholarship projects locally and regionally. We also take care of the maintenance and upkeep of the altar area. On Sunday, please stop by our table and let us meet you and tell you more about our ministry.

We continue to provide the Holy Bread for the weekly Liturgy, as well as for other services. As one of our monthly projects, we get together and bake the Holy Bread. Should any one wish to have the Ladies prepare one for a Holy Oblation or Memorial, please contact the church office (713-665-5252) well ahead of time to provide details. We welcome your donation made out to the Ladies Altar Society.

SAINT NICHOLAS SOCIETY . . . is a men's group at St. George whose purpose is to perform charitable functions for the needy in our Orthodox community, to support church related functions at St. George, and to donate time and money to charitable organizations. Our strategic objective is to increase our outreach and strengthen the fellowship of the men of St. George while participating in activities that benefit the St. George family and expand our witness within the community. Activities of the St. Nicholas Society include:

* Sponsoring the St. George Day luncheon and activities for the parish.

*Sponsoring a Golf Tournament for charitable purposes.

* Donating money to needy individuals, families and causes (usually Orthodox) as identified by Father James.

* Serving breakfast and lunch to the homeless and needy each month in conjunction with the S.E.A.R.C.H.

interdenominational organization in mid-town Houston

* Fellowship among the men at St. George

We don't have a lot of meetings, but we try to do a lot of good! For those interested in joining us, please contact Henry Kaim (hjkaim@gmail.com), Ed Dumont (edumont1384@gmail.com), John Sobchak (jsobchak@kmgchemicals.com) or any other member of the Society.

SUNSHINE COMMITTEE… continues to send out cards to the sick and injured of our church family, as well as to those families who have recently lost a loved one. If you know of someone we can reach out to, we have set up a box in the vestibule for parishioners to leave the names of people who are in need of a get-well or sympathy card.

YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS . . . have had a great year at St George. During these formative years, it is extremely important to teach life lessons, especially with Christ at the center. Our young members have participated in numerous activities, including spiritual renewal and liturgical life, inspiring charitable deeds, and enjoyable fun and fellowship.

Our JOY Club (Junior Orthodox Youth) program creates a safe environment and allows for friendship building among others of similar ages whose families share the same Christian values. Activities have included Family Night discussions, Bible-based lessons, creative arts, Movie Nights, liturgical participation, and camping activities.

FAITHFULNESS * FUN * FELLOWSHIP

Page 9

Our Teen SOYO program allows our teens to worship, witness, serve, and have fun in a safe, hospitable, and Christian environment. Such activities and events include: Church School classes, Bible Study sessions, OKC Basketball Tournament and Retreat, Advent Retreat at St George, Winter Camp @ CSR, Paschal Retreat in Dallas, Summer Camp programs at Camp St Raphael and Antiochian Village, Family Night discussions, SOYO Monastery Trip, SOYO Zoo Day, SOYO Vespers and other liturgical services, as well as service projects donating time, energy, and money to those in need.

Our YAM (Young Adult Ministries) program continues to allow for a spiritual and social network as our young adults mature in society. Activities include: Orthodox Young Adult Conference hosted by St George in September 2011, monthly service days at the Beacon, and monthly dinner outings. We must continue to show support, hospitality, love, and care as young adults enter into the “real world.”

Our OCF (Orthodox College Fellowship) program is crucial to “keeping our young adults connected to the Church.” This ministry offers support, hospitality, love, and care that is needed as our youth are entering unsupervised secular, and sometimes dangerous, environments on campuses and workplaces. Some activities from this past year include: National Day of Prayer (at UH), Bowling & Dinner Outings, OCF Real Break trips in Houston & Galveston. OCF meets continuously for activities, such as discussions/lectures, retreats, liturgical services, and dinners/fellowships.

Assistance from our families at St. George is vital to keep our youth and young adults 'actively participating in their salvation'. We've all heard that “it takes a village to raise a child,” and as a Christian community we should continue to educate, support, and offer prayers and love to all our youth and young adults as they continue to change and grow into stewards of Christ's Holy Vineyard.

WAY TO START LENT! by Marianthi Coronéou

Several members of our congregation, and guests from various communities, attended an inspiring Retreat on Saturday, March 3, led by Dr. Harry Boosalis, Professor of Dogmatic Theology at St. Tikhon's Orthodox Seminary.*

The morning session centered on Love: Our Path to Holiness illustrated richly with lessons from Scripture and from writings of holy men. A detailed handout that Dr. Boosalis shared with us included quotes by St. Silouan the Athonite: “ ...The Lord remembered not my sins, and gave me to love people… my soul longs for the whole world to be saved… Our brother is our life…Love cannot suffer a single soul to perish...if we love our enemies, peace will dwell in us day and night.” Others were written by St. Maximos the Confessor: “Many people have said much about love, but only in seeking it, among Christ's disciples will you find it...The one who possesses love possesses God himself since 'God is love'.”

The afternoon portion focused on The Practice of Prayer, with encouragement coming mainly from the writings of the early fathers of our ancient faith. Elder Porphyrios writes that in prayer “what is important is not the duration but the intensity…Prayer must be entirely selfless...Pray without forming images in your mind...” John Climacus asks us to “pray in all simplicity. The publican and the prodigal son were reconciled to God by a single utterance.” Elder Aimilianos: “And so God, through worship, stretches out towards me, and I, through prayer, stretch out towards Him…” St. Hesychios the Priest: “Whenever we are filled with evil thoughts, we should throw the invocation of our Lord Jesus Christ into their midst…” Again, Elder Porphyrios tells us: “Sometimes it is good to say the prayer, 'Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me', out loud so that you hear it with your ears.” Thank you, Fr. Symeon, for inviting your former professor to share with us his faith, his knowledge, and his kindness at the start of our preparation for the ascent to Jerusalem.

*Dr. Boosalis has published four books and is working on a fifth one. The texts are written in a reader-friendly style and can be ordered from St. Tikhon's Seminary Press, .

The Joy of the Holy: Saint Seraphim of Sarov and Orthodox Spiritual Life, 1993. Knowledge of God: Ancient Spirituality of the Christian East, 2009.Taught by God: An Introduction to Orthodox Theology, 2010.Orthodox Spiritual Life According to St. Silouan of Mount Athos, 2011.

www.stots.edu

From Generation to Generation

“As many as have been baptized into Christ...”BAPTISMSth thApril 7 May 19

Daniel Saab Lucas Michael NasraParents: Basil & Abeer Saab Parents: Michael & Danielle Nasra

Godparents: Sam Saab & Najwa Shey Godparents: Jason Nasera & Jillian Lumley

st thApril 21 May 27Marina Katherine Kees Zia Celesse (Theodora) Khalaf

Parents: Fr Symeon Dana & Kh Jing Anastasia Kees Parents: Jaleel & Julie KhalafGodparents: Christopher & Alex Funchess Godparents: Alain Dikdan & Maisa Khalaf

rd ndApril 23 June 2Liliana Alyssa Zaid Preston Thomas Moody

Parents: Jimmy & Johanna Zaid Parents: Benjamin & Layla MoodyGodparents: Habib Zaid & Sonia Nixon Godparent: Albert Nahas

th thMay 6 June 16Preston James Hogan Yerik Jeremiah Nassif

Parents: Christopher & Anastasia Michael Hogan Parents: Jeremiah & Julie NassifGodparents: John & Susie Sobchak Godparent: Charles Nassif & Nathalie Mattar

th thMay 27 June 9Groom: Edwar Hanna Fares Groom: Adeeb Jay Dwairy

Bride: Vivian Rebecca Hermantas Bride: Caroline Jamil MusaSponsors: Robert Macey & Nada Farah Sponsors: Ronny Dwairy & Luna Musa

“Memory Eternal”FUNERALS

nd th rdMarch 2 March 10 March 23Alice Almokary Rose Farha Nunu Betty Lou Quartaro

11/5/1915 - 2/26/2012 7/17/1921 - 3/6/2012 3/11/1936 - 3/18/2012

“Crown them with glory and honor...”MARRIAGES

thJune 16Yuri Saba Nassif

Parents: Jeremiah & Julie NassifGodparent: Charles Nassif & Nathalie Mattar

thJune 30 Groom: Marian Jantea

Bride: Rachel FinnSponsors: Christopher & Alex Funchess

th thApril 14 April 14Ike “Ephraim” Spiker Lucie “Lucia” Ogdee

thSponsor: Al Nahas April 14 Sponsor: Michael OgdeeCatherine Jacobs Van Merlen

th ndSponsor: Olga FaourApril 14 June 2Lisa “Mary” Spiker Alexander Smirnov Fraps

Sponsor: Cindy Richards Sponsor: James Marks

“Thou art illumined, thou art sanctified...”CHRISMATIONS

Page 10

From Generation to Generation

Page 11

Lives of the Saints

Saint Euphrosynos the Cook

of AlexandriaMemory celebrated September 11th

Saint Euphrosynus the Cook was from one of the Palestinian monasteries, and his obedience was to work in the kitchen as a cook. Toiling away for the brethren, St Euphrosynus did not absent himself from thought about God, but rather dwelt in prayer and fasting. He remembered always that obedience is the first duty of a monk, and therefore he was obedient to the elder brethren. The patience of the saint was amazing: they often reproached him, but he made no complaint and endured every unpleasantness. St Euphrosynus pleased the Lord by his inner virtue which he concealed from people, and the Lord Himself revealed to the monastic brethren the spiritual heights of their unassuming fellow-monk.

One of the priests of the monastery prayed and asked the Lord to show him the blessings prepared for the righteous in the age to come. The priest saw in a dream what Paradise is like, and he contemplated its inexplicable beauty with fear and with joy. He also saw there a monk of his monastery, the cook Euphrosynus. Amazed at this encounter, the presbyter asked Euphrosynus, how he came to be there. The saint answered that he was in Paradise through the great mercy of God. The priest again asked whether Euphrosynus would be able to give him something from the surrounding beauty. St Euphrosynus suggested to the priest to take whatever he wished, and so the priest pointed to three luscious apples growing in the garden of Paradise. The monk picked the three apples, wrapped them in a cloth, and gave them to his companion.

When he awoke in the early morning, the priest thought the vision a dream, but suddenly he noticed next to him the cloth with the fruit of Paradise wrapped in it, and emitting a wondrous fragrance. The priest, found St Euphrosynus in church and asked him under oath where he was the night before. The saint answered that he was where the priest also was. Then the monk said that the Lord, in fulfilling the prayer of the priest, had shown him Paradise and had bestown the fruit of Paradise through him, " the lowly and unworthy servant of God, Euphrosynus."

The priest related everything to the monastery brethren, pointing out the spiritual loftiness of Euphrosynus in pleasing God, and he pointed to the fragrant paradaisical fruit. Deeply affected by what they heard, the monks went to the kitchen, in order to pay respect to St Euphrosynus, but they did not find him there. Fleeing human glory, the monk had left the monastery. The place where he concealed himself remained unknown, but the monks always remembered that their monastic brother St Euphrosynus had come upon Paradise, and that they in being saved, through the mercy of God would meet him there. They reverently kept and distributed pieces of the apples from Paradise for blessing and for healing.

*Taken from the Orthodox Church in America website at: http://ocafs.oca.org/FeastSaintsLife.asp?FSID=102581

Troparion Tone 4

Thou didst live righteously in great humility,in labors of asceticism and in guilelessness of soul

O righteous Euphrosynos. Hence, by a mystical vision, thou didst demonstrate most wondrously the heavenly joy

which thou hadst found. Do thou make us worthy

St. George Orthodox Church5311 Mercer at BissonnetHouston, Texas 77005

Website: www.stgeorgehouston.com

Volume XV, Issue II Summer 2012

Church StaffPastor Rev Fr James ShadidAsst Pastor Rev Fr Symeon KeesEmeritus V Rev Fr Joseph Shahda

Deacon Rev Dn Joseph CarterYouth Director Paul FullerSecretary Octavia Battles

Parish Council OfficersPresident Bob MaceyVice President Tommy BarrowTreasurer Edward DumontSecretary Vivian Fares

Communications Committee

Advisor Fr. Symeon KeesMembers

Edwar FaresVivian FaresMelissa Kean

Attached Rev Fr Christopher Eid

Daphne Baba

PROCESSION of the

PRECIOUS CROSS

August 1

Reading:

Apolytikion- Tone 1

Because of the many diseases that occur in the month of August, the custom prevailed of old in Constantinople to carry the precious Wood of the Cross in procession throughout the city for its sanctification and its deliverance from illnesses. It was brought forth from the imperial treasury on the last day of July and placed upon the Holy Table of the Great Church of the Holy Wisdom; and beginning today, until the Dormition of the Theotokos, it was carried in procession throughout the city and was set forth for veneration before the people.

O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance, granting to Thy people victory over all their enemies, and by the power of Thy Cross preserving Thy Kingdom.

Marianthi Coronéou

1  

    

 51st Antiochian Archdiocese Convention 

Hosted by St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church 

5311 Mercer Street Houston Texas 77005 

Tel. 713.665.5252 Fax 713.665.0514 

http://www.achouston2013.com  

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,  Saint George is truly honored to host the 2013 Archdiocese National Convention. We welcome all of our brothers and sisters in Christ from the United States, Canada, and countries from around the world.    The members of Saint George are delighted to have His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP, our beloved Hierarchs of the Antiochian Archdiocese of North America, faithful and devoted priests, and our distinguished Board of Trustees will be present to celebrate the 51st annual convention.  

Everyone present, including families with young children, teens, and the young adults, will be able to attend beautiful liturgical services, informative meetings, insightful workshops, and enjoyable events with affordable charges. 

In order to offer reasonable charges to the faithful attending the convention, it is necessary to reach out to our Orthodox community to request their support by sponsoring an event of their choice (see events listed on the attached page).  Sponsors will receive a full page souvenir journal publication and will be able to compose their own message.  As additional appreciation to our gracious sponsors, we will provide complimentary tickets to events plus publication in the Souvenir Journal...  To maintain reasonable prices to our community, there is the opportunity for all to purchase a publication in the beautiful and professionally prepared Souvenir Journal (please see the attached form with pricing of the journal).  Donations from individuals and families will be accepted and very much appreciated.  Those who provide donations will be recognized if desired.  You may wonder why we must reach out for the generosity of individuals and families.  The purpose is to provide financial assistance to the host parish which is needed in order to offset their costs for the convention, without this assistance a parish could have a financial loss of several thousand dollars. Through your generosity and support, many members of our Orthodox community can come together as one and continue to strengthen and grow in our true and beautiful faith.     May the blessings of our Lord and Savior and Jesus be with each of you and may he grant you many years of good health and happiness.    

2  

Please contact us to discuss any questions you may have.  Our contact numbers are as follows: 

Father James Shadid   316.209.3605 

Bob Macy    713.553.8465 

Nada Farah    713.725.5018   

In HIM   The Reverend James Shadid    Bob Macey        Michael Araj Host Pastor        Convention Co‐Chairman    Convention Co‐Chairman   Nada Farah        Elias Shaheen                                                Ralph Abercia Fundraising Chair      Honorary Co‐Chair                                       Honorary Co‐ Chair          Back Cover (color)  $10,000.00 

Inside Back Cover (color)  $7,500.00 

Inside Front Cover (color)  $7,500.00 

Diamond Page (color)  $5,000.00 

Gold‐Trim Page (color)  $2,500.00 

Silver‐Trim Page (color)  $1,500.00 

Full White Page (black/white)  $750.00 

Half Page (black/white)  $500.00 

Quarter Page (black/white)  $300.00 

Business Card (black/white)  $200.00 

Patron Line Listing (90 characters max, including spaces) $75.00 

 Sponsorships and Donations for Events: 

Schedule of Events     

Monday Evening  Family Dinner & Magic Show  $10,000.00 

Tuesday Morning  Clergy and Clergy Wives Country Brunch  $5,000.00 

Tuesday Evening  St. Ignatius Dinner  $20,000.00 

Wednesday Lunch  AOCWNA Luncheon (Ladies Tea)  $10,000.00 

Wednesday Evening  Late Appetizers and International Show  $10,000.00 

Thursday Evening  Country Western BBQ and Dance (with Live Band)  $40,000.00 

Friday Evening  Mardi Gras Masquerade (New Orleans Dinner & Dance)  $75,000.00 

Saturday Lunch  Board of Trustee Luncheon at Quattro Restaurant  $5,000.00 

Saturday Evening  Teen Dinner   $10,000.00 

Saturday Evening  Young Adult Dinner at Hard Rock Café for 21‐40  $10,000.00 

Saturday Evening  Grand Banquet & Hafli  $100,000.00 

  Transportation   $7,500.00 

   

 

3  

Sponsorships 

$5,000.00 

Sponsors of the $5,000.00 program will have a Sponsorship table for ten reserved at the Grand Banquet 

Saturday Night. 

$7,500.00 

Sponsors of the program will receive a Sponsorship table for ten at both the Grand Banquet Saturday 

Night and International Family Night Dinner Wednesday Night plus receive a Full Black and White Page 

in the Souvenir Journal. 

$10,000.00 

Sponsors of the $10,000.00 program will have a Sponsorship table for ten reserved at the Grand 

Banquet Saturday Night plus receive a full black and white ad page in the Souvenir Journal. 

$15,000.00 

Sponsors for the $15,000.00 program will have a Sponsorship table for ten reserved at the Grand 

Banquet Saturday Night plus receive a full Silver Trim ad page in the Souvenir Journal. 

$20,000.00 

Sponsors for the $20,000.00 program will have a Sponsorship table for ten reserved at the Grand 

Banquet Saturday Night plus receive a full Gold Trim ad page in the Souvenir Journal.  Sponsors will also 

receive lunch for two with the Board of Trustees. 

$25,000.00 

Sponsors for the $25,000.00 program will have a Sponsorship table for ten reserved at the Grand 

Banquet Saturday Night plus receive a full Diamond ad page in the Souvenir Journal.  Sponsors will also 

receive lunch for two with the Board of Trustees, and an invitation to the VIP Cocktail Hour with the 

Board of Trustees. 

$40,000.00+ 

Sponsors who donate $40,000.00 or more will have complimentary tickets for ten to all Ticket Book 

events: Monday Dinner & Entertainment, Wednesday International Night, Thursday Country Western 

BBQ & Dance, Friday Mardi Gras Masquerade, and Saturday Grand Banquet.   Sponsors will have a 

Sponsorship table for ten reserved to all sit down dinners, plus receive a full Diamond ad page in the 

Souvenir Journal.  Sponsors will also receive lunch for two with the Board of Trustees, and an invitation 

to the VIP Cocktail Hour with the Board of Trustees.