The Fellowship Quarterly - St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church

St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, Cicero, IL
The Fellowship Quarterly
An official publication of the Fellowship of St. John the Divine
Volume III, Issue II
2011 Summer Edition
Very Rev.
Fr. Nicholas Dahdal
Pastor
Rev. Fr. Fouad Saba
Advisor
FSJD Officers
Faten Haddad
President
Jennifer Haddadin
Vice-President
Mona Rayan
Secretary
Michael Saba
Treasurer
Majd Barhoumeh
Public Relations
The Fellowship
Quarterly
Joseph Homsy
Editor
Abrahim Harb
Co-Editor
St. George Antiochian
Orthodox Church
1220 South 60th Court
Cicero, Illinois 60804
(708) 656-2927
stgeorgecicero.org
[email protected]
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEWLY ELECTED
2011-2012 OFFICERS!!!!
SAVE THE DATE!!!
THE 3rd ANNUAL
ST. GEORGE FELLOWSHIP FESTIVAL
SUNDAY, AUGUST 28TH, 2011
2011!
11!!!
[email protected]
50TH ARCHDIOCESE CONVENTION INSERTS – PAGES 7-9!
HFM COUPLES’ NIGHT RECAP – PAGE 15!
The Fellowship Quarterly
The Fellowship Quarterly
Page 2
Page 2
Meet the FSJD
“They
devoted
themselves
to the
apostles’
teaching
and to
fellowship,
to the
breaking of
bread and
to prayer…
praising God
and
enjoying the
favor of all
the people.
And the
Lord added
to their
number
daily those
who were
being
saved.”
(Acts 2:42,
47)
V. Rev. Fr. Nicholas Dahdal
Pastor
Rev. Fr. Fouad Saba
Advisor
St. John the Divine
FSJD Patron Saint
2011-2012 FSJD Executive Board
Faten Haddad
President
Jennifer Haddadin
Vice-President
Mona Rayan
Secretary
Michael Saba
Treasurer
Majd Barhoumeh
Public Relations
2011-2012 Committee Chairpersons
Mark Imreibe
Fundraising
Nicole Dahdal Suhail Qumri Debby Allen
Humanitarian Information
Midwest
Technology
Relations
Elias Akkari
NADI
Functioning
Rammy Zanayed
Spiritual
Victor Imreibe
Social
2011-2012 Ministry Coordinators
St. George Antiochian
Orthodox Church
1220 South 60th Court
Cicero, Illinois 60804
(708) 656-2927
stgeorgecicero.org
[email protected]
[email protected]
Trevor Lenhart
St. John Chrysostom
Academy Coordinator
Abdo & Suhaila Imseeh
Holy Family Ministry
Coordinators
Ala’ Imseeh
Orthodox Troupe
Coordinator
The Fellowship Quarterly
Page 3
The Flaw In The Plan
By Joseph Homsy
Upon entering college, I had several goals. One of them was, of course, to graduate, and the other,
immediately following my graduation from college, was to continue onto a higher level of
education. My plan was focused on my own ambitions, my own dreams, my own wants and needs.
My plan did not take into consideration how I could apply my talents to other aspects of my life. My
plan did not include refocusing the energy which I spent focusing on my own personal goals and
ambitions, towards something far greater than myself. My plan was flawed.
Upon graduating, I found myself stuck. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I was unable to
further my education immediately. I had a year to spare, and, I was, as some would say, “stuck in neutral.” I felt as
if I had nowhere to go. My plan was flawed.
“For I know the
plans I have for
you,” declares
the LORD,
“plans to
prosper you
and not to
harm you,
plans to give
you hope and a
future.”
(Jeremiah
29:11)
St. George Antiochian
Orthodox Church
1220 South 60th Court
Cicero, Illinois 60804
(708) 656-2927
stgeorgecicero.org
[email protected]
[email protected]
Thankfully, my plan wasn’t His Plan. In what was to become a year away from the rigors and stress of the world of
education, I found myself working at a steady job with free time to spare and given an opportunity to work with an
organization that helped me contribute towards a greater purpose. I could not allow myself to squander away such a
golden opportunity. I found myself becoming heavily involved at St. George Church and, more specifically, in the
Fellowship of St. John the Divine. This was a chance for me to grow stronger in my faith, to give back to my Church,
and to grow, as person, from the experiences that I shared with those around me.
God’s Plan for me was different. Being the Great Architect that He is, I was given many obstacles to overcome, many
hard choices to make, and many questions to ask. Each obstacle, each choice, each question led me to the point
where I am today. He knew all along that this was where I would end up, and He gave me the tools to get here. Many
times I asked, “God, You do know what You are doing…right?” And many times He led me through it. My faith was
weak.
After bringing this concern up to a friend, I was told that God wants us when we are at our lowest, when we are at
our weakest, because it is in that moment when we realize how badly we need Him. It is only when we become lost,
trying to find our own way, that we look up at God and ask Him to help us find the path again. This is a tragic human
flaw, in that we only run to God when we need His help. We are naïve in that we do not realize that He is always
there, waiting for us to ask Him to put us back on the right path. When I came to this realization, I saw what I
needed. I needed to focus, not just on what I wanted, but on what I needed.
Working in “the real world” (The world that most college graduates enter upon graduating), with the FSJD, and the
other various aspects of St. George Church, I learned many things and grew from many experiences. I learned the
true value of friendship. I learned what it takes to have a steady job and successful career. I learned the true
meaning of “busy.” I learned the excitement that comes with planning an event. I learned the meaning of teamwork.
I learned the importance of communication. I learned the amount of hard work it takes to succeed, in any capacity. I
have seen those who epitomize the true meaning of the word “Christian.” I have seen the amount of effort it takes,
from all those involved, to run a successful organization. I have experienced a true feeling of belonging and
togetherness. I created and gained many new relationships and friendships. I gained a better understanding of what
“the real world” truly means. I gained a stronger understanding of who I am and what I stand for. I learned,
understood, and grew in my faith.
Of course, there are some times when I wonder how different I would be, as a person, if this past year had gone
according to my plan. My plan resulted in my being stuck in neutral. I knew what I wanted to do, but between what I
wanted to do, and what I was doing, was an entire year of waiting. Effectively, I had nothing to do for a year. That
all changed when I finally let His plan become my plan. I was still able to do the things that I wanted to do, but by
combining my own wants and needs with what I felt I was being called to do, I was able to become a better and more
efficient person. I was able to do my best to fully utilize all my God given talents.
Of course, we all have regrets, but nothing comes from brooding over them. For a regret to be of use, to anyone, we
must learn from that experience and do what we can to make sure we do not repeat it and regret anything else in
the future. I thank God that the regrets I have will only allow me to become a better person in the future, by doing
my best to not repeat those mistakes. The future holds many things, for all of us. I just hope and pray that I will
make the best possible decision, and that whatever path is chosen, that whatever plan is followed, that all will
happen for the best.
I thank God that I had a year to give all that I could to the Fellowship of St. John the Divine, and to the Church of St.
George and I thank God that I will still have the opportunity to be involved in both in the coming years. However,
while my goal and my plan is to stay as involved as possible, I just spent several hundred words telling you how the
best laid plans of mice and men often go to waste. Thankfully, my plan is not His Plan.
The Fellowship Quarterly
Page 4
Outgoing President’s Message
Highlights
By Rammy Zanayed
Greetings in the Name of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ.
I pray that this unconventional summer has been as interesting to you as it has to the rest of the nation.
This edition of the Fellowship Quarterly marks the end of the 2010-11 term of the Fellowship of St. John the Divine
here at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Cicero, IL. Much work was intended and done, but here are a few
highlights. This past year has seen the Fellowship Festival, Summer Kickoff and Fellowship Spiritual Retreat to the
Antiochian Village become annual events. Each of those events took a lot of preparation and execution from many
people. These events mean a lot to the Fellowship as a whole, and we hope for their continued existence thriving as
part of our calendar in the coming years.
“Well done,
good and
faithful
servant! You
have been
faithful with a
few things; I
will put you in
charge of
many
things…”
(Matthew
25:23)
The Fellowship Festival takes quite a lot of planning, dedication, many ideas thrust around, and countless
numbers of individuals working together to enact into a successful annual event. The committee each year rises
above to make this thrive each year. It is not strictly a fundraiser, but an experience. Starting out as a mere
glimmer of an idea, this Fellowship staple has grown into one of the signature events of the organization. Many
people sacrifice time and energy working together to ensure its success. For two years, it has exceeded beyond
grandest expectations, as this year's 3rd Annual St. George Fellowship Festival will assuredly join that list. The
Summer Kickoff, held on Memorial Day, is a mark to signal the coming of Summer. The 3-on-3 Basketball
Tournament was held and for the first year found co-ed teams of males and females. The competition was fierce
and exciting. People assisted with the setup and barbecuing, as others played ball, grabbed a bite to eat or sat to
watch the games. It was the continuation of a great new tradition that all of those in attendance remember fondly.
The Fellowship Spiritual Retreat to the Antiochian Village is the highlight of the Fellowship term, in my
humble opinion. This event has sprung such rich fruit from practicing Orthodox Christians in so many ways: obvious
and subtle, grand and tiny, immediate and gradual. From the bus ride in style, long as it may be, provides rich
opportunities to converse and bond as seldom other venues provide. Exiting the bus to enter the Antiochian Village
in Pennsylvania brings a feeling of relief and renewed excitement. The Village provides a location to enact the
Retreat's grand schedule. The Ligonier Festival was an especially pleasant surprise to those who found it on the
docket. Sessions learning from clergy and each other, was enriching and thought-provoking. Nature comes calling,
whispering from all directions of the luscious mountainous landscapes. Worshipping together as Christians or
working in team building bonds us. People mark this event, held in October each year, on their personal calendars.
This retreat is the pride and joy of my heart; one I always look forward to, both in preparation for and simply
attending. Registration will begin after the Archdiocese Convention. Ask any person who has already attended, they
will not be at a loss for words in describing their unabashed joy.
It has been my pleasure in serving you this past term, as do my fellow officers and Executive Council
members. I thank each of them for their continued commitment to St. George Church, their Christian faith and the
Fellowship. Congratulations to President Faten Haddad and the newly elected officers. Here's looking forward to
another great term. Book your tickets for the Archdiocese Convention, Fellowship Festival and Fellowship Spiritual
Retreat to the Antiochian Village now. I look forward to seeing you there and many other events of the Church. May
God bless you all.
On behalf of the Fellowship of St. John the Divine,
we would like to thank President Rammy Zanayed,
Vice-President Abdo Imseeh, Secretary Joseph
Homsy, Treasurer Faten Haddad, and Public
Relations Officer, Elian Mseeh, for the outstanding
and memorable job they did over the past year as
the 2010-2011 Officers. Their leadership proved
vital over the past year.
St. George Antiochian
Orthodox Church
1220 South 60th Court
Cicero, Illinois 60804
(708) 656-2927
stgeorgecicero.org
[email protected]
Also, thank you to each of the committee Chairs
and Co-Chairs and ministry Coordinators for their
hard work and dedication over the past year! The
Fellowship of St. John the Divine was blessed to
have such hardworking and dedicated people
working tirelessly!
- The Quarterly Staff
Thank you to everyone who submitted an article
for this edition of the Fellowship Quarterly and
to those who helped in the mailing process.
Each article contributed greatly to the goal of
the Quarterly, which is to keep members
updated and informed of upcoming events, and
to allow members the opportunity to gain a
greater, and deeper, knowledge of a wide array
of topics!
If you have any interest in writing an article for
the Quarterly, please, email the Editor at
[email protected] and let us know what
type of article you would be interested in
writing!
- The Quarterly Staff
[email protected]
On Facebook? Be sure to "Like" the new FSJD Page to stay connected with events and people!
The Fellowship Quarterly
Page 5
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St. George Antiochian
Orthodox Church
1220 South 60th Court
Cicero, Illinois 60804
(708) 656-2927
stgeorgecicero.org
[email protected]
[email protected]
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The Fellowship Quarterly
Page 6
+++The Monk’s Corner+++
“First the Cross, then the Crown”
By Brother Symeon
Originally published in the St. George Weekly Bulletin on March 14, 1999
Two soldiers went to war. They swore to each other to share everything as
brothers. But each time a battle started, one of them was seized by such a great
fear that, pretending to be sick, he stayed behind. The other one fought
courageously, survived, and captured a large sum of money from the enemy.
Finally, the peace treaty was signed, and both were ready to go home. The soldier who had avoided all
the battles still expected his friend to share the captured money with him.
"For I reckon
that the
sufferings of
this present
time are not
worthy to be
compared
with the glory
which shall be
revealed in
us."
(Romans
8:18)
When the two soldiers met at a crossroads, this soldier pleaded with sweet words. “My dear brother,”
he said, “remember how we share everything equally? Now you must share the money with me.”
The other one remained silent for a while and then said, “I remember very well how we swore. I gained
in this war two things: a good sum of money and four deep wounds, which still are very painful, two on
my forehead, one on my chest, and one on my right arm. So, if you want to share the money with me,
you should share the wounds as well.” Taking off his sword, he continued, “Come, my dear brother,
let’s share everything as brothers.”
The other one turned white from fear and muttered, “You are right. If you suffer the pain of the
wounds, you must keep all the money.”
So it is in the war of faith. Those who don’t want to suffer what all the servants of God suffered, will
not share their joy either. First the Cross, then the crown. No crown without the Cross first.
In 1995, St. George Church was blessed with the presence of a holy man whom we called Brother Symeon. From his
arrival in 1995 until his falling asleep in the Lord in 1999, Brother Symeon was the Guardian of the Miraculous
Weeping Icon of the Virgin Mary. In his short time at St. George Church, Brother Symeon touched many lives, young
and old, alike. Over this time, Brother Symeon wrote many articles which were published in the St. George Weekly,
the Church’s bulletin. It is time for a new generation to experience the kind and wise words written by our late,
greatly missed, and dearly beloved, Brother Symeon.
GET TO KNOW YOUR ORTHODOX
SAINTS!!!
Saint:
St. George Antiochian
Orthodox Church
1220 South 60th Court
Cicero, Illinois 60804
(708) 656-2927
stgeorgecicero.org
[email protected]
[email protected]
1) I was married to a carpenter.
2) I was assumed into Heaven.
3) I am the mother of The Most High.
Who am I???
Answer on page 14
The answer to the last issue’s Saint is: St. John Climacus
The Fellowship Quarterly
“Be Mindful, O
Lord of the
Priesthood, The
Diaconate, and
Every Priestly
Rank…”
From the
Anaphora of
St. Basil
St. George Antiochian
Orthodox Church
1220 South 60th Court
Cicero, Illinois 60804
(708) 656-2927
stgeorgecicero.org
[email protected]
[email protected]
Page 7
The Fellowship Quarterly
The Fellowship Quarterly
Page 8
Page 4
2011 Convention Registration Form
“For where
two or
three are
gathered in
my name,
there am I
among
them.”
them.”
(Matthew
18:20)
St. George Antiochian
Orthodox Church
1220 South 60th Court
Cicero, Illinois 60804
(708) 656-2927
stgeorgecicero.org
[email protected]
[email protected]
The Fellowship Quarterly
Page 9
2011 Convention Teen Registration Form
"Listen, my
son, to your
father's
instruction
and do not
forsake your
mother's
teaching.
They will be
a garland to
grace your
head
and a chain
to adorn
your neck."
(Proverbs
1:8-9)
St. George Antiochian
Orthodox Church
1220 South 60th Court
Cicero, Illinois 60804
(708) 656-2927
stgeorgecicero.org
[email protected]
[email protected]
The Fellowship Quarterly
Page 10
The 2
nd
Looking back at
Annual Fellowship Festival
By Abrahim Harb
In Ephesians 2:10 it states: "God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us to do good works,
which God planned in advance for us to live our lives doing." With that being said, giving back to your Church is
vital. We all serve the Church in His name through our efforts, whether it be as an usher, chanter, or just
volunteering our services for events. Every parishioner, young and old, serves the Church in his or her own way.
The Church exists to serve us, but we must give back in return. A variety of people gather in this blessed place,
that have similar values and traditions. Volunteering our time, through the various Church organizations, allows
each person to feel an overwhelmingly strong sense of belonging and accomplishment. A simple smile
exchanged between two people can grow into a bond, so strong, that once cultivated, could not be torn apart.
The Fellowship of Saint John The Divine (FSJD) welcomes
new and old members with open arms and unconditional
love. Together, it has grown into a powerful force in our
community. It has bonded many of its members together,
creating what can affectionately be called a second
family.
Don’t Miss
This Year’s
Festival!!!
Sunday,
August 28th,
2011
Bonding is essential, in any situation, specifically, the
Church—one must strengthen their bond with God, as well
as others around them—both can and should be done
simultaneously. We strengthen our bond with God during
Church, as we learn from the Bible and listen to the Word
of God. This allows us to strengthen our bonds with those
in our lives, which is where the Annual Fellowship Festival
comes into play. The Annual Fellowship Festival cultivates
certain relationships and strengthens the bonds between
people.
Last year, over 100 volunteers offered their services to the Second Annual Fellowship Festival, which was hosted
by the FSJD. Over months of hard work and planning, these volunteers, the Festival Chair, and the Co-Chairs
produced a day of fun, food and Fellowship. This year’s Festival hopes to exceed that number. The Third Annual
Fellowship Festival will take place on Sunday, August 28, 2011 immediately after the Divine Liturgy. What better
way to celebrate the end of summer than at Church with your second family?
As years past, one big raffle drawing will occur sometime towards the end of the event, different cultural booths
will serve food, games for the kids, live music and backgammon will be available for all ages to enjoy. Last year,
a wonderful set list by Joseph Bishara and his band kept those in attendance entertained as they chose between
American, Arabic, Greek, or Indian food. A petting zoo kept the children occupied as the teens tried, to no avail,
to dunk the unlucky person in the dunk tank as the adults chatted with one another over lunch. Additionally, we
were visited by Nuns selling delectable, handmade sweets, and two balloon twisters who kept the children
entertained as they made balloon animals. The Fellowship Festival offers the best of the FSJD, as we welcome
those into our lives and catch up with old friends.
St. George Antiochian
Orthodox Church
1220 South 60th Court
Cicero, Illinois 60804
(708) 656-2927
stgeorgecicero.org
[email protected]
[email protected]
The Festival Committee stands back, in relief, as
the event gates open. They can finally take a
break, that is, a momentary break, until they
need to start making the rounds, making sure
that all the booths are stocked with the supplies
they need and running smoothly. As usual, you
may see Rammy Zanayed running around, juggling
his festival responsibilities and socializing. The
smell of food will confuses the senses; should I
Get Arabic food? But the Greek food smells good.
So many choices! You glance over, quickly, at the
laughter coming from the dunk tank as Fr. Fouad
is submerged by a small child. A debkeh line
starts, led by Subdeacon Mazen, as the event gets
under way. The smells and noises we create draw
the attention of those who live in the area, as
they walk past the parking lot.
The Fellowship Quarterly
Page 11
Many stories, for some of the parishioners at St. George begin this way. These stories mark the beginning of the
strengthening of a parishioner’s relationship with God and his/her fellow parishioners. This often leads to closer
relationships as they begin to start another family with those within the Church. These relationships make
planning for other events smooth and successful, due to the bond that has been established and each person’s
willingness to give back to the Church.
Finally, at the end, as the food begins to run out, and the children become tired, the volunteers sit back and
relax just before taking a group photo. At that moment, the sense of belonging and love that is packed within
these four fences is nothing short of endless. You feel as if the moment could last forever, for an eternity. But,
like all things, the moment passes. The Festival has ended, and there is nothing left but an empty parking lot.
However, the memories, along with the newly forged bonds, remain. That, my friends, is the true power of the
FSJD’s Annual Fellowship Festival.
Coming this August…
The 3RD Annual Fellowship Festival: Where Family and Fun Meet!
Sunday, August 28, 2011!
"Your faith has
healed you. Go in
peace."
It won’t be your average Festival.
Don’t miss out.
(Luke 8:48)
St. George Antiochian
Orthodox Church
1220 South 60th Court
Cicero, Illinois 60804
(708) 656-2927
stgeorgecicero.org
[email protected]
[email protected]
Email us at [email protected] to be added to the FSJD email distribution list.
The Fellowship Quarterly
" My son, keep
your father's
commands and
do not forsake
your mother's
teaching.”
(Proverbs
6:20)
St. George Antiochian
Orthodox Church
1220 South 60th Court
Cicero, Illinois 60804
(708) 656-2927
stgeorgecicero.org
[email protected]
[email protected]
Page 12
The Fellowship Quarterly
Page 13
What a Success! Some of Our Most Recent Events!
FSJD Humanitarian Outig - “Feed My Starving Children”
04/2/11
The FSJD traveled to Schaumburg, IL on a beautiful evening in early April, to put together meals for children who live
in less fortunate countries. The FSJD successfully prepared 16,416 meals, which will feed 45 children for a whole year.
Those who attended this wonderful experience expressed their interest to go back and participate again.
The Quarterly
would like to
congratulate the
new
FSJD Officers
of the
2011-2012
Term:
Faten Haddad;
President
Jennifer
Haddadin;
Vice-President
Mona Rayan;
Secretary
Michael Saba;
Treasurer
Majd Barhoumeh;
Public Relations
Good Luck and
Congrats!!!
Spiritual Retreat
04/16/11
On Lazarus Saturday, FSJD members came together to learn more about their faith and the true meaning of Holy
Week. Separate from the Spiritual Night Series, this Spiritual Retreat took place in the Orthodox NADI and brought
together different people who discussed their ideas of what Holy Week means to them. After the discussion, dinner
was delivered and the group watched a video of Holy Saturday in the Holy City of Jerusalem.
Couples’ Night
04/29/11
From “Pictionary” to a delicious catered meal to wonderful bonding between couples to an informative “Ask Abuna”
session about couples’ issues left all couples asking for another couples’ night! The event was completely
complimentary and another couples’ event is being planned already! Details coming soon!
Spiritual Night Series
10/22/10-6/3/11
For the 2010-2011 term, the Spiritual Committee decided to revamp the Bible Study format. Instead of discussing
different topics at each Bible Study, with nothing but the overall theme of the Faith as the binding factor, the
Spiritual Committee chose to present to the members of St. George Church a nine-month series of Spiritual nights with
each session connecting to the overall theme of, “What Do I Have to Offer?” These Spiritual Nights examine the
Prothesis (offering) Service and allow members to examine their own lives and see what they can offer to God, their
family, their friends, and their community.
General Assembly, Elections, and End-of-Year Celebration
06/25/11
On a beautiful June evening, FSJD members came together to celebrate the productive and wonderful 2010-2011
term. Members attended the General Assembly, where elections took place. A heartfelt thank you was given to the
outgoing 2010-2011 Officers. After elections, a barbeque was held in the Orthodox NADI courtyard. A fun time was had
by all in attendance! The Officers for 2011-2012 are as follows: Faten Haddad, President; Jennifer Haddadin, VicePresident; Mona Rayan, Secretary; Michael Saba, Treasurer; and Majd Barhoumeh, Public Relations. Congratulations to
the 2011-2012 Officers!!!
Don’t Miss Out on These Upcoming Events!
July
4th Annual Orthodox NADI Celebration
Fellowship Sunday
50th Biennial Archdiocese Convention
And 4th Annual Blood Drive
hosted at St. George
7/24/11-7/31/11 Fest of St. John the Divine
Patron Saint of FSJD
August
3rd Annual Fellowship Festival
8/28/11
9/23/11
9/25/11
9/26/11
October
Annual IOCC 5K Walk
10/1/11
3rd Annual Fall Fellowship
Spiritual Retreat
10/14/11-10/16/11
Social Outing
10/22/11
9/13/11 Midwest Fall Gathering /Delegates
Meeting in Flint, MI
10/28/11-10/30/11
9/16/11
September – “Fellowship Month”
Divine Litury for the
Feast of the Elevation of the Cross
and Bonfire
2nd Annual BBB –
Backgammon, BBQ, Bonfire
FSJD Treasury Report
St. George Antiochian
Orthodox Church
Current balance as of June 24, 2011:
$1,714.00
1220 South 60th Court
Cicero, Illinois 60804
(708) 656-2927
stgeorgecicero.org
[email protected]
[email protected]
CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!!!!
In 2011, St. George Church will be hosting the 50th Biennial Archdiocese
Convention and YOUR help will be needed! Please email the Convention
Committee at [email protected] to find out how you can
help make this Convention the success that it will be!
The Fellowship Quarterly
Page 14
The 2nd Annual Summer Kick-Off:
Six Teams, One Lord
It is not often that one might see a Bishop take part
in a Basketball tournament, but there was Bishop
Thomas, shooting around with the participants in the
tournament, showing off his moves at the 2nd Annual
Summer Kick-Off. On Monday, May 30th, members of
St. George Church, many of them members of the
Fellowship of St. John the Divine, met at St.
Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Elmhurst, IL.
"And let us
consider how to
stir up one
another to love
and good works,
works,
not neglecting to
meet
together…but
encouraging one
another..."
another..."
(Hebrews
10:24-25)
The day was full of friends, sitting, talking with each
other, catching up on the past few months and on
their plans for the summer. Sami Mseih took charge
of the grill, serving those in attendance with
delicious burgers and hot dogs. The basketball
tournament was well organized, thanks to the two
referees in attendance.
The tournament ran on schedule and there was not one
person who did not and those who watched the
tournament were not disappointed. Each match was well
played and hard fought, with the understanding that this
was a friendly, but competitive tournament. As the day
went on, less and less teams remained, until finally, the
top two teams were left.
In a rematch from the 2010 Summer Kick-Off, Fady Mseih
and his team were matched against Michael Dahdal and
his team. When one team would score, the other would
respond. Each team played shut down defense until the
final moments.
However, as the dust settled, Fady Mseih’s team had
taken the match add the Championship for second
straight year. Janette Iqal, Daniel Mseih, and Fady Mseih
were the members of the winning team.
After the final whistle blew, Bishop Thomas
presented the winning team with a trophy. This
trophy was later engraved with their names and is
on display in the Orthodox NADI. Who knows,
perhaps Fady Mseih and his team will go for a threepeat at next year’s Summer Kick-off?
St. George Antiochian
Orthodox Church
1220 South 60th Court
Cicero, Illinois 60804
(708) 656-2927
And then, slowly, as the time winded down, those in
attendance realized that it was nearly time ot leave.
They stayed to hang out, talk, and relax with their
friend, not wanting to leave to their respective
houses. A group shot was taken, to capture this
special moment in time, to keep these memories
alive, memories that would hopefully grow to be
much more. What a perfect way to begin the
summer.
A special thank you goes to the committee for
organizing such a highly successful and fun event!
stgeorgecicero.org
[email protected]
[email protected]
Answer to Page 7: The Virgin Mary (The Theotokos)
The Fellowship Quarterly
"He will keep
the temptation
from becoming
so strong that
you can’t stand
up against it.
When you are
tempted, He
will show you a
way out so that
you will not
give into it.”
(I Corinthians
10:13)
St. George Antiochian
Orthodox Church
1220 South 60th Court
Cicero, Illinois 60804
(708) 656-2927
stgeorgecicero.org
[email protected]
[email protected]
Page 15
St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church
1220 S. 60th Ct.,
Cicero, IL 60804
The Fellowship Quarterly
Volume III, Issue II
2011 Summer Edition