Our Church Organizations
The overall ministry of Saint George Orthodox Church is accomplished through the services of a variety of organizations. Parishioners are encouraged to take an active role in the life of the parish through involvement in these organizations
2010 Officers
Mr. Mike Cassis; Chairman
Mr. Jamal Jubran; Vice Chairman
Mr. Ken Joseph; Treasurer
Dr. David Hanania; Financial Secretary
Mr. Nassim Elias; Recording Secretary
Although all organizations are independent in terms of setting their priorities and agendas, they still have to follow the philosophies and guidelines as set forth by the Metropolitan (Archbishop) and enforced by the Parish Council.
The Parish Council shall consist of the Pastor and three (3) members of the Voting Membership appointed by him; each serve a term of one (1) year. Twelve (12) other members shall be elected by and from the voting membership serve a term of three (3) years. In addition to the aforementioned members, the Organization Presidents sit on the Council. Every year the council elects from within its ranks a chairman and executive officers. In addition, committees are appointed to run the affairs of the parish.
The Pastor, as the appointed representative of the Metropolitan (Archbishop), has the ultimate responsibility for our church. For a synergistic and effective management of our church, the priest, the council, and every parishioner has to work in harmony. Much like the Holy Trinity is three persons in one, so must be this relationship. A nominating committee is appointed every year to search for the candidates that can best serve the needs of our church. To qualify, a candidate must be twenty (20) years of age or over; he/she has been a voting member of the Parish for two (2) consecutive years; and he/she has fulfilled the communicant’s requirements of faith in good standing.
The Parish Council meets monthly on the 3rd Thursday.
The Ladies Auxiliary
2010 Officers:
Mrs. Hiyam Odeh; President
Mrs. Sue Rafidi;Vice-president
Mrs. Lamis Anki; Treasurer
Mrs. Helen Tannous; Secretary
Orthodox women have a special ministry in the life of a parish. Their role as messengers of the Gospel, teachers and sustainers of the faith has been central to Church growth since the time of Christ.
The Ladies Auxiliary promotes religious, humanitarian and social programs that contribute to the life and growth of our parish. Orthodox women have a special ministry in the life of a parish. Their role as messengers of the Gospel, educators and sustainers of the Faith has been central to Church growth since the time of the Apostles. They assist with numerous charitable causes throughout the year including luncheon and other fundraiser project for our Church.
The St. George Ladies Auxiliary is the local chapter of the Archdiocesan organization known as (AOCWNA) i.e., Antiochian Orthodox Christian Women of North America. Together with local chapters from our sister parishes in the Diocese of Miami and the Southeast we participate in programs and activities designed to assist women in their ministry within the Church.
Every woman of the parish is invited and encouraged to participate in the programs of the Ladies Auxiliary. Regular meetings are held once a month, on the 2nd Thursday.
The Fellowship of St. John The Divine
2010 O
fficers: Mrs. Lamia Saoud; President Sbdn. Nadeem Tannous; Vice-President Sbdn. Eric Bateh; Treasurer Miss Raoa Farah; Secretary
Welcome, everyone, to “THE FELLOWSHIP OF ST. JOHN THE DIVINE.” Here at St. George Church in Jacksonville, Florida we are the adult ministry of the parish. The minimum age for our organization is for adult parishioners of college age. We have no maximum age for membership in our organization. Formerly, we were known as Senior S.O.Y.O. The organization is currently headed by four selfless officers that are the customary president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer.
Our responsibilities are many within the parish. Chief among those responsibilities are administering to humanitarian needs, elevating our collective spiritualities, increasing our fellowship amongst our brothers and sisters in Christ, and raising our overall commitment to both God and church. Many social activities, including fundraisers, are held to raise money and increase fellowship among our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are the fundamental core of the parish, bridging the years between youth and elderly.
Our primary goal is to increase that fellowship amongst our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as renewing and intensifying our commitment to God, which always could use a boost. We hope to include all St. George Church parishioners, of age, who feel that they need a platform to express their link and dedication to God with fellow Christians.
Our doors are open to one and all. Everyone is welcome to attend our events.
The Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch
2010 Officers:
Mrs. Hikmat Saoud; Diocesan Chairwoman
Dr. Ramsey Salem; Local Chapter Chairman
Mr. Mike Cassis; Vice Chairman
Mrs. Samira El-Kouri; Treasurer
Miss Beverly Michael; Secretary
Perhaps the single most important event to help guarantee the long term success of our Archdiocese is the establishment of the Order Of St. Ignatius.
His Eminence Metropolitan Philip founded the “Order” twenty five years ago with the help of a few generous members of our Archdiocese. The purpose was to go beyond the tactical day to day activities of our Archdiocese and think strategically into the future. Some difficult questions had to be answered: Will we have enough priests? If a young man receives the calling, can we educate him? Who will take care of retired priests? These and many other questions were answered by a show of affection, concern, and generosity by the members of the Order.
Many projects and programs were instituted under the leadership of the Order of St. Ignatius. Among their major accomplishments is the building of our Antiochian Village with its Heritage and Learning Center, as well as the funding of a retirement plan to make sure our beloved clergy retire in a deservingly dignified fashion.
A strong and active chapter has been established in Jacksonville. A modest commitment is the cornerstone of this membership, and the results will forever impact this community.
If you are interested in joining The Order of St. Ignatius, please contact Fr. Kamal, or Mrs. Hikmat Saoud or
Dr. Ramsey Salem.
Teen SOYO
2010 Teen SOYO Advisors:
Mr. Ken Joseph.
Sbdn. Jarrod Mousa.
Sbdn. Eric Bateh.
2010 Teen SOYO Officers
Elias Farah; President
Loraine Hanna ; Vice-President
Hannah Hanania; Secretary
Nermine Awwad; Historian
Teen SOYO is the ministry for the young people in our parish who are in grades 7-12, and offers our teenagers an opportunity to "Living the Orthodox Faith In Christ" and to serve the community through several religious, social and humanitarian programs. They sponsor several retreats throughout the year, and host various activities each month including: social, fellowship, outreach to the community, service oriented, educational, and spiritual aspects. Their projects create a greater sense of community and fellowship and a deeper commitment to the parish. Some of the annual programs that the teens participate in are:
Visiting Nursing homes
- Feeding The Homeless
- Antiochian Village Summer Camp
- Holy Friday Vigil
- Car Washes
- Luncheons
In addition to these annual events, activities for Teen SOYO are announced in the weekly bulletin.
All teens (ages 12-18) are encouraged to participate in our Teen SOYO. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact our: Youth Advisors; Mr. Ken Joseph, Sbdn. Jarrod Mousa, Sbdn. Eric Bateh or Amanda Rafidi.
Sunday School
St. George Church School provides our children with a basic education in the Christian faith and in our Orthodox way of life. The curriculum provides the student with the essential concepts of Christian Faith and practice while reinforcing basic Orthodox teachings from one year to the next. The curriculum runs from pre-school through 12th grade.
A dedicated staff of teachers is well prepared to offer this valuable instruction for our children. The books and materials used follow the guidelines from the Antiochian Archdiocese Department of Christian Education and the Orthodox Christian Educational Council (OCEC).
The Sunday School is overseen by Superintendent; Mimi Bajalia.
2009 /2010 Sunday School Staff :
Pre-K & Kindergarten: Khourieh Ranwa & Ghada Batteh Grade 1- 2: Tania Hanania & Bryttnee Joseph Grade 3 -5 : Rasha Jubran & Kristie Saoud Grade 6 -8 : Brenda Nasser Grades 9-12 : Ken Joseph, Sub-Deacons; Jarrod Mousa & Eric Bateh.
2009-2010 Church School Calendar starts as of September 13, 2009
Every school age child of the parish should be enrolled in St. George Church School. Classes run from mid September to mid May and are conducted each Sunday from immediately after Communion (Church School students should line up first for Communion) until 12:00 Noon.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact our Church Office 904-448-1855.
Choir and Chanters
St. Romanos the Melodist
“I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to God while I have my being.” (Psalm 103:33-34)
ST. GEORGE LITURGICAL CHOIR AND CHANTERS are talented and dedicated parishioners who enrich our worship experience through their ministry of song. The Orthodox Church places special emphasis on the role of voice and music in the Liturgy, and our choir and chanters are an integral part of all our church services.
Our chanters and choir are trained in a wide range of Orthodox Liturgical music including traditional Byzantine chant. Their proficiency in both English and Arabic hymns helps inspire and enrich the prayer life of the community.
The harmonic sounds of a choir can be a true source of inspiration to the congregation. We strive, and often struggle, to find musically inclined parishioners who are willing to put their talents to good use and are committed to a well disciplined choir agenda.
Please contact our Choir Director Sbdn. Nassim Elias, if you are interested in joining.