“It is not impossible to live a virtuous life, yet it is not easy. Nor do those who reach it find it easy to maintain.”
Saint Antonios
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Saint Antonios |
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Saint Matthias |
Listen to Khouriyee Rita Saikali chant about Saint Anthony (audio)
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Antonios (Anthony) Nahas |
Saint Antonios, also known as Saint Anthony the Great, is the primary namesake for our Church. The name was proposed in homage to a respected community member (Antonios Nahas).
Saint Antonios lived in the 3rd century AD, and was born into a wealthy family in Alexandria (Egypt). He is noted in part for his strict adherence to Matthew 19:21, which states: “Jesus said sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Saint Antonios donated the wealth he inherited and became a modest monk, whereupon he subsequently retreated to live in the desert. His deeds and example were widely admired.
The Saint Antonios award is given to those members who exhibit exemplary and dedicated service to their Church, family, and community.
| 2008 | Ramez Haddad |
| 2009 | W. (Gerald Allen) Mont |
| 2010 | S. Amyoony, S. Hanna |
| 2011 | Bassam Nahas, Rafat Nasrallah |
| 2012 | Fr. George Esber, E. Amyoony |
| 2013 | H. Abou Haidar, S. & R. Ayoub |
| 2014 | George Lawen |
| 2015 | Dr. Joseph Lawen, Bertha Majaess |
| 2016 | Salam Nasrallah, Abe Salloum |
| 2017 | Josephine Chehade, Ramzi Tawil |
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Fr. Elia Shalhoub, Metropolitan Philip Saliba, Ernest Saykaly, Rafat Nasrallah (2011 recipient). |
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Fr. George Esber (2012 recipient), Khouriyee Oudette Shalhoub. |
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Genevieve & George Lawen (2014 recipient). |
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The Saint Antonios award. |
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Marie & Abe Salloum. |
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Fr. Saikali, Bishop Alexander, Salam Nasrallah, Fr. Yacoub. |
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Josephine Chehade & Ramzi Tawil (2017 recipients) |
Saint Matthias, the namesake of the past Anglican Parish, is celebrated by both the Orthodox and Anglican faiths. Saint Matthias was chosen by the 11 apostles to replace the former apostle Judas Iscariot, who was the individual that betrayed Jesus.
Matthias is mentioned in Acts 1:12-26, where it is stated that subsequent to Judas' death Peter remarked: "it is necessary to choose one amongst us who was present from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection." So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then the apostles prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.
Orthodox Christians celebrate the life of Saint Matthias on August 9th.