I must confess that I get easily discouraged when I feel there is a lack of participation at some of our activities. We have numerous activities each month at St. George Houston, as well as with the ministry programs for our teenagers, college students, and young adults.
As the Youth Director, its literally "my job" to run these programs, which include setting up activities. And although the monthly calendar is full, especially with Great Lent upon us (averaging 5 days per week of liturgical services), we still add to it.
When I do feel this discouragement, I begin to offer my own "Monday Morning Quarterbacking" and go through a range of emotions, including, but limited to: frustration, disappointment, and confusion. I ask myself, "where did I go wrong?" OR "why didn't it work out like I planned?" OR "why don't others think it's important to show up?"
Again, I must admit, it can get pretty bad.
I remind myself of two very important things; focusing on each concept in the hopes of calming down, lowering expectations of others, and keeping the strong desire to do better next time:
"For where two or three are gathered together in My Name, I am there in the midst of them" (Matthew 18:20).
"Don't get so upset over it, I mean really, even our Lord only walked around with 12 Disciples." - an anonymous clergyman
- A Day in the Life of the Youth Director
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
OCF National Day of Prayer - Begin Your Lenten Journey!
As Great Lent begins, our spiritual journey towards the Resurrection of our Lord (Pascha), we are given a blessed opportunity for communal prayers with Orthodox Christian college students and young adults. Join us on Monday, March 7th from 12:00p till 1:00p at the A.D. Bruce Religious Center (3800 Cullen Blvd) on the campus of the University of Houston.
OCF has a national program called "Day of Prayer" - a 24-hour cycle to begin Great Lent in which local chapters from across North America participate by signing up for an hour time slot and hold a prayer service (usually on campus).
If you have experienced it before, then you know how refreshing it is from our normal busy school or work schedule to gather together during the day in prayer with other Orthodox Christians. If you haven't experienced it before, join us this Monday, March 7th to begin your Lenten journey in prayer.
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- A Day in the Life of the Youth Director
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
I am a Village camper, that's what I'll always be...
A few days ago, AV Camp Directors, Fr. Anthony Yazge (current) and Fr. Michael Nasser (former) visited St. George Houston, TX during the OCF Executive Board meetings. I was able to reconnect with them and discuss the ever popular topic of the Antiochian Village.
The good ol' days at the Antiochian Village; a place dubbed names, such as: "Home Away From Home" and "Heaven on Earth." The time I spent at the Antiochian Village is without doubt the most influencial in my life. I know its such a cliche, but I can honestly say that I'm the person I am today because of my experience at the Antiochian Village.
I have many people to thank for making my summer camping experience so amazing, but to name only a few: my parents (Gill and Leslie Fuller), my siblings (Aaron and Adriane Fuller), my parish priest from St. Michael Antiochian Orthodox Church (Very Rev. Fr. Alexander Atty), my first camp counselor (Khalil Samara), my "boss" as counselor, Head Counselor, and Program Director (Dn. Nicholas Belcher), Camp Director and boss (Very Rev. Fr. Michael Nasser), Camp Nurse (Mrs. Pat Gombita) - I was a camper/counselor who found himself ill a great deal.
Due to my experience at the Antiochian Village, I've been able to take the lessons learned and share them through my job as Youth & Young Adult Director with the ministry I humbly provide to the children, teens, college students, and young adults at St. George and the Greater Houston area.
At the AV, together we worship, create relationships, have fun, and strengthen our desire to be a "follower of Christ."
There are many people who have related their experiences of spending a few weeks in the summertime at such a remarkable place. Years later, I had the blessed experience of taking a few teens from St. George Houston to Western Pennsylvania during the cold winter at the AV Winter Camp. It was an amazing feeling to be back "home!" Seeing the campgrounds (thank God, upgraded to awesome facilities), visiting with former fellow campers and counselors, praying at the numerous shrines, and most closely to my heart - hearing the youth singing beloved "camp hymns" during Liturgical services.
I'm not sure when I'll be able to visit the Antiochian Village again, but I take great solace in the infamous camp lesson of "taking camp home with you." I, for one, have a home in my heart for the Antiochian Village and how it has shaped me. For that, I am eternally grateful and blessed!
Below is a YouTube video that offers a short glimpse of the beauty of Orthodox youth worshipping the One True God; enjoy:
I would love to hear your camp stories; feel free to share!
- A Day in the Life of the Youth Director
The good ol' days at the Antiochian Village; a place dubbed names, such as: "Home Away From Home" and "Heaven on Earth." The time I spent at the Antiochian Village is without doubt the most influencial in my life. I know its such a cliche, but I can honestly say that I'm the person I am today because of my experience at the Antiochian Village.
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| St. Michael, Louisville, KY group (1995) - I'm the youngin in the bottom right with the backwards baseball cap |
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| Cabin 48 (2000) - 1st row, 2nd from the left |
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| Old friend from St. George Houston, Bianca Bucaram (1996) |
I have many people to thank for making my summer camping experience so amazing, but to name only a few: my parents (Gill and Leslie Fuller), my siblings (Aaron and Adriane Fuller), my parish priest from St. Michael Antiochian Orthodox Church (Very Rev. Fr. Alexander Atty), my first camp counselor (Khalil Samara), my "boss" as counselor, Head Counselor, and Program Director (Dn. Nicholas Belcher), Camp Director and boss (Very Rev. Fr. Michael Nasser), Camp Nurse (Mrs. Pat Gombita) - I was a camper/counselor who found himself ill a great deal.
These people along with the many friends, campers, counselors, program staff members have contributed to my life in ways known and unknown.
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| Cabin prank (1996) - middle with backwards baseball cap |
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| Eldest Girls' Cabin w/ Male Staff (2002) - bottom left corner |
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| The best siblings (1999) |
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| Staff Sibling Photo-op (2003) - PA & KY connection with 3 of us now living in the Houston area |
Due to my experience at the Antiochian Village, I've been able to take the lessons learned and share them through my job as Youth & Young Adult Director with the ministry I humbly provide to the children, teens, college students, and young adults at St. George and the Greater Houston area.
At the AV, together we worship, create relationships, have fun, and strengthen our desire to be a "follower of Christ."
There are many people who have related their experiences of spending a few weeks in the summertime at such a remarkable place. Years later, I had the blessed experience of taking a few teens from St. George Houston to Western Pennsylvania during the cold winter at the AV Winter Camp. It was an amazing feeling to be back "home!" Seeing the campgrounds (thank God, upgraded to awesome facilities), visiting with former fellow campers and counselors, praying at the numerous shrines, and most closely to my heart - hearing the youth singing beloved "camp hymns" during Liturgical services.
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| St. George Houston boys - AV Winter Camp 2010 |
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| Tomb of St Raphael (patron saint of Camp St Raphael) |
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| Former AV Counselors - Paul Fuller, Charles Abdelahad, and John Abud |
Below is a YouTube video that offers a short glimpse of the beauty of Orthodox youth worshipping the One True God; enjoy:
AV Camp Vespers 1994 served by Very Rev. Fr. John Namie (1st camp director), the loving force behind the development and guidance of the Village program, which is the foundation of the program still used today.
I would love to hear your camp stories; feel free to share!
- A Day in the Life of the Youth Director
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Meet & Greet with the OCF Executive Board
Join us at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Houston, TX on Monday, February 28th at 7:00p for dinner and presentation information on OCF and its vital ministry towards our college students and young adults in the Life of the Church.
Bring your family and friends!
- A Day in the Life of the Youth Director
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Publican & Pharisee: A Look into the Hearts of Men
"Let us not pray, brethen, like the Pharisee; for he who exalteth himself shall be abased. Wherefore, let us humble ourselves before God, crying by means of fasting, with the voice of the publican, saying: God forgive us, sinners." - Sticherion of Vespers for the Sunday of the Publican & Pharisee
Two men went up to pray, One was a Pharisee, a respected member of his religious community; one who did all the right things - externally. And yet, when he stands before God, he stands before a mirror. Because, if you noticed, the Gospel says to us “and he prayed to himself thus.” So he wasn't praying to God - he was justifying himself. He was justifying his own existence. He was trying to make himself look good, He was trying to convince himself that he was superior to others, and why did he do that? Simply out of pride. Often we try to convince ourselves that we are something beyond what we are, not only because of pride, but often because we don't have what is good and fruitful self-esteem.
The other man in the parable is a tax collector. He was an outcast, the Jewish community considered him a traitor. Now, this tax collector goes up and prays; and he doesn't stand at all close to the altar, He stands far away. Then he beats his breast and he wouldn't even look toward the heavens. He doesn't have to convince himself of anything because he knows who he is; and so he talks to God. And he asks God, out of the sincerity of his heart, a simple request that is intimately related to how he sees himself. He says, "Lord God, have mercy upon me a sinner.”
So, to stand like the tax collector before God (but not to stand there trying to convince ourselves we're something we're not) is the hardest thing to do in life - it's easy to say, but it's the hardest thing to do. And what should you say when you stand before God? Say what the prophets of the Old Testament always said to God who called them by name, "Here I am, Lord!"
Reading courtesy of Fr. Dimitri Tsakas, parish of St. George, Greek Archdiocese of Australia
The Gospel lesson offered for this week is a story of humility vs. pride. It helps prepare us for our journey during Great Lent towards the Resurrection of Christ. The Saints of the Church are our personal examples of those who have "fought the good fight" in order to attain salvation. Hopefully, we can use this Gospel lesson in our daily struggles to keep remembrances of our own sinful nature and offer prayers to our loving and forgiving God, instead of eyes and hearts filled with judgment towards others.
Image Source
- A Day in the Life of the Youth Director
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| Publican & Pharisee |
Two men went up to pray, One was a Pharisee, a respected member of his religious community; one who did all the right things - externally. And yet, when he stands before God, he stands before a mirror. Because, if you noticed, the Gospel says to us “and he prayed to himself thus.” So he wasn't praying to God - he was justifying himself. He was justifying his own existence. He was trying to make himself look good, He was trying to convince himself that he was superior to others, and why did he do that? Simply out of pride. Often we try to convince ourselves that we are something beyond what we are, not only because of pride, but often because we don't have what is good and fruitful self-esteem.
The other man in the parable is a tax collector. He was an outcast, the Jewish community considered him a traitor. Now, this tax collector goes up and prays; and he doesn't stand at all close to the altar, He stands far away. Then he beats his breast and he wouldn't even look toward the heavens. He doesn't have to convince himself of anything because he knows who he is; and so he talks to God. And he asks God, out of the sincerity of his heart, a simple request that is intimately related to how he sees himself. He says, "Lord God, have mercy upon me a sinner.”
So, to stand like the tax collector before God (but not to stand there trying to convince ourselves we're something we're not) is the hardest thing to do in life - it's easy to say, but it's the hardest thing to do. And what should you say when you stand before God? Say what the prophets of the Old Testament always said to God who called them by name, "Here I am, Lord!"
Reading courtesy of Fr. Dimitri Tsakas, parish of St. George, Greek Archdiocese of Australia
The Gospel lesson offered for this week is a story of humility vs. pride. It helps prepare us for our journey during Great Lent towards the Resurrection of Christ. The Saints of the Church are our personal examples of those who have "fought the good fight" in order to attain salvation. Hopefully, we can use this Gospel lesson in our daily struggles to keep remembrances of our own sinful nature and offer prayers to our loving and forgiving God, instead of eyes and hearts filled with judgment towards others.
Image Source
- A Day in the Life of the Youth Director
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Veneration of a Holy Relic: Hieromartyr Blaise of Sebaste
Join us in Houston for a wonderful experience: Vespers and veneration of the holy relic of Hieromartyr Blaise (Vlassios) of Sebaste.
On Thursday, February 10th at 6:30p at the Menil Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum, Orthodox Christians in the Houston area are invited to participate in a Vespers service commemorating the Hieromartyr Blaise of Sebate and venerate his holy relic.
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral hosts services at the Menil Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum on the 2nd Thursday of each month. St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church received a holy relic of St. Blaise from His Grace, Bishop BASIL of Wichita, KS and had an icon commissioned to house the holy relic.
Hieromartyr Blaise (Vlassios) was a bishop of Sebaste (modern day Armenia) in the 4th century. He is one of the most-venerated holy healers in both the East and the West. He is called upon for protection from wild beasts, and for the healing of every kind of ailment.
The life of St. Blaise can be found HERE.
- A Day in the Life of the Youth Director
On Thursday, February 10th at 6:30p at the Menil Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum, Orthodox Christians in the Houston area are invited to participate in a Vespers service commemorating the Hieromartyr Blaise of Sebate and venerate his holy relic.
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| Hieromartyr Blaise of Sebaste |
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral hosts services at the Menil Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum on the 2nd Thursday of each month. St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church received a holy relic of St. Blaise from His Grace, Bishop BASIL of Wichita, KS and had an icon commissioned to house the holy relic.
Hieromartyr Blaise (Vlassios) was a bishop of Sebaste (modern day Armenia) in the 4th century. He is one of the most-venerated holy healers in both the East and the West. He is called upon for protection from wild beasts, and for the healing of every kind of ailment.
The life of St. Blaise can be found HERE.
- A Day in the Life of the Youth Director
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Churching of a Baby - Great Feast of the Presentation of our Lord
Like many have witnessed on Sunday, either before or after the Divine Liturgy, the priest walking towards the Narthex and meeting a new mother and child. This "churching" is beloved by all (really, who doesn't love seeing a new baby and the smiling faces of their parents?)! But its not just a "grand" appearance for the family's sake; there is a deep meaning for one's life in this service. It is an offering unto God who bestows all blessings and gifts upon us (i.e. the birth of a child) and the readmittance of a mother into the Life of the Church.
Today the Church commemorates an important event in the earthly life of our Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 2:22-40). Forty days after His birth the God-Infant was taken to the Jerusalem Temple, the center of the nation's religious life. According to the Law of Moses (Lev. 12:2-8), a woman who gave birth to a male child was forbidden to enter the Temple of God for forty days. At the end of this time the mother came to the Temple with the child, to offer a young lamb or pigeon to the Lord as a purification sacrifice. The Most Holy Virgin, the Mother of God, had no need of purification, since she had given birth to the Source of purity and sanctity without defilement. However, she humbly fulfilled the requirements of the Law.
At this time the righteous Elder Simeon (February 3) was living in Jerusalem. It had been revealed to him that he would not die until he should behold the promised Messiah. By inspiration from above, St Simeon went to the Temple at the very moment when the Most Holy Theotokos and St Joseph had brought the Infant Jesus to fulfill the Law.
The God-Receiver Simeon took the divine Child in his arms, and giving thanks to God, he spoke the words repeated by the Church each evening at Vespers: "Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word, for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people, a light to enlighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel" (Luke 2:29-32). St Simeon said to the Most Holy Virgin: "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be spoken against. Yea, a sword shall pierce through your own soul also, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed" (Luke 2:34-35).
At the Temple was the 84-year-old widow Anna the Prophetess, daughter of Phanuel (February 3), "who did not leave the temple, but served God with fasting and prayers night and day. She arrived just when St Simeon met the divine Child. She also gave thanks to the Lord and spoke of Him to all those who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem" (Luke 2:37-38). In the icon of the Feast she holds a scroll which reads: "This Child has established Heaven and earth."
Before Christ was born, righteous men and women lived by faith in the promised Messiah, and awaited His coming. The Righteous Simeon and the Prophetess Anna, the last righteous people of the Old Testament, were deemed worthy to meet the Savior in the Temple.
Cited Source
Image Source
Wishing you and your family a blessed Great Feast of the Presentation of our Lord into the Temple!
- A Day in the Life of the Youth Director
Today the Church commemorates an important event in the earthly life of our Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 2:22-40). Forty days after His birth the God-Infant was taken to the Jerusalem Temple, the center of the nation's religious life. According to the Law of Moses (Lev. 12:2-8), a woman who gave birth to a male child was forbidden to enter the Temple of God for forty days. At the end of this time the mother came to the Temple with the child, to offer a young lamb or pigeon to the Lord as a purification sacrifice. The Most Holy Virgin, the Mother of God, had no need of purification, since she had given birth to the Source of purity and sanctity without defilement. However, she humbly fulfilled the requirements of the Law.
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| Presentation of our Lord into the Temple |
At this time the righteous Elder Simeon (February 3) was living in Jerusalem. It had been revealed to him that he would not die until he should behold the promised Messiah. By inspiration from above, St Simeon went to the Temple at the very moment when the Most Holy Theotokos and St Joseph had brought the Infant Jesus to fulfill the Law.
The God-Receiver Simeon took the divine Child in his arms, and giving thanks to God, he spoke the words repeated by the Church each evening at Vespers: "Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word, for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people, a light to enlighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel" (Luke 2:29-32). St Simeon said to the Most Holy Virgin: "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be spoken against. Yea, a sword shall pierce through your own soul also, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed" (Luke 2:34-35).
At the Temple was the 84-year-old widow Anna the Prophetess, daughter of Phanuel (February 3), "who did not leave the temple, but served God with fasting and prayers night and day. She arrived just when St Simeon met the divine Child. She also gave thanks to the Lord and spoke of Him to all those who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem" (Luke 2:37-38). In the icon of the Feast she holds a scroll which reads: "This Child has established Heaven and earth."
Before Christ was born, righteous men and women lived by faith in the promised Messiah, and awaited His coming. The Righteous Simeon and the Prophetess Anna, the last righteous people of the Old Testament, were deemed worthy to meet the Savior in the Temple.
Cited Source
Image Source
Wishing you and your family a blessed Great Feast of the Presentation of our Lord into the Temple!
- A Day in the Life of the Youth Director
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