Who Teaches Us How to Pray?

How do we teach our children how to pray?  This way my question in a conversation with our former associate pastor at St. George, Rev. Fr. Joseph Huneycutt (now pastor of St. Joseph Orthodox Church in Houston, TX) many moons ago.

I sat down in his office with the feeling of a heavy burden.  We were discussing the practice of prayer.  I was expressing my concern, being their Youth Director, on the importance of prayer.  So, I asked the blunt question:  How do I teach our children how to pray?

Looking for some words of wisdom, encouragement, and guidance, I had great anticipation in hearing his response to my question.  Fr. Joseph calmly said, "you don't."

An awkward silence fell upon the room.  I'm thinking to myself:  okay, thanks a lot!  You're no help!

But alas, his great lesson for me began: 
"One learns how to pray at home, and implements that prayer when he comes to Church."

This is a great warning for parents; certainly not to be taken lightly for its an awesome responsibility.  As a youth, our parents are our beacon for everything.  From our parents, we learn so much that help us throughout of lives.  They teach us right from wrong, basics of eating, talking, walking, etc. 

From our parents, we receive all knowledge, sustenance, and guidance.  Why should our ability and desire to pray to God be any different? 

- A Day in the Life of the Youth Director

"I Heard It Through the Grapevine" that St. Mary of Egypt Aint No Fool

It's April 1st...and ya'll know what that means, right???

It's April Fool's Day...so you may indeed play a practical joke on someone, but please make sure its practical!

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The great American singer-songwriter and musician, Marvin Gaye was killed on April 1st, 1984.  He created many great classic hits and has been crowned as the "Prince of Motown" or the "Prince of Soul."  One of my all-time favorite songs his Marvin Gaye's "I Heard It Through the Grapevine."

In the Orthodox Church, April 1st is also the day commemorated as the falling asleep in the Lord of Saint Mary of Egypt.  She became a great ascetic and desert-dweller near the Jordan River; her story is told by priest named Zosimas, whom he encountered as he spent his Great Lenten journey in the desert.

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As a teenager apart of Teen SOYO, we had a program called "Lives of the Saints" where teens from across North America would research a Saint in the Orthodox Church and write about his/her life adding a personal reflection and have them published on the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese website.  Feel free to enjoy my words (as a teenager, mind you) on the feastday of St. Mary of Egypt by clicking HERE.

- A Day in the Life of the Youth Director

A Basketball Superfan's Dilemma

Simply put, I bleed blue! 

If you are a sports fan, then you know the reference.  As a graduate of the University of Kentucky and having the great Commonwealth of Kentucky as my home, Kentucky athletics - basketball is a huge part of my life! 

I watch their games on TV, pay attention to any national press, brag to my friends about how great we are, and wear plenty of UK gear (t-shirts, shorts, sweaters, socks, etc.) while strongly encourage those watching games with me to wear the same apparel. 
This upcoming weekend (April 1-4) is the ultimate college basketball weekend - NCAA Final Four 2011...and its being played in HOUSTON, TX (where I live)!

My dilemma is as follows:

This weekend I will be taking a group of teens from our parish to a Retreat Center (John Knox Ranch) near Austin, TX for a DOWAMA SOYO Lenten Retreat.  So, I'll be out of town when my beloved Kentucky Wildcats come to Houston in the hopes of winning a National Championship!

If sports aren't your thing, you're probably thinking: what's this guy's problem?  But if you can relate in anyway, please keep my suffering in mind.  Since it's Great Lent, I guess I should practice what I preach to my teens:  Great Lent is a time for us, as Orthodox Christians, to refocus our life in Christ.  "Less Me and More Him!"

Oh, and of course...GO BIG BLUE!

- A Day in the Life of the Youth Director

"Today is the Beginning of our Salvation" - Great Feast of the Annunciation

On March 25th in the Life of the Church, we celebrate the Great Feast of the Annunciation of our Lord.  This Feast is described in the Gospel according to Luke 1:26-38.  Luke tells the story of the meeting between the Archangel Gabriel (being sent by God) to visit with Mary in the city of Nazareth. 

Annunciation of our Lord

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Mary hears the words of the angel Gabriel: "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!"  She is troubled at his words and presence, but the angel Gabriel continues by saying, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.  And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus."  Mary is even more confused at this encounter and replies, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?"  The angel Gabriel offers her this explanation, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God."

The laws of nature are suspended, for a virgin shall conceive and bear a son.  This great Mystery reaffirms the love of God for His creation.  Truly God becomes truly Man!  Our Lord will take upon himself our humanity in order to renew our blessed opportunity towards His Divinity.

The major hymns for this Feast are as follows:

Troparion (Tone 4):  Today is the beginning of our salvation, the revelation of the eternal mystery! The Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin as Gabriel announces the coming of Grace. Together with him let us cry to the Theotokos: Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with You!

Kontakion (Tone 8):  To Thee the Champion Leader, I thy servant ascribe thank offerings of victory.  For thou hast delivered me from terrors, O Theotokos.  But as thou hast that power which is invincible from all danger set me free, that I may cry unto thee:  Hail, O Bride without Bridegroom! 

Dismissal Hymn (Tone 3):  At the Beauty of thy virginity and at the exceeding splendor of thy purity Gabriel stood amazed and cried out unto thee, O Theotokos.  "What hymn of praise is meet, for me to bring to thee?  What shall I call thee?  I hesitate and I stand in wonder.  Wherefore as I was commanded I cry out unto thee:  Hail, thou that art full of grace!" 

On a more personal note:  While researching for this blogpost I came across some life changing knowledge about myself.  My whole life I've honestly hated my middle name, which is "Evan."  I never used it, rarely told anyone what it is, etc.  But I found out today, that my middle name of Evan is of Greek origin (which totally changes my outlook)!  It comes from the Greek word "evangelion" or its English translation of "good news" as in the Christian gospels or this Great Feast of the Annunciation (Archangel Gabriel telling of the "good news" to the Virgin Mary).

Blessed Great Feast of the Annunciation to all & blessed Name's Day to those bearing the name of Evan!


- A Day in the Life of the Youth Director

Want to play a little Golf?? Fore!

St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church will host their Annual Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament on Saturday, May 14th, 2011 at Clear Creek Golf Course.

We routinely partner with the Houston business community in this annual event, and all proceeds go towards undergraduate and graduate students requesting scholarship assistance for the continuing of their education.

A wonderful opportunity to actively participate in a community-sponsored golf outing that offers great fellowship and networking through friendly competition. There will be plenty of contests, prizes, food, and refreshments.  Join us for a great time!

There are two corporate sponsorship levels:

               *Silver Corporate ($250) includes a company sponsorship sign on the tee box.

               *Gold Corporate ($500) includes a foursome team in the tournament, a company sponsorship sign on the tee box, and a commemorative appreciation plaque.

All corporate sponsorships will be thanked in the annual tournament brochure/scorecard which is given out to every player, volunteer, and spectator at the event.

We hope that your company will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity and assist students in their quest to achieve a higher education. We look forward to your presence and participation at this exciting event!

Please visit HERE for more information on playing in the tournament and/or sponsorship.

Enjoy some photos from our Tournament in 2010:

Charlie Saman (Committee Chairman)
 & Mark Foteh with teammates

Joe Nassar & George Salfiti with teammates

Nora Kean, Joe Abdalah, Paul Fuller, and Michael Araj

Ronnie S. and Michael F. with a ringer from high school
Congratulations - 2010 Tournament Champs!

Arturo Bucaram & George Kaleh with teammates

Michael Perkins (Parish Council President) with team

Mr. Turtle had a pretty good handicap

Mr. Turtle's teammates

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Photos courtesy of our Teen SOYO

- A Day in the Life of the Youth Director

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Saint Patrick - Enlightener of Ireland

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Saint Patrick was an ascetic and missionary in the land of Ireland during the 3rd & 4th centuries.  His feastday is celebrated on March 17th, the day of his repose in the Lord.  While this day has been transformed into a modern secular holiday associated with Irish culture, such as green clothing and beer, as well as parades, it is important to remember Who the celebration should focus on - GOD!

St. Patrick traveled and endured much hostility as he preached the "good news" of the Christian Faith in the Irish land of pagans.  The life of St. Patrick can be found HERE.

St. Patrick is often depicted holding a shamrock.  He used the shamrock to illustrate the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. Its three leaves growing out of a single stem helped explain the concept of one God in three Persons.

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Rarely due we get to sing/hear the liturgical hymnography for St. Patrick in our Orthodox churches, but due to the Liturgy for the Pre-Sanctified Gifts last night, we certainly did.  It was a great reminder of those who have the zeal, humility, and desire to spread the Gospel to people who do not know the Risen Lord, such as the early Apostles and St. Patrick a few centuries later.

Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) has set up a program for local chapters to spread the word about the "real" St. Patrick; find out more HERE.

Our Holy Father among the Saints, Patrick, pray unto God for us!

- A Day in the Life of the Youth Director

Metropolitan Nicholas - Memory Eternal!

His Eminence, Metropolitan Nicholas of Johnstown, PA, primate of the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese of the U.S.A (Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople) reposed in the Lord on March 13, 2011 after a courageous battle with cancer.

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Please visit the Diocese's website for more information about the life and ministry of Metropolitan Nicholas, as well as funeral arrangements HERE.

While in college, I was blessed to meet His Eminence when he visited the OCF College Conference at the Antiochian Village.  I approached him, asked for his blessing, and kissed his hand; he was kind enough to speak with me for a few minutes.  His Eminence was the guest hierarch, where he presided over the liturgical services and spoke with the college students in attendance, offering words of wisdom on the struggles faced by Orthodox youth. 

I honestly can't remember most of his words (forgive me!), but I do remember that His Eminence spoke about the Virgin Mary being the "Burning Bush" of the Old Testament where God tells Moses that he is standing on holy ground and to remove his shoes.  His Eminence offered this theological understanding as a great warning for the Orthodox youth in this country, who constantly obsess about our clothing and appearance in the eyes of our peers.  When we attend services in an Orthodox Church, we are standing on "holy ground" and should be watchful not to bring the "dirt" of our society into Christ's Holy Temple.

The OCF College Conference takes place post Christmas (Dec. 27-31), and although as a bishop using the Old Calendar (Feast of our Lord's Nativity being celebrated on Jan. 7), he offered his Nativity greetings to us all saying, "Christ is Born!" with our response being, "Glorify Him!" 

We were all sitting on the ground in the Chapel of Ss. Peter & Paul at the Antiochian Village Conference Center, and as we responded to his Nativity greeting, he jokingly asked, "Is that the best you can do?" making us repeatly respond "Glorify Him!" louder and louder till it met with his approval!

May this kind Shepherd of Christ's holy flock be remembered with great love and may his memory be eternal!

- A Day in the Life of the Youth Director