The Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, October 2, 2022

Saint George Antiochian Orthodox Church, Houston, TX

By the Grace of God and with the blessing of His Eminence, Metropolitan JOSEPH of the Antiochian Archdiocese, STOTS graduate (2022) Deacon Mark Makarios was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by His Grace, Bishop JOHN (Abdalah), on the Second Sunday of Luke, October 2, 2022, at Saint George Antiochian Orthodox Church, in Houston, Texas.

Concelebrating with His Grace were Archpriest James Shadid, Pastor of Saint George Church, Priest George Dahdouh, Priest Symeon Kees (STOTS ’09) and Priest Athanasios Kombos (STOTS ’22).  Immediately following the ordination, Bishop JOHN called Khourie Marian forward to stand alongside her husband, Father Mark, before the congregation as His Grace delivered the Sunday homily, concluding with a personal address, 

“As you offer yourself to God and the Church offers you to this community, as you will witness and serve and love the people, sharing the altar with wonderful priests, you witness to your priority of love for each other.  The love that God gives us in marriage for each other comes from Him and brings us back to Him.”  

Joining the parish of Saint George in the great joy of the day were Father Mark’s in-laws, Mr. Adel and Mrs. Sanaa Saleh, travelling from Egypt, as well as many friends coming from far and near, including several current STOTS seminarians. 

A week of daily liturgies followed for Father Mark Makarios, the first of which on Monday was attended by His Grace Bishop JOHN, Archpriest James Shadid, Archpriest Joseph Huneycutt, Archpriest Joseph Jreije, Priest Symeon Kees, and Priest Adam Roberts. 

Together with them all, the Saint Tikhon community exclaims, 

He is worthy!  Mustaheq!  Axios!