Saint Athanasius Syriac Orthodox Church

06/07/2026

Today, our St. Athanasius Syriac Orthodox Church family had the joy of honoring and celebrating Eleven of our graduates as they reached an important milestone in their lives.

The celebration began with a heartfelt message from Abouna Alan, who reminded our graduates that every achievement is a blessing from God. He encouraged them to always keep Christ at the center of their lives, to remain faithful no matter where their future paths may lead, and to remember that true success is measured not only by academic accomplishments, but by living a life of faith, humility, and service to others. He also expressed gratitude to the parents and families whose sacrifices, prayers, and dedication helped shape these young men and women into the people they are today.

Mr. Karim Aslan, President of the Parish Council, then offered words of congratulations and encouragement on behalf of the entire church community. He praised the graduates for their hard work, perseverance, and dedication, while recognizing the unwavering support of their families, teachers, and loved ones. A special acknowledgment was given to the three graduates who earned their medical degrees, with prayers that God would bless their vocation as they serve others through healing and compassion. He reminded all of our graduates that they are the future of our Church and community and encouraged them to continue dreaming big, working hard, staying humble, and never forgetting their faith and roots.

Each graduate was presented with a Certificate of Recognition and an Antioch Bible as a reminder that the Word of God should always be a light for their journey. The celebration concluded with a special prayer and blessing from Abouna Alan, asking our Lord Jesus Christ to guide their steps, protect them, grant them wisdom, and fill their lives with His grace.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all of our graduates. May God bless you abundantly as you begin this new chapter, and may you always remember that you are beloved children of God and a source of pride for your families and your Church.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and He will direct your paths."Proverbs 3:5-6.

Congratulations, Class of 2025 and 2026! May God grant you many blessed and successful years ahead.

06/07/2026

Eighth Sunday After Easter

06/07/2026

Our 2nd Annual Junior Youth Christian Studies Summer Camp is off to a wonderful start!

Last Tuesday, we officially began our 2nd Annual Junior Youth Christian Studies Summer Camp under this year's beautiful theme:

"You're Mine."
"But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine."
— Isaiah 43:1

For the first week of camp, we reflected on what it truly means to find our identity in God. Together, we learned that the Lord created us, formed us, called us by name, and knows each one of us personally. Our worth is not determined by popularity, achievements, social media, or even our failures, but by the simple and beautiful truth that we belong to Him.

We also spoke about God's redeeming love—a love that embraces us with all our flaws, insecurities, and imperfections. As His beloved sons and daughters, we are called to live each day with confidence in His love and to guard our hearts from anything that tries to take His rightful place.

Along with our Bible study, the students enjoyed Suryoyo language lessons, learned beautiful Suryoyo hymns, participated in engaging Bible verse activities, and received their Junior Youth notebooks. The week was filled with faith, learning, friendship, laughter, and fellowship as we grew together in Christ.

Today, Saturday, our Junior Youth celebrated the end of a wonderful first week with a special field trip to Main Event. They had a fantastic time playing, laughing, and simply enjoying each other's company. These moments of fellowship help strengthen the friendships and Christian bonds that make our Junior Youth family so special.

We thank God for His abundant blessings and pray that He continues to guide and protect our campers, teachers, and volunteers throughout the summer. We look forward with joy and gratitude to all that He has in store for us in the weeks ahead.

"I have called you by your name; You are Mine."

06/03/2026

This Sunday 6/7/2027

06/01/2026

Wednesday & Friday Fast Begins This Week

As the Church continues her spiritual journey, we are reminded that the holy fast of Wednesday and Friday begins this week.

Wednesday reminds us of the betrayal of our Lord Jesus Christ, and Friday reminds us of His life-giving crucifixion for the salvation of the world.

May this blessed fast be an opportunity for all of us to grow in prayer, repentance, humility, and love for God.

"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4)

يبدأ صيام الأربعاء والجمعة هذا الأسبوع
بينما تتابع الكنيسة مسيرتها الروحية، نُذكِّر أبناءنا الأحباء بأن صيام الأربعاء والجمعة يبدأ هذا الأسبوع.

يُذكّرنا يوم الأربعاء بخيانة يهوذا للسيد المسيح، ويُذكّرنا يوم الجمعة بآلام ربنا وصلبه المحيي لخلاص العالم.

ليكن هذا الصوم المبارك فرصة لنا جميعًا للنمو في الصلاة والتوبة والتواضع ومحبة الله.

«ليس بالخبز وحده يحيا الإنسان، بل بكل كلمة تخرج من فم الله» (متى ٤: ٤)

St. Athanasius Syriac Orthodox Church
كنيسة مار أثناسيوس السريانية الأرثوذكسية

05/31/2026

Feast of Pentecost

05/28/2026

05/27/2026

The beloved family of St. Athanasius Syriac Orthodox Church extends its warmest wishes to His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak on the joyful occasion of his 60th Birthday and the 10th Anniversary of his blessed installation as Archbishop and Patriarchal Vicar of the Eastern United States.

On behalf of our priest Abouna Alan Shaltan, the Parish Council, Ladies Auxiliary, Deacons, Choir, Sunday School, Youth, Junior Youth, Suryoyo Nadi, Men Brotherhood, and all the faithful children of St. Athanasius Church we thank God for the beautiful shepherd He has given to our Archdiocese.

Your Eminence’s fatherly love, humble spirit, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to the Holy Church have touched countless hearts and guided many souls closer to Christ. Through your prayers, teachings, and sacrifices, you continue to plant hope, faith, and unity among your spiritual children.
May our Lord Jesus Christ bless Your Eminence with abundant health, heavenly peace, strength, and many more blessed years in His holy vineyard.
We pray that God may continue to crown your ministry with joy and surround you always with His grace.

05/25/2026

Join us for a joyful day of faith, family, laughter, and fun at our St. Athanasius Church Picnic as we celebrate the great Feast of Pentecost!

Our amazing Ladies Auxiliary will be preparing delicious food for everyone to enjoy, while our children have a blast with the water slides, water games, and summer fun!

And yes… Abouna Alan is officially ready with the water gun this year so be prepared to get soaked with joy and laughter!

Sunday, May 31st
📍 St. Athanasius Syriac Orthodox Church

Bring your family, invite your friends, and come spend a beautiful Pentecost celebration together as one church family filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit!