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Welcome! Christ is in our midst! He is & ever shall be!
¡Bienvenido! ¡Cristo está entre nosotros! ¡Está y siempre estará!
Winter Service Retreat: Dec. 2008-Jan. 2009
ADVANCE NOTICE: Spiritual Retreat Sessions Focus: Finding and Living Our Calling In Christ - no matter who or where we find ourselves. Presentations by several Orthodox Priests.
This retreat is geared for Orthodox Youth and Young Adults, especially older teens, college students and other young adults. Families are also welcome to attend! Although we do not yet have some of the details worked out for the upcoming Winter Service Retreat for Youth and Young Adults, the tentative dates and schedule will be: Saturday, December 27th - Travel and gather - Great Vespers - Supper - Blessing of retreat facility Sunday, December 28th - Divine Liturgy and Brunch at St. George's - Afternoon activity - Evening Dinner at Church - 1st Spiritual Session in Early Evening - Open to Parish and General Public Monday, December 29th - Work Day - Sorting Donations - Spiritual Sessions Tuesday, December 30th - Casa Amparo Orphanage for Girls in Reynosa, Mexico - Delivery of donations, lunch & work project. Shopping in Mexico. Wednesday, December 31st - St. George's Food Pantry Special Distribution - Distribute food, clothing, blankets, toiletries, toys and more to hungry Valley families. Afternoon Spiritual Session. Great Vespers at 6 PM followed by a Pot-Luck New Year's Eve Singing Party. Thursday, January 1st - South Padre Island Beach Trip, Weather Permitting
Friday, January 2nd - Divine Liturgy in Spanish - Brunch at Church - Farewells & Photos Cost: $200.00 per Participant. Includes local lodging, meals and snacks, local transportation, beach and border crossing fees. More to come as we have information! We have just learned that Father George Dahdouh, Pastor at St. Elias Orthodox Mission of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR), located in Houston, Texas and his family will likely be attending this year's event to present part of our Winter Retreat Spiritual Focus Sessions. He will be sharing the opening address on Sunday evening, December 28th, as well as the Monday retreat sessions. Father Dahdouh, whose father is Egyptian, grew up in Sudan, Africa - and has had considerable missionary experience, especially in predominately Muslim settings. He will add greatly to our retreat spiritual topic of "Finding and Living Our Calling In Christ." We might also have another guest speaker as well. Hope to see many of you soon! For more information, see links at:  From the St. Elias Parish Website: Fr. George brings a rich life of experience and gifts to the parish life of St. Elias. Born in the Sudan of an Egyptian father and an Italian mother, Fr. George is multi-lingual and multi-cultural. He grew up in the Roman Catholic Church, and continued as a Melkite Catholic under the Pope of Rome. Fr. George felt a very specific call from God to serve Him with his entire life as a priest. As such, he enrolled in a Roman Catholic seminary and finished his period in the novitiate (as an apprentice monk). In fact, he was only some weeks away from taking his final vows when he realized this was not the capacity within which he was being called to serve God. Fr. George then took some time away and spent a decade working as a high-profile consultant in the field of corporate banking and finance. In 1986 he married the love of his life, Kh. Manal (Mary). Fr. George and Kh. Manal now have two teenage children. Despite the great salary and position, Fr. George never forgot his calling to the priesthood. He decided finally that it was time now to be a "mover and a shaker" for Christ and His eternal Kingdom. Fr. George went back to seminary, this time to St. Vladimir's Orthodox Seminary, where he earned his Master of Divinity degree. After being ordained to the holy priesthood, Fr. George has served in a few different parishes, willingly going where he was asked to go, serving where the need is greatest. In 2005, after serving for 8 years within the jurisdiction of the Antiochian Archdiocese of North America, Fr. George transferred to the Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America under the jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia. Fr. George is certainly not the first Arab-speaking priest to serve under a Russian jurisdiction in America. St. Raphael (Hawaweeny) of Brooklyn (originally from Damascus, Syria) was the first-ever Orthodox bishop consecrated in America and served Arab-speaking (as well as many others) congregations throughout North America. He served under the jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox Church. Fr. George would be the last to admit to any comparisons between himself and St. Raphael, but those who might think it strange for a Russian Orthodox Church to have an Arabic priest serving liturgies in the Byzantine Tradition and Arabic should know that there is great precedent for it! http://steliashouston.org/meet_our_priest.html *** News & Photos From Last Year's Retreat: This year, we'd love it if some of your young folks - high school, college age and other young adults - would join us for this wonderful experience in the borderlands. The week long event is an excellent blend of liturgical services and spiritual treat topics, intermixed with lots of Orthodox service activities and some fun, friendship and fellowship to boot. We help at an orphanage for girls in Reynosa, Mexico, as well as an expanded distribution of our own St. George's Food Pantry. Last year's retreat master, Fr. Joseph Hunneycut, a well known author and clergyman who now lives in Houston, has put five posts up on his "Orthodixie" blogsite, along with some great photos. We are now planning for another - our Fourth Annual Winter Service Retreat - to be held during the Christmas school break this winter. Next year, everyone will be required to have a US PASSPORT OR PASSPORT CARD. It is possible that having a photo ID and a copy of your birth certificate may suffice for this year. So, if you don't have a passport, be certain to bring these documents along. A Passport is better, however. So, if anyone you know would like to attend, plan now and have them get their documents together early, as it may take a few weeks to get them in hand.
Last year's Winter Retreat photos are found at:
Yours in Christ, Matushka Elizabeth Perdomo
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 Be PRO-ORB! | Be PRO-ORB! |
Puente del Rio Ortodoxo - Orthodox Rio Bridges An Orthodox Christian Outreach Ministry
See photos from our first two PRO-ORB Winter Youth Retreats at: http://stgeorgepantry.org/2006winterretreatphotos.html http://www.stgeorgepantry.org/winteretreatphotos.html
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Third Annual International Winter Retreat Flyer
Photos and blog entries regarding the 2007-08 Winter Retreat found at Fr. Joseph's site at: http://southern-orthodoxy.blogspot.com/ Third Annual Orthodox Rio Bridges ~ Puente del Rio Ortodoxo International Orthodox Winter Service Retreat for Teens & Young Adults
December 29, 2007 (Travel & Evening Registration) through Friday Morning Divine Liturgy, January 4, 2008 St. George’s Orthodox Church; Pharr, Texas
Retreat Master/Presenter: “OrthoDixie” Father Joseph D. Huneycutt, Author & Pastor St. George’s Antiochian Church in Houston, Texas Spiritual Focus: "The Prayer of the Heart in the Life of the World" Other Activities Include: Service Experiences at St. George’s Food Pantry & Casa Amparo Orphanage in Reynosa, México; South Padre Island Beach Trip, Fellowship; Liturgical Services, some in Spanish Talent Show & Russian Movie Spiritual Retreat Sessions
Cost: $200.00/Includes Lodging, Meals, Border Crossing Fees Contact Information: Father Antonio or Matushka Elizabeth Perdomo 956-781-2388 or email at mateliza@aol.com Registration Deadline December 16th; Space Is Limited; Forms On-Line at: “Winter Youth Retreat” www.stgeorgepantry.org
Use On-Line PayPal or Mail Payment to: St. George's Orthodox Church; c/o Winter Retreat; PO Box 667; Pharr, Texas 78577 USA About This Year's Retreat Master... Fr Joseph Huneycutt was reared a Southern Baptist in North Carolina. After more than a decade as an Episcopalian, he converted to Orthodoxy in 1993. He received a BS in Communication Arts from Appalachian State University (1982), a Master of Divinity from Nashotah House Episcopal Seminary in Wisconsin (1992), and his Doctor of Ministry in the Eastern Christian Context from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in conjunction with the Antiochian House of Studies in 1999. Fr Joseph’s writings appear regularly in The WORD magazine and on the Antiochian Orthodox webpage. He hosts a blog called “Orthodixie,” and delivers a weekly Podcast on Ancient Faith Radio by the same name. His book on American converts and their pastoral struggles, One Flew Over the Onion Dome - American Orthodox Converts, Retreads & Reverts, was published in 2006; his latest book, DEFEATING SIN: Overcoming Our Passions and Changing Forever was released in October, 2007 -- both published by Regina Orthodox Press. In addition to developing and leading Orthodox retreats and conferences, Fr Joseph spent ten years planting Orthodox Missions in the Southeast. He is currently the Associate Pastor of St George Antiochian Orthodox Church, Houston, Texas. He and his wife Elizabeth have three children: Mary Catherine, Basil, and Helen, and a black cat named Lily.
 Fr. Joseph Hunneycutt | Fr. Joseph Hunneycutt |
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Remembering our Past Winter Retreats...
Puente del Rio Ortodoxo - Orthodox Rio Bridges An Orthodox Christian Outreach Ministry Second Annual Winter Youth/Young Adult Service Retreat
PHARR: Last winter, together we tasted the true “sabor” of “¡Señor tempiedad!” and how to live as “una familia en Cristo.” Somewhere stirred within our daily prayers, we loaded food boxes, sorted warm coats and blankets for South Texas borderland families, dug a garden in the still-hot winter sun at a girl’s orphanage in Mexico, ate tamales and posole, splashed in warm Gulf waters and played invigorating games of beach soccer.
In the same “Orthodox Rio Bridges” spirit (or in Spanish, Puente del Rio Ortodoxo), the 2nd Annual Winter Youth/Young Adult Service Retreat promises to be an even more enriching experience for attendees. Sponsored by “PRO-ORB” and St. George’s Orthodox Church in Pharr, Texas, the event will begin on Tuesday evening, December 26th continuing until Saturday morning, December 30th when we will end with a Spanish-language Divine Liturgy. Guests who do not need to leave immediately are very welcome to stay throughout the weekend. Our spiritual Retreat Master this year will be Hieromonk John (Anderson) from St. Michael’s Skete in Cañones, New Mexico. This year’s retreat focus is entitled, “For the Love of God: Balancing Orthodox Asceticism with Life in the World.” In addition to spiritual topic sessions and daily liturgical services, some in Spanish, the foundational retreat focus rests on serving others in the name of Christ. To this end, we will again be assisting at St. George’s Food Pantry, which now serves over 100 families each time it opens. In addition, attendees will deliver Christmas stockings, toiletries and food items, as well as spend the day working at the Casa Ampara girl’s orphanage just across the border in Reynosa, Mexico. Last year, participants came from both the US and Mexico. This year, we hope to encourage others from Mexico – maybe even Canada? – to join us in this inspiring event. There will be plenty of opportunity for Orthodox fellowship, including a trip to the beach at South Padre Island. Yes, last winter, we actually went swimming in late December! Orthodox teens, college students and young adults, as well as adult chaperones and/or parents, are invited to participate. The cost will be $175.00 per attendee. Registration deadline is December 16th. Contact us by email, phone or look online for registration forms at: http://www.stgeorgepantry.org/winteryouthretreat.html To learn more, call Fr. Antonio Perdomo at 956-781-2388 or email him at padreantoniop@aol.com. See photos and write ups from last year’s event online at: http://www.stgeorgepantry.org/winteretreatphotos.html and http://www.stgeorgepantry.org/retreatwriteups.html ¡Cristo ha Nacido! ¡Glorifíquenlo! |
Come Down to the Valley for Christmas Break!
Who? Orthodox Christian College Students, Young Adults, Older Teens (ages 14 and up) and their friends & adult sponsors/chaperones are invited to join us for a week Celebrating the Nativity of our Lord and Savior by serving others! We heartily welcome Orthodox participants and their friends from any canonical juristiction - from anywhere in Texas and the surrounding region, as well as from other parts of the USA and Canada. Younger siblings and families are also welcome to participate, but younger siblings must be accompanied and supervised at all times by a parent. Families with younger siblings must also provide their own accommodations. We will be glad to make suggestions! How Many? The number of participants is limited, so please register early! Clergy, parents and adult chaperones are welcome. When? Arriving: Early evening of Tuesday,December 26, 2006 (or, if necessary, on the morning of December 27th. Departing: Saturday morning, December 30th, after Divine Liturgy in Spanish. All who can are welcome to stay until Sunday after Divine Liturgy and the meal following Liturgy, or even until January 1st. See Driving Directions sections if you plan to drive. The nearest airports are in either McAllen or Harlengen, if you plan to fly. Please let us know so we can arrange for transportation from the airport to the Church if you plan to fly. Schedule of Activities: See our Tentative Schedule link. Cost: $175.00/Participant. (This fee basically just covers local bunk-room-type lodging, food & expenses for the retreat.) FOR ADULT CHAPERONES ONLY: If parents or other adult chaperones prefer a motel-type room (on-site), their cost would be adjusted accordingly. [Motel-type Rooms with 2 Queen-sized beds cost $30.00/night for 1 person; $35.00/night for 2 and $40./night for 3-4 occupants.]
Where? St. George's Parish is located in Pharr, Texas - in the Rio Grande Valley. To view maps and recommended routes, please see the "Driving Directions section of this website. If flying, the nearest airports are in McAllen and Harlingen, although Brownsville is also a possibility. What? A week filled with Fellowship, Church Services and Service Projects, as well as some fun outings to get a "taste" of the sabor of this unique region on the South Texas border with Mexico. The week will likely include most if not al of the following activities: * Helping with St. George's Food Pantry * A Trip to Casa Amparo Girl's Orphanage & Refuge in Reynosa, Mexico - to deliver food, clothing, toiletries, grooming supplies and to do a service project for them. * Christmas Caroling in the Neighborhood of the St. George's Church - in English & Spanish! * A visit to South Padre Island Beaches * Daily Liturgical Services - some in Spanish! * Talks and Discussions with Clergy. * Fellowship with other young Orthodox Christians & friends! Winter Youth/Young Adult Retreat on South Texas/Mexican Border
For the second year, St. George's Orthodox Church in Pharr, Texas, the new
PRO-ORB organization and the Perdomo family will host a Winter Retreat for
Youth and Young Adults, during the week after Nativity. We pray that participants
will come from Mexico, as well as from the USA. Activities will include
service projects on both sides of the border, prayers and liturgical services, in
Spanish and English, plus time for fellowship and fun with Orthodox youth
from Mexico and the USA. The retreat is planned for youth, ages 14 and up,
through those who are young adults or university-age students.
Spiritual Highlights will include:
~ The Spiritual Retreat, on the topic, "Leading an Orthodox Life in an Unorthodox World." Our retreat master and presenter will be Hieromonk John (Anderson) of St. Michael's Skete in Cañones, New Mexico, an Orthodox convert, recently returned from St. Herman's Seminary in Alaska. ~ Daily Prayers & Liturgical Services - bi-lingual ~ Divine Liturgy - Primarily In Spanish! Service Project Highlights will include: ~ Doing a project, plus delivering items, including Christmas Stockings, to the Casa Amparo girl's orphanage in Reynosa, Mexico. ~ helping distribute food boxes and Christmas Stockings to recipients of St. George's Food Pantry - see www.stgeorgepantry.org to learn more... Fellowship & Fun Highlights will include: ~ South Padre Island Beach trip or Santa Ana Wildlife Refuge (weather dependent) ~ Or a shopping Trip to Nuevo Progresso, Mexico ~ Talent Show by those in Attendance!
The cost is $175.00/participant (teens age 14 up, young adults and college students) plus adult chaperones or visiting Clergy. Remember, Space is limited! Registration forms & additional information are on-line at: If you are interested in receiving an Application Form or for more information, please contact Matushka Elizabeth Perdomo at: mateliza@aol.com
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Summary Introduction to Retreat Topic Presentation
SPIRITUAL TOPIC FROM 2005: Living an Orthodox Life in an Unorthodox World Mark J. Cherry There has been a lot of publicity about the new millennium, about the 21st century, about entering a new age with new genetic technologies, new electronic communications, new global financial markets, and perhaps even a new post-traditional morality. In this series of presentations and case discussions, we will examine some of the challenges we will all face in preserving our moral understandings as Orthodox Christians in this new millennium. This new age invites us to approve of men and women living together without marriage, of the ordination of priestesses, of abortion as an element of responsible parenting, of homosexual marriages, and of physician-assisted suicide as an appropriate part of a death with dignity. In short, we are often asked by our culture to accept a way of life that the Fathers of the Church have consistently condemned. As we will discuss, it is a mistake to think of any one of these moral challenges as isolated from our general task of preserving and remaining true to our faith. Our moral life can only make full sense and survive if our faith survives. If we wonder why some of our friends and children at times express the morality of an often morally corrupt society, the answer lies in their not fully living the Orthodox faith. Maintaining our morality can only be understood in terms of the challenge of maintaining an Orthodox worldview and living one’s Orthodox faith. Morality only makes sense in terms of the metaphysics we live — that is, our deep commitments concerning the meaning of life and the purpose of the universe must be lived out in all that we do. ___________________________________ ______________________ Mark J. Cherry Department of Philosophy St. Edward's University 3001 S. Congress Ave., Box 844 Austin, Texas 78704 (512) 448 8536 markc@admin.stedwards.edu |
¡Gloria a Dios por todo!
Direct your Questions, Comments or Feedback to (Por favor dirigir sus preguntas, dudas o comentarios al): 956-781-6114 or info@stgeorgepantry.org
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