| For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we being many, are one body in Christ............Having then, gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them. (Romans 12:4-6)
Opening Parish Address
by Council President Michael Ziadeh (Dec 16, 2001):
Brothers and Sisters
First of all, I believe that, today is a historical day in this big city, it is for me a historical day in many ways. The starting of this humble but faithful orthodox parish using only the English language, as the main tool to pray to His Almighty which is the language of this country. This tool will allow us to spread the good news of salvation to every one. Basically we are following what happened on the Pentecost day when the disciples started talking in many languages spreading the Lord resurrection and the salvation to all nations in their own language.
Our very new and exciting parish comprises Australian faithful with background from the Middle East, Serbia, Greece, Macedonian and United Kingdom.
With all the trust in God this parish will be the salt and the light as the Lord said according to Matthew 5: 13-16, You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavour, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Secondly, I thank God for the privilege of serving His body, and the love and trust given to me through, Fr John and the council members, by choosing me I am the foremost sinner of all to be serving God more. I believe that God wants to correct me, so God blessed me with this opportunity to serve His body more on earth.
I have been asked to give a brief talk on how we are going to organize the parish of Sts. Michael & Gabriel, and I could not find a better description than that from the early christians as written in the scripture: And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul , and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together and had all things in common. And sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart. (Act 2: 42-45)
Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of land or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of the things were sold, And laid them at the apostles feet, and they distributed to each as anyone had need. (Act 4: 32-35)
As you can see we are one and the main reason of our existence is to pray, break the bread, and bear witness to the Lord Jesus. So for every one including the council members to have the opportunity to choose the most necessary thing. We see this when Jesus admonishes Martha in Luke 10:41-42, Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things, but one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her. And again, in; Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
All parishioners must take an active part in their parish and are encouraged to commit to the pledging system. Frankly talking, there are many ways to make money, from passing the plate in the middle of the liturgical services to having parties and running ruffles. On the other hand, there is the simple way of pledging an affordable amount each week to the running of the parish. You will notice that a collection plate will not be passed at all. A donation box however, is available for visitors should they wish to contribute. We must encourage every one to live as to the Lord, and in this way show that we have a fruitful faith. See Saint James in his epistle;
What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? But someone will say, You have faith and I have works. Show me your faith without your works and I will show you my faith by my works. But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. (James 2: 14,18,20 and 26)
Finally, I would like to reiterate that we are all one body. You could liken it to all of us being in one boat, with each person being responsible for what happens to the boat. This boat must always be rowing toward Christ our God. To understand this analogy more clearly, we must picture that Father John is our navigator with his hand on the rudder always directing us to the path of Christ. The council represent the drummer coordinating the rhythm of all the parishioners to row in. You, the parishioners need to empower us to move forward so that we will perform to our best and not lose our destination.
You are the blood and soul of this parish and we look forward to your prayers and to the continuation of your heartfelt support.
Michael Ziadeh (Council President)
Our parish council manages the day to day running of the parish. Our first parish council was formed on the 19th October 2001.
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Position
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Name
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Date of Commencement
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Chairman
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Fr John Vesic
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19th October 2001
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President
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Michael Ziadeh
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19th October 2001
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Vice President
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Ramzi Wardini
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19th October 2001
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Treasurer
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John Ayoub
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19th October 2001
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Minutes Secretary
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Fred & Monica Ibrahim
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2nd August 2003
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Education Director
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Noura Cheded
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5h March 2003
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Publications Co-Ordinator
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Maria Makariou
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19th October 2001
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Activities Manager
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Hannan Mantoufeh
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19th October 2001
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Ladies Representative
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Mary Jabbour
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7th July 2002
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Youth Representative
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John Jabbour
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1st May 2003
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The Sts Michael & Gabriel Ladies Auxilliary was formed on the 16th June 2002. Some of the main objectives of the committee consist of providing prayer, bible study and support groups for the women in their local areas, and of course assisting in building the resources of the parish.
An invitation is made to all women in our parish, to participate in the prayer groups of their local areas.
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Position
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Name
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Date of Commencement
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Representative
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Mary Jabbour
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16th June 2002
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Secretary
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Grace Issa
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16th June 2002
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Treasurer
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Sue Wardini
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16th June 2002
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Northern Area Co-ordinator
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Kh. Helen Vesic
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16th June 2002
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Western Area Co-ordinator
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Nada Saad
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16th June 2002
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Southern Area Co-ordinator
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Dr Victoria Jabbour-Khoury
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16th June 2002
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Our current Youth Representatives are John Jabbour, Angela Gazaleh and George Saadi.
Their duties include promoting youth participation in church, organising youth social activities and reporting to the Parish Council.
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Sts Michael & Gabriel Orthodox Church
Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia & New Zealand
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