The Women of the Holy Myrrh Bearers

St. Nicholas Orthodox Church

Beckley, WV

Women of the

Holy Myrrh Bearers 

The long-standing organization of our parish, the Women’s Auxiliary, was revised under the enthusiastic leadership of
Fr. Samuel Haddad.  Fr. Samuel considers a vibrant women’s organization to reflect positively on the church as a whole.  An informal meeting was held in early 2003 in the parish house to discuss the re-development of the women’s organization. 

The first meeting was held on March 16, 2003, in the church hall during coffee hour.  Fr. Samuel, who led the meeting, opened with a prayer.  Several issues were discussed and decided upon.  A leadership election was held.  It was decided that the women would meet on the third Sunday each month.  Finances were also discussed. 

On March 23, 2003, Fr. Samuel announced the name chosen by Bishop Demetri for the women’s organization as “Women of the Holy Myrrh Bearers.”  After the Divine Liturgy, the organization was formally inaugurated, and each woman was presented an icon lapel pin with the Women of the Holy Myrrh Bearers on it. 

The main aim and purpose of our organization is to conduct humanitarian endeavors, support on-going projects of the Antiochian Women, to provide community outreach ministry to help the less fortunate members of our society, and most importantly to help in the activities of our parish. 

A brief report on the humanitarian activities of the Women of the Holy Myrrh Bearers follows: 

v    In May 2003, we sent a check for $150 to the Treasurer of Midwest AOCWNA (Antiochian Orthodox Christian Women of North America) as our contribution to the Orphanage Fund (which helps the Orthodox orphanages, including one in
Guatemala).  On July 12^th we conducted a rummage, baked goods and hot dog sale in the church hall.  Everyone participated and the response was overwhelming.  The proceeds ($1,000) from the sale were earmarked as funds for various charitable projects, including a pledge of and additional $500 contribution to the Orphanage Fund.  In August, we sent school supplies for 150 children in the Romanian orphanage, through Reader Timothy.  Most of the supplies were donated.   

v    October was “Breast Cancer Awareness Month”.  Mammograms for five indigent women were arranged free of charge through the services of Appalachian Regional Hospital in
Summers 
County.   

v    A winter coat drive was conducted by the organization.  A good number of coats and jackets were collected and delivered to Helping Hands for distribution to the needy. 

v    As our Christmas project, we supported the “Operation Christmas Child” project of Samaritan’s Purse.  This operation is headed by Mr. Franklin Graham.  Shoe boxes, containing toys, school supplies, hygiene items, etc., for boys and girls around the world who are suffering as a result of war, natural disaster, poverty, illness or neglect, were prepared and delivered to the center in North Carolina. 

v    An amount of $100 was set aside as a discretionary fund for use by Father to buy food for needy persons who come to our church for help. 

v    This year’s Baklava sales were quite encouraging.  The women’s organization is donating $5,000 to the Capital/Building Fund.  We request the Parish Council earmark $3,874 for the Chairlift Project (to complete the fund raising goal).  The remainder of the monies contributed to this fund may be used according to the Parish Council’s discretion. 

We have a functioning organization in place now.  Hopefully, next year we will be able to accomplish even more.  We thank God for all the blessings He has bestowed upon us.  Sharing with others and bringing happiness to the needy is our aim. 

Anna Thomas, President
Women of the Holy Myrrh Bearers
St. Nicholas Orthodox Church - Beckley, WV