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Mother Alexandra Visits St. Petersburg, Florida

The weekend of February 19-21, 2010, Mother Alexandra visited St. Nicholas Church in St. Petersburg, Florida.  She presented two talks, “Monasticism and St. Thekla Convent,” explaining the history of monasticism, the monastic presence, and the monastic life, ministry and plans for construction of the Convent of St. Thekla at the Antiochian Village in Ligonier, Pennsylvania; and “Great Lent: Renewing Our Hearts and Minds,” discussing our journey as Orthodox Christians as a whole throughout our lives and also on a daily basis, highlighting Lenten themes, the sacramental life, personal prayer, and communion with God and each other.

During her visit, she was able to reconnect with some Antiochian Village campers and looks forward to seeing them this summer. She attended the services at St. Nicholas Church and also traveled with parishioners to Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers in Tarpon Springs.   Mother Alexandra thanks Fr. Michael and Kh. Virginia Massouh and the faithful of St. Nicholas for their friendship and hospitality.

Mother Alexandra Visits Norwood, Massachusetts

Marilyn Robbat, Fr. Edward Hughes, Kh. Erin Kimmett, Mother Alexandra, Mary Lou Catelli and Fr. Joseph KimmettMarilyn Robbat, Fr. Edward Hughes, Kh. Erin Kimmett, Mother Alexandra, Mary Lou Catelli and Fr. Joseph KimmettOn Saturday, January 30, 2010, over 70 faithful gathered at St. George in Norwood, Massachusetts for a day of retreat, “Back to the Future with St. Ignatius of Antioch” sponsored by the Antiochian Women of the Diocese of Worcester and New England. Attendees included not just the women of AOCWNA, but even some of the teens who met Mother Alexandra at camp at the Village this past summer. The day began with Divine Liturgy followed by refreshments and included a fine Middle Eastern luncheon prepared by the women of St. George.   Mother Alexandra presented two talks, drawing from the life and experiences of St. Ignatius of Antioch to provide reflections for daily Orthodox Christian living. The wisdom of the Saint provides real and practical direction for us today, if we take the time to read and hear his words.

On Sunday, January 31, Mother Alexandra attended the post holiday gathering of the Order of St. Ignatius at the Sheraton Four Points. As the afternoon’s speaker, she gave an overview of the plans for the Convent of St. Thekla, which have been fermenting over many years as a part of the growth of the Antiochian Village. Numerous women have contacted her since last summer, and some have come to visit, both encouraging signs for the blossoming of a monastic community. Presently, the site survey has been completed and now the work with architects can begin, so that by God’s grace the convent might begin construction of its new home.

Click here to see more pictures.

Antiochian Marthas of St. George, NorwoodAntiochian Marthas of St. George, Norwood Mother Alexandra speaking at the Order of St. Ignatius dinnerMother Alexandra speaking at the Order of St. Ignatius dinner

Additions to the Convent of St. Thekla Chapel

Mother Alexandra writes:

Recently, some additions were made to the Convent of St. Thekla Chapel with the arrival and installation of lampadas and a silver cross.  The cross belonged to Archimandrite John Namie, who was Camp Director at the Antiochian Village from 1978 to 1988. May his memory be eternal.  As for the lamps, these beautify the chapel and remind all who pray herein of the constancy of faith required in our Christian lives.  May our lamps be found burning brightly! 

Mother Alexandra Speaks at Middle School Nativity Retreat

Over 20 youth attended the Middle School Nativity Retreat at the Antiochian Village Conference Center in Ligonier, Pennsylvania from December 11-13, 2009, where they learned more about God, themselves, their faith and each other. The theme, "In His Image", was presented by Mother Alexandra in three presentations: an informal discussion, a comprehensive look at the identity of Jesus Christ, and a reflection on how we can be living icons. Mother used many images of icons via Powerpoint to illustrate and aid in reflection. Other activities included indoor wacky and not-so-wacky games, a service project, craft opportunities, outdoor football, sledding, a camp fire with Christmas caroling, and a night hike. Fr. Anthony Yazge led the group in worship and in games, crafts, and teaching about almsgiving. On Saturday morning, there was a pilgrimage to the shrine of St. Herman with a Supplication Service. Great Vespers was celebrated on Saturday evening and Orthos and Liturgy on Sunday morning, both in Ss. Peter and Paul Chapel. We wish to also thank Barli Brown who coordinated the retreat and chaperoned; Marek Simon, who led the night hike; and all of our chaperones: Paul and Debra Finley, Tad Klopcic, Anna Stickles, and Alex Vernet. Even if you don’t see a bright safety green “I am a Living Icon” T-shirt, remember that we are living icons and God is glorified in His Saints!

The Founding of the Convent of St. Thekla at Antiochian Village

from The Word, September 2009

Thanks be to God, the Convent of Saint Thekla has been founded on the property of the Antiochian Village in July of 2009 by His Eminence, Metropolitan Philip. The Archbishop had long foreseen the establishment of a community of traditional nuns involved with pastoral ministry, withdrawing to pray and then returning to share their monastic life with the faithful. The plan is that the nuns will maintain a monastic schedule of services, private discipline and prayer, involve themselves in the many ministries at the Antiochian Village, and accept invitations from local parishes.

As Acting Superior of the Convent, I hit the ground running when I arrived, only unpacking some daily items, praying for the success of the seed the Lord has planted in His vineyard, and then walking over to the camp to greet the Staff and meet the campers. They have been eager for the presence of monastics and they came to me to introduce themselves and to ask for prayers. Many times I was told, “Welcome Home.” After only a couple of hours, I knew that I had met my newest, closest 250 friends. Over the next few days I had the opportunity to pray with our young faithful, to lead discussions, and to speak with them about our faith from the heart. Yes, there was the occasional football toss, the discussion of martial arts, our culture, and everything a person would ever want to know about nuns. We had a lot of fun, and it is meet and right that we should have enjoyed each other.

A Banquet to Benefit the Convent of St. Thekla in Houston, Texas

Mother Alexandra with Nijad and Zeina FaresMother Alexandra with Nijad and Zeina FaresOn Saturday, October 17, 2009, St George Orthodox Church in Houston, Texas presented a Special Banquet honoring His Eminence, Metropolitan PHILIP and the Archdiocese Board of Trustees to benefit the Convent of St Thekla.  His Eminence, Metropolitan PHILIP, His Grace, Bishop ANTOUN, His Grace, Bishop ALEXANDER, and members of the Board of Trustees were among the honored guests.  The Banquet was hosted at the Hilton Houston Post Oak where over 400 faithful enjoyed an evening of fellowship, fine food, and excellent music provided by the Lex Valk Trio.  Thank you to our beloved Hierarchs, Board Members, clergy and faithful for their continued support of the Convent.  Pictures taken by Judy Braun can be found at http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/AOCAphotos by clicking on St George Houston Banquet.

Heartfelt gratitude is extended to Fr. John Salem and St. George in Houston; Nijad and Zeina Fares, who were the Banquet Chairpersons and Sponsors; Mr. Ralph Albercia and Mr. Elias Shaheen, who were the Honorary Chairpersons; and the following:

A First: The Convent of Saint Thekla Celebrates the Feast of Saint Thekla

After Sunday Liturgy, His Grace Bishop JOSEPH with Father Anthony Yazge, Mother Alexandra, Mother Miriamne and Father George AlbertsAfter Sunday Liturgy, His Grace Bishop JOSEPH with Father Anthony Yazge, Mother Alexandra, Mother Miriamne and Father George AlbertsOn September 24, 2009, His Grace Bishop THOMAS, led the Convent and many clergy, present at the Village for a clergy retreat, in celebration of Festal Vespers the evening prior, and Orthos and Divine Liturgy on the Feast at the Saint Peter and Paul Chapel.  His Grace was also able to be with us for the beginning of Pilgrimage.  We thank him for presiding at the Liturgy and for being with us.  Many years, Master!

During the September 25-27 weekend, the Convent celebrated the Saint Thekla Pilgrimage.  His Grace, Bishop JOSEPH, arrived on Friday for the Pilgrimage celebration which included daily Vespers, Orthros, and Divine Liturgy.  We thank all of the clergy and chanters who served.  After the Liturgy on Saturday morning, all processed to the Shrine of Saint Thekla where His Grace led us in a Supplication Service to Saint Thekla.  Later in the day, His Grace presided at an Unction Service.  Over the course of the Pilgrimage, His Grace presented three spiritually uplifting homilies on our theme, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” and led an “Ask Sayedna” panel.

September 2009 Issue of The Word Magazine Now Available Online

Click cover to download: 

The September 2009 issue contains the following articles:

Metropolitan PHILIP Addresses the Archdiocese Convention, pg. 4

The Founding of the Convent of St. Thekla at Antiochian Village, pg. 12

The St. Thekla Pilgrimage, pg. 15
by H. Paul Finley

Homeschooling: The Encouragement and Challenge of St. Emmelia, pg. 20
by Fr. Noah Bushelli

Wrecking a Marriage, Pg. 21
by Fr. George Morelli

...and more!

His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP Announces the Establishment of the Convent of St. Thekla at Antiochian Village

It is with great joy that His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP announces the establishment of the Convent of St. Thekla at the Antiochian Village.  The Acting Superior of the convent will be Mother Alexandra (Magan), and we welcome her with joy to the Antiochian Archdiocese of North America.

Mother Alexandra will take up residency at the Antiochian Village during the first week of July, and will live in temporary housing until such time as the residence building is constructed on the proposed site for the convent, which is on the main property at the Antiochian Village. This will allow her to experience a good part of the camping season, and to interact with our children.

She also has plans to attend the Archdiocese Convention in late July, and to have a presence at the St. Thekla Pilgrimage which will be held at the Antiochian Village in September.

There will soon be a website established for the convent, where all important news and information will be posted.

Click here to read a brief biography of Mother Alexandra.