Antiochian Orthodox Christian Women of North America


 

The Antiochian Orthodox Christian Women of North America was founded in 1973 through the vision of His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP Saliba as an organization of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America. Its purpose is to develop a spirit of Christian leadership, awareness, and commitment; to foster a genuine expression of love and service through works of charity; and to instill a sense of fellowship and a deeper understanding of the heritage and traditions of the Orthodox Church.

The Antiochian Orthodox Christian Women of North America brings the women of the Antiochian Archdiocese together for prayer, charitable works, and mutual support as we strive to fulfill our calling in Christ through serving others. The Antiochian Women are organized according to region, but come together for communication and collaboration through the North American Board (NAB), which consists of officers and delegates from each region. The Antiochian Women communicate through this web page, with information on programs, such as a scholarships for women who wish to continue their education and spiritual resources such as the lives of women saints. Back issues of DIAKONIA and SOPHIA, print newsletters that keep the members of Antiochian Women inspired and informed, can also be found here in PDF format.

We are encouraged by the words of His Grace Bishop JOSEPH who, when addressing the General Assembly once said: “When everyone left our Lord Jesus Christ alone on the cross, the women were there. Can you see how important the women are? You are the myrrh-bearing women.”

 

Antiochian Women Project 2010: The Convent of St. Thekla

The primary areas of focus of the Antiochian Women on all levels are religious programs, humanitarian work and the annual project.  The North American Board (NAB) project committee has the responsibility of coordinating the raising of funds from women throughout the Archdiocese to benefit one specific project adopted each year by the Antiochian Women.

Since 1975 Antiochian Women have raised over $2.3 million dollars towards the support of many worthwhile endeavors, including the Antiochian Village, Married Seminarians, Missions, Project Orphanages, the Retired Clergy Housing Fund, and most recently, Al Kafaat in Lebanon. 

This year the project is the Convent of St. Thekla which was founded on the property of the Antiochian Village in July, 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. 

Antiochian Women's Month

Mother Alexandra Describes 2010 ProjectMother Alexandra Describes 2010 ProjectPlease visit our Antiochian Women web page!

2010 Women's Month Brochure (PDF)

The month of March has been designated as Antiochian Women’s Month by His Eminence, Metropolitan PHILIP. During the month of March every year, women are encouraged to express the fullness of their ministry in the Church. Sponsored by the Antiochian Women, each local chapter is encouraged to hold activities during the month of March and to participate in the Liturgy by reading the Epistle, delivering the homily, and ministering to the parish, the archdiocese, and the community.

Especially during the month of March, women are encouraged to minister to the needs of the poor, infirm and aged, engage in local charitable and humanitarian works, and raise funds for the Project of the Antiochian Women.

Antiochian Women's Board Meets February 5-7 at Antiochian Village

Antiochian Women With Completed Haiti KitsAntiochian Women With Completed Haiti KitsNearly everyone had arrived at Antiochian Village by Friday Feb. 5 for Antiochian Women’s mid-winter meetings before the fourth largest snowstorm ever in western Pennsylvania began.

The North American Board (NAB), made up of five elected officers, immediate past president and six coordinators, met Friday afternoon. They began meetings with officers and delegates of the seven diocesan Antiochian Women’s organizations on Friday evening, which continued on Saturday after Soul Saturday Divine Liturgy.

Prior to the first meeting Mother Alexandra, abbess of the Convent of St. Thekla that established at the Village in July, led a mini-retreat for the women. Most everyone, including monastics, deal with temptations and distractions in their spiritual lives, Mother Alexandra said. She talked with the women about the things that distract us, including church-related ones. “We need to stay focused."

His Grace Bishop THOMAS spoke to the women about preparations for Great Lent and for the Kingdom of God. “You have the opportunity to spend a lot of time in the presence of God."  He later added that “you bring great joy to this place."

 

 

Antiochian Women News Archive