Antiochian Heritage Foundation
"You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God" + 2 Cor. 9:11
What is the Antiochian Heritage Foundation and why was it created? It is a new approach to cultivate the tremendous talents which the faithful of this Archdiocese have. The dreams and visions are accomplished through the generosity and help of our philanthropists and humanitarians who believe in the growing need in our North American Archdiocese, in order to reaffirm their faith and rebuild their spiritual lives.
For donors, it is about leaving a legacy and ensuring that their gifts support the values and causes most important to them. These might also include the various projects for the Antiochian Village as well as the needs of the Archdiocese and its clergy. The aim here is to empower the Archdiocese and donors to fulfill their respective missions. A carefully structured, planned giving program reassures potential donors of the wisdom of their decisions.
The Antiochian Archdiocese, as the overseer of our people, tries to provide for all of our faithful the expected services needed for this and the next generation. A larger scale approach will help achieve the goals that will enrich our lives.
To accomplish this mission, Metropolitan Philip has chosen Economos Antony Gabriel as Chairman of this department. Click here to read His Eminence's letter of appointment.
Latest from the Department
Helen Thomas Receives Antonian Gold Medal
On Friday October 12th, 2012, the Antiochian Heritage Foundation hosted its first annual Person of the Year Award Banquet. The purpose of the gathering was to honor renowned journalist Helen Thomas by bestowing on her the Antonian Gold Medal, the highest honor of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese. The event took place at Kogok Hall in Ss. Peter & Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church, Potomac, Maryland. The following is an account of the evening given by committee member Tammy Ilyas Alvarez:
It was an event to remember for both the honoree, Journalist Helen Thomas, and the many faithful friends, admirers and family members who were there as a testament to this most deserving member of our community. Many present had traveled great distances including from overseas to participate in the tribute. Among the many attendees present were distinguished VIP’S from the White House and the State Department, as well as members of the Diplomatic Corps and visiting clergy.
The electrifying evening was both emotional and exciting. More than 300 guests greeted Helen as she maneuvered her way through the crowd of well wishers gathered to congratulate her on receiving an honor, which has only been bestowed on a very select, deserving few.
The Very Reverend Father George Rados, Pastor of Ss. Peter and Paul gave the invocation. Throughout the evening, a professionally produced video gave us a glimpse of the life and work of the famous Helen Thomas. The speakers paid tribute to Helen Thomas and her remarkable accomplishments as a pacesetter for women during an era when women’s qualifications and talents were not recognized as equal to those of their male counterparts. Helen defied the odds without allowing adversity to stand in her way.
Economos Antony Gabriel Celebrates 50 Years in the Holy Priesthood
By Fr. Michael Shaheen
On Saturday, September 15, 2012, the community of St. George Antiochian Church of Montreal, Quebec, hosted a celebration of 50 years of holy priesthood for their pastor, Economos Antony Gabriel. His Eminence Metropolitan Philip presided over an entire weekend of festivities which culminated in the banquet held at Le Westin in Montreal on Saturday evening.
The weekend began with His Eminence Metropolitan Philip’s arrival to the Montreal airport on Friday, September 14, 2012. Joining His Eminence were His Grace Bishop Antoun, His Grace Bishop Nicholas, and Archdeacon Hans Elhayek. His Grace Bishop Alexander and the priests of Montreal and Ottawa greeted the bishops upon their arrival in a special VIP room at the airport. After we sat, relaxed and enjoyed good conversation with our beloved bishops, the hierarchs were taken to the Westin Hotel via limousine, where they would stay while in Montreal.
Banquet in Honor of Journalist Helen Thomas + Potomac, MD
His Eminence Metropolitan Philip has bestowed the Antonian Gold Medal upon renowned journalist Helen Thomas. For the occasion, a banquet will be held in her honor at Ss. Peter and Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church Hall in Potomac, Maryland on Friday, October 12, 2012. The event will commence with cocktails at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:30.
The evening will feature an invocation by Very Rev. Fr. George Rados of Ss. Peter and Paul, an introduction by Economos Antony Gabriel of St. George, Montreal; remarks by friends of Helen Thomas; the presentation of the Award; and a benediction by Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Rahal of St. George, Washington D.C. Other special guests will include Ambassador Ted Kattouf, Ambassador Clovis Maksoud, Hon. George Salem, Warren David (President of ADC), and former White House Interpreter Camille Nowfel.
Proceeds from the dinner will go to the Antiochian Heritage Foundation in Helen Thomas' honor. For reservations please contact either the Law Offices of Albert Mokhiber at 703-391-9898; or Mona at Ss. Peter and Paul Church at 301-765-9188.