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 Archdiocese. 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 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. On this web page we post information on our programs, and spiritual resources such as the lives of women saints. Back issues of DIAKONIA and SOPHIA newsletters can also be found here in PDF format.
His Grace Bishop Joseph 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.”
Announcing the 2012-13 NAB Antiochian Women’s Project: “The Antiochian Village Tornado Relief Fund”
On June 1, a tornado packing winds of up to 110 mph struck the Antiochian Village in Western Pennsylvania. Through the grace of God, no one was injured, but the Village incurred over one million dollars in damage. Approximately 22 buildings on the property were either destroyed or damaged. His Eminence Metropolitan Philip has asked the Antiochian Women to step to the forefront and help raise monies for this tornado relief effort. Our women look forward to healing this “Holy Mountain” in North America. Stay tuned for more information.
Spring 2013 Issue of DIAKONIA Available Online
The Spring 2013 issue of DIAKONIA is now available online. This issue highlights the Diocese of Wichita and Mid-America, and contains:
- A message from His Eminence Archbishop Joseph on the Feast of the Annunciation
- A message from Diocese of Wichita Antiochian Women President Deana Bottei
- A message from His Grace Bishop Basil
- Do Icons Really Matter? by the late Archpriest Peter E. Gillquist
...and more! Click here to download (PDF).
March is Antiochian Women's Month
President Violet Robbat and Vice President Dianne O'Regan present check for 2012 project to His EminenceThe month of March, designated as Antiochian Women’s Month by His Eminence Metropolitan Philip, is a time when the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Women encourage their sisters in Christ to participate in the Liturgy and minister in their parishes and their communities. Notes President Violet Robbat, "...however large or small our roles, what is important for an Antiochian Woman is that we are focused on our faith and His church."
Resources for Women's Month:
- A brochure about the 2013 project and scholarship (PDF)
- Metropolitan Philip's letter about Women's Month (PDF)
- A sermonette introducing the 2013 Project (PDF)
- Vice–President Dianne O'Regan's Women's Month letter (PDF)
- Read an article by His Grace Bishop Nicholas, "The Role of Women in the Orthodox Church" (PDF)
- Read President Violet Robbat's reflection, "I am an Antiochian Woman"
- Visit Orthodox Women Saints, a complete year of saints' lives
Learn more about Antiochian Women.
Antiochian Women’s Project, 2013: Tornado Relief Fund
For 2013, the Antiochian Women have been tasked by His Eminence Metropolitan Philip to continue the ongoing Project: “The Antiochian Village Tornado Relief Fund.”
On June 1, 2012, a tornado traveled eight miles down Highway 711 through the townships of Ligonier and Bolivar in Western Pennsylvania. At 5:20 p.m., the tornado stuck the Antiochian Village with winds of 110 miles per hour. In a matter of seconds, the tornado damaged or destroyed 50 acres at the Village, including 22 buildings and hundreds of trees. Of these buildings, six were girls’ cabins which were completely destroyed. The remaining buildings have required varying degrees of repair – from new roofs to collapsed walls.
The appraisers have determined the monetary cost of the damage to the Antiochian Village at well over one million dollars. While insurance paid for a portion, the Archdiocese has been required to cover the remainder. There were also many areas that were not covered by insurance, including the removal of downed trees and replacement of these trees for privacy purposes that surround the girls’ cabins.
