THE FELLOWSHIP OF ST. JOHN THE DIVINE

“A friend is dearer than the light of heaven; for it would be better for us that the sun wereextinguished, than that we should be without friends.”

St. John Chrysostom

Welcome, everyone, to “THE FELLOWSHIP OF ST. JOHN THE DIVINE.”  Here at St. George Church in Cicero, Illinois, we are the adult ministry of the parish.  The minimum age for our organization is for adult parishioners of college age.  We have no maximum age for membership in our organization.  Formerly, we were known as Senior S.O.Y.O.  The organization is currently headed by four selfless officers that are the customary president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer.  We have six major committees that are headed by dedicated chairpersons and assisted by our members.  There are the advertising, humanitarian, social, spiritual, fundraising, and NADI functioning committees.

            Our responsibilities are many within the parish.  Chief among those responsibilities are administering to humanitarian needs, elevating our collective spiritualities, increasing our fellowship amongst our brothers and sisters in Christ, and raising our overall commitment to both God and church.  Many social activities, including fundraisers, are held to raise money and increase fellowship among our brothers and sisters in Christ.  We are the fundamental core of the parish, bridging the years between youth and elderly. 

            Our primary goal is to increase that fellowship amongst our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as renewing and intensifying our commitment to God, which always could use a boost.  We hope to include all St. George Church parishioners, of age, who feel that they need a platform to express their link and dedication to God with fellow Christians.  Also, we coordinate events with our sister churches to bolster unity.

            Among The Fellowship’s numerous events are hosting Holy Bible studies and spiritual retreats.  As humanitarians, we raise funds for donations to charitable organizations, as well as volunteering precious time and services.  Socially, we enjoy having fun with outings that include bowling, movies, sports, meetings, essentially any reason to gather in fellowship.  Our grandest event of the year is the annual St. Valentine’s Hafli that falls around the month of February.   The theme for 2008 is “A Night to Remember.”  The St. Valentine’s Hafli will be on February 23, 2008. 

Currently, we have the first Orthodox NADI of Chicago being utilized on the church premises.   The Orthodox NADI has been home to monthly Bible studies, meetings and social gatherings.  The Orthodox NADI has 3 floors: The 1^st floor is designated as the main hub of the NADI, serving as the spot for meetings and gatherings; The 2^nd floor is for administrative purposes with an office and Computer center/Internet café with several computers to access.  The basement is entirely devoted to gaming pleasures with table games and board games that promote fellowship with much fun and competition.  The St. George Orthodox NADI’s schedule is as follows:

            Our doors are open to one and all.  Everyone is welcome to attend our events.   Come once and you are sure to feel welcome.  Please provide your personal information to be added to our membership directory and be well-informed of all events and information.  Our membership has reached the two-hundred plateau of active members participating.  We vow to advertise year-round via the weekly church bulletin, mailings, e-mail, word of mouth and telephone to keep you properly in touch.  Our goal is to attract as many Orthodox Christians as possible, then spark their interests and fulfill their spiritual potential.   We look forward to your presence.  God bless you as he has so richly blessed our ever-expanding Fellowship, here at St. George in Cicero. 

2007/2008 Officers:
PRESIDENT: RAMMY ZANAYED
 VICE-PRESIDENT: HANNA KUTTAB
 SECRETARY: ELIAN MSEEH
 TREASURER: VICKI MRAIBIE