About our Patron Saint:

Our father among the saints Raphael of Brooklyn (November 20, 1860 - February 27, 1915) was born Rafla Hawaweeny in Damascus, Syria Syria. He was educated at the Patriarchal School in Damascus Damascus, the School of Orthodox Theology in Halki Island, Turkey Turkey, and at the Theological Academy in Kiev, Russia Russia. In 1904 he became the first Orthodox bishop to be consecrated in North America; the consecration was done by Archbishop St. Tikhon of Moscow and Bishop Innocent in New York City City. He served as bishop of Brooklyn, New York until his death.

      Classroom Objectives:

To provide an atmosphere where the teens can be comfortable being together;

To learn the basics of our tradition and faith in the Orthodox Church;

To learn where the church stands on moral issues so our teens can make the right decisions in their own lives;

      About the Teacher:

Nicole Angela Dahdal teaches the High School Sunday school class at St. George church.  Nicole is the youngest daughter of The Very Rev. Fr. Nicholas and Diane Dahdal.  Nicole was born in Jacksonville, FL in 1981 and has been attending St. George since 1986 when her father was assigned to this wonderful church.  Aside from being the daughter of the priest, Nicole is a very active member.  She is currently the vice-President of the Fellowship/Sr. SOYO, and is also the assistant director for the choir.  She is also active on a Midwest level by being an executive for the Midwest Fellowship, and has been a counselor at Camp St. George for the past 4 years.  On a national level, Nicole was involved with the Antiochian village as a camper, and attended the College Conferences at the village.  She also traveled with OCF to St. Raphael Orphanage in Guatemala City in 2004. 

Nicole is very passionate about the church and feels that those younger than her are the heart of St. George.  Without the Teens of St. George there will be no one to carry on the faith and traditions.  Nicole teaches to encourage those younger then her to learn about their faith not just in the classroom but at home.   She wants to give back to the community what they gave to her; An Orthodox family who is caring and nurturing to the children of St. George. 

Nicole owes her strength and passion to her father who always worked hard to gear St. George in the right direction.  Also to her Mother who was always supportive towards her husbands calling, and showed her children the virtues of being patient.