“Imagine,” a voice whispers through the ages. It echoes within the walls of Saint George Orthodox Church. This church stands as a testament to faith, community and perseverance in Washington, D.C.
Let’s journey back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A small group of immigrants arrived from Syria and Lebanon. They settled in the Washington, D.C. area. By 1908, they yearned for a church of their own. Mr. Elias Joseph stepped up as their leader.
In December 1908, Fr. Dumaney from Tripoli, Syria arrived. He stayed with Mr. George Hillow. He conducted the first service in Mr. Hillow’s house. About 20 people attended every Sunday. Fr. Dumaney served for six months before transferring to Texas.
From 1909 to 1912, visiting priests occasionally held services. Then in 1912, Rev. Job Salloom of Philadelphia was ordained. Bishop Raphael Hawaweeny sent him to be the permanent priest of Saint George Orthodox Church. The community rented a room on the 3rd floor of a building at 7th and Louisiana Avenue, N.W. This became their first permanent church residence.
The first Church Charter was received in 1913. The community grew steadily. In 1920, they purchased property at 1009 8th Street, N.W. This location served as the Saint George community’s home for about 34 years.
The Ladies Myrrh Bearing Society (LMBS) was officially formed in 1921. They drafted their first constitution. Mrs. Thomas Abdo was elected as their first President. The Sunday School was also established. Mrs. Bahia Scordos became its director.
In 1936, Fr. Salloom passed away. Metropolitan ANTHONY Bashir became the new Metropolitan Archbishop of New York. Rev. Benjamin Hoffiz was assigned as the new priest. The church officially incorporated on February 8, 1938. In August 1939, Fr. Hoffiz transferred. Fr. John Khoury became the new Pastor until 1947.
The first choir was formed in 1940. Mr. Harry Hier took the lead as director. In 1945, under Mr. William Dora’s leadership, the current lot was purchased. It is located on the corner of 16th and Webster. In 1947, Fr. John Khoury departed. Fr. John Nicholas became the new Pastor until 1963.
From September 1954 to December 1955, the congregation lacked a church building. They worshipped at the Chapel of St. Joseph of Arimathea at the Washington National Cathedral. Also in 1954, Mr. George Amouri became the new Choir Director of Saint George Orthodox Church.
December 4, 1955 marked a milestone. The cornerstone was laid for the new church. His Eminence Metropolitan ANTHONY Bashir officiated. Mr. Jack Kogok was chairman of the new building project. In 1955, the Syrian Orthodox Youth Organization (SOYO) of Washington DC was formed.
In 1959, Saint George Orthodox Church hosted the first Eastern Region SOYO Convention. In 1960, they bought the building next to the church. The $60,000 mortgage was paid off in 1963. That same year, they hosted the 18th Annual Archdiocesan Convention. In 1963, Fr. John Nicholas moved to another parish. Fr. Michael Abraham served for one month. Then, Fr. Lou Mahshie was assigned to the church in November 1963.
During Fr. Lou Mahshie’s tenure, Fr. Gregory Rowley and Fr. Elias Dacy assisted. This continued until 1975 before they transferred. Fr. Anthony Gabriel was then assigned. He served as the permanent Pastor until 1977. Fr. George Rados took over before leaving in July 1979. Fr. Paul Saliba was assigned as the Pastor of Saint George Orthodox Church.
In 1990, the house used for Sunday School was purchased. In 1997, Nicholas Tentzeras was ordained Saint George’s first Sub-Deacon. In 1999, Fr. Paul Saliba was elected Metropolitan of Australia and New Zealand. Fr. Joseph Rahal became the new permanent Pastor.
A new building committee was formed in 2004. Nabil Louh was the chairman, followed by Nabil Barbari. In 2005-2006, a new addition was erected. It included a Parish Hall, eight Sunday School rooms, new church offices and a modern commercial kitchen.
In May 2008, Saint George welcomed Fr. Paul Matar as assistant Priest until November 2010. In 2013, Deacon Workineh Belesse transferred from Indianapolis. In 2015, he was elevated to Arch-Deacon. In 2020, Sub-Deacon Nicola Said was ordained Deacon. Fr. Joseph Rahal retired in January 2021. Saint George welcomed Fr. John (Rassem) El Massih in 2021.
Saint George Orthodox Church stands not just as a building. It represents the enduring spirit of its community. It is a beacon of faith for generations to come.