Antiochian Women 2018 Project: "Strengthening the Ministries of our Church--VOCATIONS"

"Vocation" is defined as "a strong feeling of suitability for a particular career or occupation; a calling, mission, or purpose." At our 53rd Biennial Convention in Miami, His Eminence Metropolitan JOSEPH told us that "we are here for a purpose, and that purpose is to bring people together to praise God."

As we think of the definition of “vocation” in relation to the Church, we realize that it does not refer just to ordained or monastic vocations, but that there are many people who are doing holy work by dedicating their lives to ministries of various kinds. These ministries are inspired by the Holy Spirit and instituted by our Lord for the well-being of the Church and the salvation of souls. “And Christ, Himself, gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12).

Our Project this year will focus on these ministries and on supporting those who undertake them as a Godly VOCATION -- Our goal is to inspire and support vocations as well as to raise money to fund and encourage all of the excellent work that is being done throughout our Archdiocese by dedicated and self-sacrificing men and women.

His Grace Bishop JOHN wrote:

“Metropolitan JOSEPH has asked the Antiochian Women to promote vocations in our
Archdiocese. The spiritual growth of our people as well as the success of the Metropolitan’s
visionary plan for our Archdiocese depend on recruiting and developing people to enter into the
various vocations of our Church. The vocations include but are not limited to service in the
parish as pastors, youth workers, Christian educators, church musicians, monastics and
administrators. Vocations also include serving the community as nurses, physicians, social
workers, institution developers and administrators, as well as counselors. Some vocations will
call people to other countries and traveling ministries as teachers, coaches, and missionaries.”
(DIAKONIA, summer 2017)

We want our Archdiocese to flourish; we want many more men and women to dedicate their lives to vocations of ministry in the Name of Christ Jesus. However, a firm financial foundation is necessary in order to support these ministries. Let us work hard this year to raise these needed funds. THANK YOU!

Kh. Suzanne Murphy
Vice President of the North American Board & NAB Project Coordinator