Syrian Orthodox Youth Organization Celebrates Youth Month With Class Graduation-This Day In Norwood History-October 11, 1962

GRADUATES—Members of the graduating Class of St. George’s Syrian Orthodox Church Sunday School are shown on stage at a program held in conjunction, with the observance of Orthodox Youth Month. Seated (left to right) Carol Elias, Gail Purpura, Pamela Howard, Carolyn Howard, Linda Thomas, and Helen Abdallah. Rear row (left to right) Rev. Michael Buben of Lawrence, spiritual director for New England; Fred Deeb, Kenneth Joseph, Mrs. Esther Deeb, superintendent of the Sunday School; Andrew Howard, Roger Ferris and Rev. Nifon Abraham, pastor of the church. (Eugene McLean Photo)

Marking this year the twenty-fifth anniversary of the formation of the Syrian Orthodox Youth Organization, the month of October has been designated by the Metropolitan Antony Bashir as Orthodox Youth Month. In Norwood, at St. George’s, as at chapters throughout the nation, a program was presented on October 7, placing the focus on Youth and their activities.

Mrs. Esther Deeb served as chairman, assisted by Nader Kalliel, Judith Howard, Helen Abdallah, Edward Maloof, and John Howard. The graduation of the Sunday School Class was included as a major part of the program, as a fitting example of the thinking and accomplishments of young people.

The graduating class received Holy Communion in a body, as the congregation attended Divine Liturgy at 11 a.m. Andrew Howard read the epistle, Kenneth Joseph and Fred Deeb served at the altar, and Roger Ferris and Andrew Howard took up the offering.

At graduation ceremonies at 5 p.m. in the Church Hall, guest speaker, was Rev. Fr. Michael Buben, who headed a group from St. George’s
Church in Lawrence, which included Ray Mansur, chairman of the board of trustees of that church, and Mrs. Ralph Richards, Church School Superintendent. Fr. Buben spoke on the history of SOYO, outlined its goals, and urged all the youth to participate in the program. Fr. Buben, who is spiritual adviser for the New England Region of SOYO, presented the class with bibles.

Mrs. Deeb awarded prizes to the top students, with Andrew Howard winning first, Carol Elias, second, and Helen Abdallah and Carolyn Howard tied for third.

Mrs. Deeb, resigning after 26 years as superintendent of the Church School, expressed her thanks to the teachers and member who have been so cooperative through the years, particularly Miss Emilie Moses, who had for this occasion baked a cake in book form for the graduating class. Mrs. Deeb presented her successor, Mr. Gustave Sacre, and Mr. Edward Kelley, president of the Board of Trustees, addressed the class and presented Mrs. Deeb with a Paul Revere Bowl on behalf of the board.

Fr. Nifon spoke to the class, and in praise of Mrs. Deeb, appointing her life honorary superintendent. Helen Abdallah also presented Mrs. Deeb with a gift from the graduates.

Receiving diplomas were Carol Elias, Pamela Howard, Sophie Marathas, Carolyn Howard, Linda Thomas, Helen Abdallah, Fred Deeb, Kenneth Joseph, Andrew Howard, Roger Ferris and Gail Purpura.

Also participating In the program were Fr. Abraham, who opened the meeting with prayer; Mrs. Helen Abdallah, who sang the national anthem; David Francioisie, a recent oratorical contest finalist, who read his paper on “The necessity of Orthodox Religious School Learning”; Mrs. Jeanette Di Marzo, who sang two selections of Byzantine music, from the Liturgy, dedicating them to the Youth of the parish; Carol Elias, a three-time winner during her Sunday School days in the New England SOYO Essay Contest, who read her latest essay, “Now that I am graduating, what next?”; Miss Jacqueline Howard, the class teacher, pianist for the ceremonies; and the Junior Choir, who sang two numbers, under the direction of Mrs. Helen Abdallah.

The next Youth program will be held on October 21, with the Boy Scouts and Junior Choir participating.

(All articles originally published in the Norwood Messenger)