About & History – St Mary’s Antiochian Orthodox Church

About Our Church

Our Mission

Welcome to the online home of Saint Mary’s Mount Pritchard. Our mission is to foster a vibrant and inclusive spiritual family where individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds can come together to grow in their faith, support one another, and serve our local community.

At the heart of our mission is the belief in the transformative power of the Orthodox Christian faith. We strive to create an environment where all members feel welcomed, valued, and encouraged to deepen their relationship with God and one another.

Through prayer, worship, education and service, we aim to cultivate a community rooted in love, compassion, and respect for one another. Our mission is not just to attend church services, but to embody the teachings of Christ in our daily lives, both within our parish family and in the wider world.

Our Vision

At Saint Mary’s Mount Pritchard, our values are not just principles we uphold, but the foundation upon which we build our identity and purpose. Central to our ethos is the profound commitment to serving our local community.

Service is the cornerstone of our existence. We believe that our faith finds its truest expression in selfless acts of love and compassion towards those around us. Whether it is through organised outreach programs, charitable initiatives, or simply extending a helping hand to a neighbour in need, we are dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of others.

Meet The Committee

Rev. Fr Isaac

Parish Priest

Bassem Halteh

Parish Helper

Bassem Wahhab

President of Parish Council

Lina Ashkar

Ladies Committee President

Bianca Yazbeck

Youth Committee President

Our Community

Our parishioners are a vibrant and diverse family of believers united by a shared faith in Jesus Christ. Our community is made up of individuals and families from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the Antiochian Orthodox Church.

At the heart of our community life is the celebration of the Liturgy and sacraments, where we come together as one body to worship God, receive His Grace, and be nourished by the Eucharist. In addition to our regular worship services, we offer a variety of programs and activities for all ages, including religious education, fellowship events, and opportunities for service and outreach.

We believe that true community is built on love, compassion, and mutual support. Whether in times of joy or sorrow, we stand by one another, offering a helping hand, a listening ear, and a prayerful heart.

Our community extends beyond the walls of our church building, as we seek to be a positive presence in our local area and beyond. Through acts of service and charity, we strive to make a difference in the lives of those in need, sharing the love of Christ with all whom we encounter.

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The Dormition of the Theotokos

The Theotokos is our Patron Saint and Protectress of our community

The Feast of the Dormition of Our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, is celebrated annually on August 15. This Feast honors the repose, or “falling asleep”, of the Mother of Jesus Christ, our Lord. It also commemorates the translation of her body into heaven. The feast is proceeded by a 2 week fast from the 1st to the 14th of August.

Troparion in Tone One
In your giving birth you retained your virginity, / and in dormition you did not forsake the world, O Theotokos. / You were translated to life, being the Mother of Life, / and thus by virtue of your intercessions, you deliver our souls from death.

Kontakion in Tone Two
Neither the tomb, nor death could hold the Theotokos, / who is constant in prayer and our firm hope in her intercessions. / For being the Mother of Life, / she was translated to life by the One who dwelt in her virginal womb.

About Our Church

Mission

Committee

Community

Theotokos