Coming Soon

Deacon George came to St. Thekla as a tonsured reader in 2023, while a student in the Antiochian House of Studies pursuing a Master’s Degree in Theology (received Aug, 2024). Initially, he joined the choir along with Ellen, his wife, and was blessed by Father John to teach a series of classes during Great Lent and the Nativity season. He also assists in teaching catechumen classes.

In February 2024, he received the blessing of Metropolitan Saba to be ordained to the Holy Diaconate. His Grace, Bishop Thomas officiated his ordination on March 23, 2024, at Holy Cross Church, Linthicum, MD. Dn. George had also completed liturgical programs offered by Holy Cross, in Brookline Mass and the OCA.

Before coming to St. Thekla, he has served in the Orthodox Church in various capacities, administratively and liturgically, for over thirty-five years. Ellen led a Sunday School Program for twelve years and also has served the Church in different roles. In his lay profession, Dn. George worked in Corrections at the state and county levels. He served as warden and retired in 2018. They have two married sons, five grandchildren, and many God-children.

Dn. George and Shamassy Ellen truly believe that the Holy Spirit led them to the St. Thekla Orthodox Mission to grow in their faith and serve Christ’s flock. The love they received immediately, from the faithful of St. Thekla, was a clear sign they were, without question, where our Lord intended for them.

Coming Soon

Reader Dylan Thomas was tonsured a Reader during Bishop THOMAS' visit to our mission on September 26, 2021.  Reader Dylan is very active witthin St. Thekla's parish.  In addition to reading the Epistle he helps with the younger altar servers and leads weekly Readers' Vespers and Paraklesis services.