Family Ministry

Vision:  

To see families within the Antiochian Orthodox Church of St. George/ Upland flourish spiritually, meaningfully, and relationally raising their posterity to love God, serve others, and live out the Orthodox faith with integrity, resilience, and joy. 

Mission:  

To support and equip Orthodox Christian families in raising children rooted in faith, love, and virtue by fostering strong marriages, intentional parenting, and a Christ-centered home life through education, fellowship, and prayer. 

Why: 

The family is the "little Church," a sacred space where faith is first encountered, nurtured, and lived. In today’s world—marked by moral confusion, social fragmentation, and increasing pressures on parents and children alike—Orthodox Christian families need intentional support, spiritual formation, and community. 

This ministry exists to strengthen marriages, equip parents with the wisdom of the Church, and foster a network of mutual encouragement where families can thrive in faith, love, and resilience. By grounding family life in the Holy Tradition, Scripture, and the Eucharistic life of the Church, we cultivate homes that reflect the Kingdom of God and raise the next generation in the image of Christ. 

Where: 

St. George Church/ Upland 

When: 

Once a month 

Who: 

St. George families who have children 18 years old and below 

How: 

To achieve the vision of supporting successful Orthodox families and parenting within the Antiochian Orthodox Church; a structured, spiritually grounded, and community-focused program is essential. Below is a recommended programmatic framework based on best practices from Orthodox family ministry models, educational research, and church tradition. 

 

 

Program Title: “Families in Christ: Forming Homes of Faith” 

Program Goals 

Equip parents to be the primary spiritual educators of their children. 

Strengthen Orthodox marriages and promote healthy family life. 

Foster intergenerational community and mentorship within the parish. 

Provide tools and teaching grounded in Orthodox theology and pastoral care. 

Core Program Components 

• Parent Education & Formation:

Monthly Workshops or Classes on topics such as: 

Orthodox parenting in a secular world 

Navigating technology and media 

Teaching prayer, fasting, and scripture at home 

Conflict resolution and communication in marriage and family 

Use trusted Orthodox resources like: 

Orthodox Christian Parenting Handbook (Antiochian Archdiocese) 

On Marriage and Family Life by St. John Chrysostom 

Raising Them Right by St. Theophan the Recluse 

• Marriage Enrichment:

Couples Retreats (annual or semiannual), guided by Orthodox clergy or marriage therapists familiar with Orthodox teachings. 

Date Night Ministry with onsite childcare and a short spiritual reflection/discussion. 

Mentor Couples: Pair older, more experienced couples with newer parents. 

• Family Prayer & Liturgical Life:

Family Prayer Nights or “Orthodox Home Altar” workshops 

Seasonal gatherings to prepare for Great Lent, Pascha, and Nativity together. 

Encourage regular church attendance by offering child-friendly liturgical guides and quiet room accommodations. 

• Children & Youth Integration:

Faith-at-home toolkits that include: 

Weekly Gospel reflections for families 

Saints-of-the-month activity pages 

Discussion prompts for parents and kids 

Collaborate with the parish Sunday School and Teen SOYO programs to integrate activities. 

• Community Building:

Family Fellowship Events: Potlucks, hikes, parent playgroups 

Service Projects that involve whole families (e.g. meal prep for the poor) 

Parent Support Groups: Safe spaces for honest conversation, peer support, and prayer. 

Leadership Structure 

Ministry is led by a Family Ministry Team: 

Fr. Hakimeh,  Advisor 

Married couple coordinators 

Lay educators or psychologists (if available) 

Youth and child ministry liaisons 

Evaluation & Sustainability 

Annual surveys to assess needs, effectiveness, and engagement. 

Rotation of leadership every 2–3 years to maintain energy and new ideas. 

Integration with broader Archdiocesan family ministry efforts (e.g., Department of Marriage and OFC). 

This program combines pastoral care, theological education, and community fellowship to fulfill the vision of spiritually strong, resilient Orthodox families.