Храм св. вмч. Георгия (Саут-Гленс-Фоллз)

At the dawn of the 20th Century, immigrants from Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine filled with faith, spirit, and zeal took courage to travel to the United States in pursuit of dreams to better their way of life economically and to assist their relatives abroad. Although many traveled throughout the United States, some settled in Glens Falls, New York, having as their point of origin either Metan or Malki, Syria. Traveling throughout the Adirondack region, some labored in factories such as Portland Cement Company, some became merchants, and some farmers.

Among the first settlers in the area were Shida Baroody, Deebe Emmett, George Mahfood, Michael Abraham Fahoom. Later others followed and settled in the area. These early immigrants settled on Canal Street. All lived in a four-family house. Other early settlers were George Farris, Serafim Corey, Fr. Alexi Hanna, brother David Hanna, and the Jacobs family.

Equipped with their faith, they with zeal looked forward to a travelling Orthodox Priest who would hold the Divine Liturgy in the homes, either at the Leo Sahid residence on Fredella (Glens Falls), later at the Carma residence (4 Hudson Street, South Glens Falls). Services were always followed by a common dinner brought by the faithful. As the community began to grow, at the request of these early pioneers, His Eminence Archbishop Raphael Hawaweeny received and assigned Archimandrite Alexi Hanna to the community of South Glens Falls, New York, in January 1906.

Fr. Hanna was from Malki, a village between Tartus and Safita, Syria. Fr. Hanna not only served the community of Glens Falls, but also traveled to the surrounding areas performing sacraments and returned to his residence at 55 Main Street, South Glens Falls. Out of his love and determination, and commitment to his faith, Fr. Hanna began to hold services at his residence. A few years later, in 1912, St. George was recognized as a church.

On April 15, 1925, a cemetery was purchased as a final resting place of the faithful. Father Hanna pastored the community until he fell asleep in the Lord in 1951. Under his leadership, the community thrived as many traveled from adjacent areas to attend liturgy. Following his death, the community purchased the parcel-church from Bishop Samuel David.
Other Clergy that served the community were Fr. Basilios Sayfie, Fr. Nemer Beshara, Fr. William Stotte, Fr. Sorelli, Fr. Daniel Simon (under his leadership, as the community continued to grow, a new house of worship was built and completed in 1967 on the same location). Fr. Stephen Barham (Church Hall was built), Fr. Michael Corey, Fr. Anthony Sabbagh, Fr. Hanna Shalhoub, Fr. Michael Shahen, Fr. Joseph Purpura, Fr. David Milke, Fr. Matthew George, Fr. George Ghannam, Fr. Constantine Masood, Fr. Elias Nasr, Fr. Stephen Rhudy, Fr. Elias Nasr returned, and currently Fr. Terrance Bas since 2009.

The Church Hall expansion and renovation were completed in 1995. St. George Church owns its own rectory and parking lot.
Historically, the church has undergone some unnecessary struggles that lead to the split of the community. First, the Greek Orthodox membership tried to form their own ethnic church in Glens Falls; later, Fr. Hanna Shalhoub caused a schism in the community. But, thanks be to God for a committed faithful, their struggles, with the support of Metropolitan Philip, have unified and fortified their zeal to overcome all obstacles.

Currently the church is seeing growth in its membership as it caters to all Orthodox Christians: Syrians, Lebanese, Greeks, Russians, Romanians, Macedonians, etc. Being located in a tourist area, attendance fluctuates as some of its parishioners leave to winter in Florida; while others visit in winter to enjoy the ski resorts.

Sunday Services
Matins 9 a.m.
Divine Liturgy 10 a.m.
Church School 9:15 a.m.
Saturday
Vespers 5 p.m.
Confession after vespers
or by appointment

Saint George Antiochian
Orthodox Christian Church
is located at:        
55 Main Street        
South Glens Falls, New York 12803
Phone/Fax: (518) 792-2359

Driving Directions
From the Northway (I-87) take exit 17N
Follow Rt. 9 north into South Glens Falls
The church is located at 55 Main Street, on the right
Parking is available across from the church

Источник: stgeorgesglensfalls.org