History of Society of Saint Anne

    In the spring of 1926, four young girls were asking the question, “What can we do to serve our church community? The four young girls were Angela Shahid, Rose Margaret Shahid, Victoria Macksoud, and Mamie Bohorfoush. 

   With the encouragement of their parents, simple rules were set and plans to “make money” for the church began.  The first members were Emelene Meshad, Margaret Mickwee, Marie George, Clem Zarzaur, Ann Bohorfoush, Edna David, Edna Mickwee, Angela Shahid, Rose Margaret Shahid, Victoria Macksoud, Mamie Bohorfoush, and Adele Pharo. 

   A beautiful sounding Arabic name “Azara” which translates as virgin was selected as the name of the club.  This was a most fitting name because all of the girls were in their teens.  As the years passed and the girls began to get married and have children, the club was reorganized to include both single and married women. 

  In 1998 after much prayer and discussion the name was changed to the Society of Saint Anne and Saint Anne was adopted as patron saint.   Through the years the club has worked diligently to create a strong Melkite community among its members and to benefit Saint George Church spiritually, financially, and socially. 

Prayers to Saint Anne

            Troparia of Saint Anne

     O divinely wise Anne, you carried in your womb the pure Mother of God, who gave birth to the Life.  Therefore you now have been carried up joyfully to the inheritance of heaven, to the abode of those who rejoice in glory.  O blessed one, obtain the forgiveness of sins for those who honor you with fervor.

          Prayer to Saint Anne

      Receive me, good mother. Cover me with the mantle of your love. Look kindly on me. By your powerful intercession, may I obtain from God grace and mercy. Obtain for me remission for sin and release from the punishment my offenses have deserved. Pray that I may receive grace to lead a devout life on earth and that I may obtain the everlasting reward of heaven.

         Daily Prayer to Saint Anne

          O glorious Saint Ann, you are filled with compassion for those who invoke you and with love for those who suffer! Heavily burdened with the weight of my troubles, I cast myself at your feet and humbly beg of you to take the present intention which I recommend to you in your special care.

        Please recommend it to your daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and place it before the throne of Jesus, so that He may bring it to a happy issue. Continue to intercede for me until my request is granted. But, above all, obtain for me the grace one-day to see my God face to face, and with you and Mary and all the saints to praise and bless Him for all eternity. Amen.

        O Jesus, Holy Mary, St. Ann, help me now and at the hour of my death.  Good St. Ann, intercede for me.

        Another year of the Society of St. Anne’s is beginning and we want all the women of the parish to be part of our exciting adventure. Just glance at our upcoming calendar to see what’s in store:  

· November 7: Membership night. All ages from 18 and up are welcome. Just come try us out—-you’ll be glad you did. Place: St. John House. 

· December 5: A Christmas Party you’ll never forget! Buy a gift for Toys for Tots that reminds you of your prayer buddy and join the fun! We’ll also bake baklawa. 

· January 14: Theophany Dinner. Have you heard the mellow, raspy voice of Ken Talley? He was a hit last year and will join us again to croon out those popular easy listening tunes sure to make your husband want to get up and dance! - 6:00 p.m. at the Regency Summit Ballroom

· February 6: Dinner meeting. Golden City on 280 at 6:30 p.m.. We will have a speaker to inform, entertain and delight you. 

·    March 8 : Lenten Retreat. Join us for the spiritual food our souls crave.  Deacon Robert Spencer of Our Lady of the Cedars Melkite Church in New Hampshire will be the speaker for the Lenten Retreat. 

·    April 10: Coffee House meeting. Have you tried a piece of  Death by Chocolate cake from Coffee on Valley?

 The Society of Saint Anne usually meets on the first Tuesday of the month.                

 Membership dues are $20 per year; $10 for The Society of Saint Anne and $10 for NAMW.     

      The Society is in association with National Association of Melkite Women (NAMW), which  bonds us to our sisters in parishes  throughout the United States.

2008-2009Officers

President:  Jennifer Wolfe

Vice President:  Melanie Zarzaur

Treasurer:  Marie Bateh

Recording Secretary:   Alecia Bahna

Corresponding Secretary:  Marilyn Zaden

Parliamentarian:    

Committee Heads

Hospitality:   Ashley Ajlouny

Charity:   Melody Ritchey 

Communication:  Sharon Baroody