Ruthenian
Melkite

Very Rev. Fr. Elias Rafaj
Pastor 
Protopresbyter of the South
fr.eliasstjohnchrysostom.com

5402 Acorn St
Houston, TX 77092
Office - (713) 681-3580
Fax - (713) 681-3466
Fr. Deacon Andrew Veres
281-250-4329

Melkite Community 
melkite.houstonyahoo.com

The Melkite Mission of St. Barbara the Great Martyr 
at
St. John Chrysostom Byzantine
Catholic Church


5402 Acorn St
    Houston, TX 77092   

Divine Liturgy
Every Sunday
12:00 Noon

email: f_mimass@hotmail.com

"PRAYERS NIGHT AND DAY"

of St. John Chrysostom Church

Message from Fr. Elias:

"On Saturday and Sunday, the church was open for private prayer, Holy confession (outside) and Holy communion. Our parish was blessed ny many visitors and by many of our parishioners who also came. Over the weekend I heard some 30 confessions and 55 communions....it was very humbling for me as a priest to welcome  the faithful, parishioners and visitors, and walk with each one, even if just for a few steps. 
In twenty years as a priest I have never had such a weekend....and I have no doubt I was exactly where I was supposed to be.
So of course after having experienced the presence of God in such a besutiful way, and after processing it all, it really breaks my heart to now in compliance close the doors of our church to private prayer, but unfortunately that is the reality that we are dealing with. 
This however will not affect our LIVE streamed (and recorded) services. We will focus all the more effort on using this online resource to celebrate our parish liturgical life to the fullest. The liturgical schedule for this week is as follows:
—Wednesday, March 25, the feast of the Annunciation to the Theotokos, Divine Liturgy (behind closed doors) at 7:00pm simultaneously LIVE streamed .
—Friday, March 27, the Akathist to the Theotokos (behind closed doors) at 6:00pm simultaneously LIVE streamed.
—Sunday, March 29, the Fifth Sunday of the Great Fast, St. Mary of Egypt, Divine Liturgy (behind closed doors) at 10:00am simultaneously LIVE streamed
You can access the feed either on the YouTube link below or through our parish facebook."

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLSPh6AySUCuuE2akKZEaZQ

•  The faithful are dispensed from all Sundays and Holy Days until further notice.

• Liturgical prayer will continue behind closed doors:
  • Online live streaming of announced liturgies will be available via Facebook and/or YouTube.
    • Facebook stream available on the right and the YouTube icon the the top-right corner. For Facebook, please check the page for the new upload/stream.
    • For Melkites: Check St. Barbara Facebook page.

• As we go through these times:
  • Continue to observe good health practices (e.g. handwashing) and to stay home if you are feeling unwell.
  • Do not put yourself and others at risk. Reach out to each other through phone calls, emails, messages. All are invaluable in expressing that affection and care that is such an important part of our parish community.
  • Know that you are all in our prayers throughout this time.
  • Should you fall ill, please call Fr. Elias immediately so that your spiritual needs are looked after.
  • Please remember that although the Church is “closed”, we need your generosity to continue to serve our community, especially at this time. God bless you for your kindness. 
    • Online donation will soon be set up.

The Miraculous Icon
of the
Mukachevo
Mother of God

Learn more about the Miraculous Icon​ here.


More pictures

It is installed permanently in the back of the Church by the Tomb and reliquary Icon of St. John Chrysostom.