Formerly the St. Nicholas-based scouts and marching band, we celebrate the official launch of the Antiochian Orthodox Stewards (AOS).
Under the Patronage, and in the presence of His Eminence Metropolitan Basilios, the Antiochian Orthodox Stewards (AOS) held their official launch on Friday the 27th of July 2018 at St Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church, Punchbowl. The mission of the AOS is to preserve, practice and proclaim the Orthodox Christian faith in order to Glorify God through the Stewardship Program.
With over 100 people in attendance, including and Rev. Fr. Romanos Albaba, the appointed spiritual guide, Rev. Fr. Dr. John El Karaan, and Fr. Dn. Phillip Saba, the evening was a celebration of previous achievements and provided insight into the exciting future ahead with the introduction of the official AOS Stewardship Program.
Forty-eight stewards were officially welcomed into the Program through the reciting of the AOS pledge in the presence of His Eminence Basilios, members of the clergy, family and friends.
Additionally, the stewards were presented with their respective badge based on the group to which they belonged. The groups are as follows:
- Koalas – Stewards aged between 8 and 12 years of age
- Emu– Stewards aged between 13 and 15 years of age
- Kangaroo– Stewards aged above 16 years of age
- Kookaburra– Leadership Group
Furthermore, one steward from each the Koala, Emu and Kangaroo groups were presented with awards for their achievements and contributions to date. The award recipients were:
- St. Panteleimon Award- Manar Alkaed
- St. John of Damascus Award- Elias Albaba
- St. Romanos the Melodist Award- Liliana Mahfoud
We would like to extend our gratitude to all the families who attended and supported throughout the evening. We look forward to an exciting year ahead!
John Taouil
AOS Leadership Team
