Saint Therese of the Child Jesus
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Meet Our Founder
Father Elias Abi Sarkis
Born in Lebanon on Nov. 18, 1948
Studied in the Maronite seminary in Ghazir
Philosophy at the Vatican
Theology in Washington DC
Holy Ordination on July 19,1975
Assistant pastor then administrator, Akron, Ohio
Pastor in Cleveland, Ohio
Pastor of Saint Joseph Church in Atlanta, Georgia
October 18, 2002 assigned to serve the Maronite community in Tulsa, Ok
Dear Parishioners,
"But the Lord said to me, Do not say "I am only a boy", for you shall go to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you, Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord." ( Jeremiah 1: 7-8 )
Lord, I am here to do your will, give me faith and strength.
I was sent to Saint Therese in mission in Tulsa to establish a church, but this mission cannot be accomplished without the help of the people.
Each one of you is a brick and putting all the bricks together a church can be built. I benefited from your talents, your zeal, your time, and your sacrifices to that end.
December 24, 2006 was a successful day. I witnessed the fruit of your six years of labor and I am convinced that we can grow together in the spirit.
As I am your pastor and you are God's people, together we will grow from glory to glory through the intercession of saint Therese who is the protectress for our maronite community.
Father Elias Abi Sarkis
