Saint Anthony's was founded in 1979.During the early years the congregation held services in a variety of temporary locations.In 1982 Saint Anthony parish purchased the GilesChurch.
A comprehensive restoration of the church interior began in 1992.In 2006, the interior restoration was completed with the installation of an oak floor and repainting, always striving to respect the original architectural details.A hand-carved icon screen (iconostas) with hand-painted icons, in the traditional Byzantine style, was received from artists in Bulgaria in the same year. Ceiling icons were insalled in 2008.
Regular services are the Divine Liturgy (Holy Communion) each Sunday at 10 am and Great Vespers (evening prayers) each Saturday at 6 pm.Seasonal and holy day services are as announced.Church School and Adult Education programs are held.The parish publishes a monthly newsletter and maintains an active web site at:www.OrthodoxSanAntonio.org.
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ORTHODOXCHURCHINAMERICA
Saint Anthony's is a parish of the Diocese of the South of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA).The see of the Diocese of the South is located in Dallas, Texas.The Diocese is overseen by His Eminence, Archbishop DMITRI (Royster).
The OCA is the successor of the North American mission of the Orthodox Church of Russia and traces its beginnings to the missionaries sent to Alaska in 1794. It was granted autocephaly, or independence,in 1970.Theprimateofthe church holds the title of metropolitan bishop and resides in Washington, D.C. The church's administrative headquarters are located in Syosset, New York.
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THELIFEOFST. ANTHONYTHEGREAT
Saint Anthony is considered the founder of Christian monasticism.He was born near Memphis in central Egypt about the year 251 to a well-to-do Christian family.He was left an orphan at an early age.In church one Sunday, when he was about twenty years old, he heard the words of the Gospel, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me"(Matthew 19:21).Without hesitation Saint Anthony literally obeyed the words he had heard and disposed of all his possessions.He went out into the desert to live a life of prayer, fasting, and manual labor.
At first he was plagued by many temptations, but by the grace of Christ he overcame them.He returned to civilization only twice, to aid suffering fellow Christians during the persecutions instigated by the Emperor Diocletian and to support Orthodoxy against the Arian heresy, which denied that Christ was God.
As Saint Anthony's reputation for holiness spread, others went out to share his way of life and to learn from him.So many gathered around him that he began to miss the solitude of the early years.He withdrew deeper into the desert, to a cave in a remote area near the shore of the Red Sea, where he spent the rest of his life.
Saint Anthony's biography was written by Saint Athanasius, the great archbishop of Alexandria, who knew him personally and relied on him for support and advice.Saint Anthony died in the year 356.His feast day, our parish patron feast, is January 17th.
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THEGILESCHURCH
The prominent San Antonio architect Alfred Giles (1853-1920) designed many important public, commercial, and private buildings and residences for a number of prominent San Antonians of his era.His commissions also included parsonages, educational buildings, residences, and additions for many religious groups.In his entire career, however, Giles designed and built only one church, the present home of Saint Anthony Orthodox Church, at 103 Carolina Street (at the corner of Carolina, South Presa, and Labor Streets), one mile west of the Alamodome.
Originally occupied by the First Congregational Church, the GilesChurch was erected in 1918.The city of San Antonio designated the building a Significant Historic Structure in 1988.Saint Anthony parish acquired the structure in 1982 and extensively renovated and restored the interior in 1992-93.Extensive roof, brick, and drainagerepairs were carried out in 2005-06.The renovations produced a building which brings out the unique charm and beauty of Giles's original design while faithfully reflecting the liturgical traditions of the Orthodox Church.The result is a gem among San Antonio's cultural landmarks.
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OUR PASTOR
Very Rev. Leo Poore arrived in San Antonio in January 2006 after a fifteen year pastorate in Simpson, Pennsylvania.He is a graduate of Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary.For many years he also served on the faculty at the seminary.
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ANINVITATIONTOMEMBERSHIP
Orthodox Christians who wish to commit themselves to the life and work of Saint Anthony's may become members after consulting with the priest, participating in the Mysteries of Confession and Holy Communion, and submitting a membership information form.Saint Anthony's has no dues.Each member or family is asked to pledge a first portion (percentage) of their income to the support of the parish.The ideal is a tithe (ten percent).The amount of each pledge is strictly private and confidential.
Those who wish to become Orthodox Christians spend about a year in study and participation in worship in order to insure that the seeker is making a fully informed decision.Toward the end of this period, seekers begin their formal instruction and are set apart as catechumens, "those being taught."Catechumens are remembered in the liturgical prayers of the church.Converts are received into the Church through the Mysteries (Sacraments) of Baptism and/or Chrismation.If you have any questions, please consult with the priest.
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DIRECTIONS
Our parish is located in the central part of the city, just east of the Historic King William District.It is easily accessible from IH-37.
Diocese of the South
