Missions of St. Athanasios
Orthodox Faithful and their families may celebrate Sunday Divine Liturgy and other scheduled services while vacationing at the Gulf Shores / Orange Beach resort destinations.
Whether you are here for a vacation at our beautiful beaches, or for the entire season, St. Athanasios is your church. Visiting priests from across the United States and an ever changing congregation of visitors makes St. Athanasios Church unique bringing us spiritually closer to our liturgy and faith.
Vacationing Orthodox Priests
St. Athanasios has a 2 bedroom condo that Priests and their families may use free of charge with the request that they celebrate a Divine Liturgy during their visit. All visiting clergy must obtain permission from the Metropolis of Atlanta prior to confirming the condo reservation.
For information on availability contact Fr. Sasa Turkic (251) 233-3128.
Vision Statement
“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Proverbs 29:18
St. Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church Vision: Building a Greek Orthodox Church Community
We perpetuate the Orthodox Faith and serve the community through Worship, Education and Outreach to our neighborhood and city. Our church is committed to strengthening and encouraging one another and lifting each other in intercessory prayer.
We are most proud of providing a place of worship in an Orthodox Church for all visitors to the area and the opportunity for all Orthodox vacationing priests and their families to use the living quarters for their rest and recreation. They grace us with their spiritual guidance.
Our Church is very diverse. The doors are open to Orthodox Christians of all nationalities. We have had Greek, Russian, Lebanese, Ukrainian, Romanian, Carpathian, and American priests and visiting Orthodox faithful from the entire United States. However, the majority of the people who attend are Greek Orthodox faithful who live in the area.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to reach out and welcome all people who seek the saving grace of Jesus Christ, and blend them together into one Eucharistic community, through the worship and the beliefs of the Greek Orthodox Church.
Outreach
The Outreach Program promotes St. Athanasios’ Church as a center of Orthodoxy in the Greater Gulf Shores, Alabama area. All Orthodox Christians and newcomers are welcomed to participate. Church follow-up ministry includes note cards, phone calls, personal visits and computerized literature through the Internet for those coming into contact with the Orthodox Christian Faith.
Our Media Outreach consists of:
- Media Campaign
- Monthly Calendar publishing all events and special services
- Newsletter
- Internet Website
- Electronic Church Bulletin
Pastoral Counseling
Our Parish Priest, Father Sasa Turkic, is available for counseling in the following areas:
- Orthodox Christian Catechism
- Alcohol / Drug Addiction Assistance
- Suicide Prevention
- Pre-Marital
- Marriage
- Relationship
- Family
- Grief
- Vocational Counceling
Fellowship
Following the Sunday Divine Liturgy, a "Fellowship Hour" with refreshments is held. Visitors have an opportunity to meet our priest and Church family. Fellowship activities are provided throughout the year for all ages and interest groups. Fellowship is a vital ministry for community.
Membership
To be a member of the Holy Greek Orthodox Christian Faith one must:
- Profess one's faith through the Sacraments of Baptism and Chrismation.
- If marrried, ones marriage must be blessed in the Orthodox Church.
- Receive the Holy Eucharist regularly
- Participate in the Sacrament of Confession at least once per year.
- Make a voluntary, free will financial stewardship offering for the support of the St. Athanasios Church
Education
Retreats and lectures are provided throughout the year. Short-term Bible studies are
encouraged for a greater appreciation of the Faith. In addition to the weekly Sunday School.
Ministries
Our members are encouraged to devote their time and talents for the building of up the Body of Christ through various ministries such as:Altar Boy or Reader, Parish Council, Outreach, Charity, Stewardship, Food Pantry Donations, Hurricane Relief, Media, Hospital Visitations, Fellowship Committee. The creation of new ministries is always encouraged!
Worship
The parish celebrates a weekly Sunday Divine Liturgy beginning at 10:00 AM. The life of the parish centers on other services and especially on selected Feast Day celebrations throughout the year. The Holy Sacraments of Baptism, Chrismation, Confession, Matrimony and Holy Unction are offered to qualified members.