Feast of the Epiphany Celebration – St. Anthony + St. George Church, Wilkes-Barre, PA

By Anne Kasper

St. Anthony + St. George Maronite Church in Wilkes-Barre, PA along with Fr. Hanna Karam, administrator, celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany on Sunday, January 9, 2011, by featuring a play, The Christmas Story, performed by the children in the MRE program.

The play included the foretelling of the Messiah through the words of the Old Testament Prophets, Samuel, Isaiah and Micah and Joseph’s Dream. The play tells of the birth of Jesus, the Announcement by the Angels to the Shepherds and the Adoration of the Magi. The play concluded by inviting all to join in singing, “Come All Ye’ Faithful” and “Silent Night.”

This year an old German Hymn, called “Joseph Dearest Joseph Mild”, was sung by Samantha Nordmark (Mary), accompanied by Malak Khoudary, and Anthony Khoudary (Joseph), accompanied by Simon Peter and Collin MacMullin. Ms. Diane Brewster made the set design. Ms. Kim MacMullin, Mrs. Chrissie Nordmark and Mrs. Anne Kasper prepared the costumes. Music was under the direction of Mrs. Malak Khoudary. The music was provided by Miss Emily Collins, Vocal and Keyboard, Miss Maria Khoudary, Vocal and Keyboard, Miss Olivia Richards, Vocal and Keyboard, Miss Lauren MacMullin, Flute, Miss Carol Brewster, Violin, Miss Nina Atie, Vocal, Miss Jessica Fellerman, Vocal and Master Collin MacMullin, Vocal. The stagehands were Mrs. Lina Chekan, Mrs. Maria Kaspar, Ms. Tina Brewster and Mr. Peter Bonczewski. The play was under the direction of Mrs. Anne Kasper.

Following the play, the celebration of the Epiphany continued in the Church Hall with serving of the traditional Zalabia, which was provided in loving memory of Mrs. Annie Slavish, who passed away unexpectedly shortly before Christmas and who helped to make and serve the Zalabia the last 7 years.

Pictures from play practice.

Our congregation was attentive to every word.