SOIL
A Parish Renewal & Young Adult Leadership
St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church is entering an important season of renewal—one filled with both urgency and hope. Like many Orthodox parishes, we have felt the sorrow of seeing young adults and families gradually drift away from active life in the Church. At the same time, many of our elders pray daily—often with tears—for their children and grandchildren to return to the faith of their fathers. We believe the time has come to respond with love, faith, and action. SOIL (Society of Orthodox Inspired Leaders) is a new initiative formed to help strengthen parish life and bring young adults back home. This effort is being launched with the guidance and blessing of our pastor, Fr. Habib, and is rooted in a simple conviction: renewal is not the responsibility of the priest alone. It is a calling shared by faithful people who are willing to stand beside the Church, build bridges between generations, and lead by example.
Not a Committee — A Call to Leadership
SOIL is not simply another committee or volunteer group. It is a leadership team—a small circle of committed young adults who will help shape the future of St. George. Members are invited to bring their vision, their faith, and their courage. Together, we will plant seeds of renewal that can grow into a stronger, more connected parish for the next generation. This initiative will begin simply: one or two gatherings, steps of faith and fellowship. Over time, with God’s blessing, we pray it will grow into a movement of life and renewal within our parish. The ideas we develop are not “set in stone.” SOIL is intentionally collaborative—built on listening, open-mindedness, and shared ownership. As we meet, we will work together to develop a mission statement, define goals, and create a plan for what our parish truly needs.
Our Purpose
The purpose of SOIL is to support parish renewal by strengthening young adult involvement, rebuilding fellowship, and creating pathways for deeper participation in the life of the Church. We want to help St. George become a place where all generations—elders, parents, young adults, and children—walk together in the faith of Christ.
What SOIL Will Do
With prayer and guidance, SOIL will focus on practical ways to renew and strengthen parish life, including: Intentional prayer for the return of young adults and families, Listening to the needs and hopes of both elders and youth, Planning gatherings such as meals, discussions, and fellowship nights, Service opportunities that strengthen faith through action, Encouraging liturgical participation (choir, readers, ushers, altar servers, and more), Creative outreach and communication to reconnect with those who have been away, Bridging generations so the prayers of our elders are answered in the lives of their children.
Who This Is For
SOIL is for young adults who love the Church—or even those who are still rediscovering their love for the Church—and who are willing to invest time, energy, and ideas into the future of our parish. You do not need to be “perfect,” but you should be willing to pray seriously, show up consistently, and lead with humility and faith. If you have a heart for Orthodoxy and a desire to build something meaningful at St. George, you may be exactly who God is calling.
Get Involved
If you are interested in joining SOIL or learning more about this renewal effort, we would love to hear from you. Please reach out to Fr. Habib or contact the church office. Most importantly, we ask you to pray about it seriously. This is more than participation—it is a call to help lead renewal in the life of our parish. May the Lord strengthen all who take part in this work, and may St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church be renewed in faith, fellowship, and love for generations to come.