The Society

The Antiochian Orthodox Society of Britain is regarded as the backbone of the parish of St. George’s Cathedral.

It was first incorporated and registered as a limited company on 17th August 1987 (company Number 2155292) under the supervision of a Founding Committee consisting of Mr. George Zakhem (Chairman), the Late Nabih Madanat (Secretary), the Late Andre Bullata (Treasurer) and Mr Antoine Asseily (Member). Then on 26th June 1989 it was registered as a charity under number: 801540.

The first Annual General Meeting of the Society was held on 8th September 1988. Mr. George Zakhem was the first acting Chairman of the Society until his resignation on 8th April 1990 when he was succeeded by the Late Selim Hawa. Following his repose on 26th January 1991, Dr Samir Hraiki was elected as a Chairman. Due to his commitment, hard work and dedication for over 25 years, Dr Hraiki has been re-elected every year as a chairman up till present day.

The Society is responsible for all the finance and administration of the Parish of St. George’s Cathedral plus assisting the clergy with all their needs. It is also responsible for the maintenance and refurbishment of the church building which is classified as a Grade 2 listed building and accordingly requires continuous attention and large amounts of expenditure.

The Society’s Council of Management consists of 13 members who are elected at the Annual General Meeting. All candidates nominated for membership of the Council of Management should be over 21 and been a member of the Society for at least 12 months. They should also be of good conduct and capable of providing services to the Society and to the parish in general.

The period of tenure of members of the Council of Management is 3 years. At the end of each year one third of the Council members retires and the Secretary invites society members to nominate themselves for election at the Annual General Meeting. During the meeting the Chairman reports on all past and future activities of the society, the financial and audited accounts and invites all members to put forward their comments and suggestions for discussion and approval.

The society generates its income mainly from church collection, candles proceeds, Society membership, donations and spiritual services. However, the main income is generated from the Annual Charity Dinner held every year which is used to adjust the shortfall of the society’s income and to support many other UK based charities.

The present members of the Council of Management are as follows:

Dr. Samir Hraiki                                            Chairman

Mr. Wael Khoury                                           Vice-Chairman

Dr. Simon Abdel-Nour                                  Secretary

Mr. Johnny Tabbal                                        Treasurer

Dr. Sami Carouba                                           Member

Mr. Emile Chammas                                     Member

Mr. Najib Coutya                                           Member

Mr. Souheil Haddad                                      Member

Mr. George Najib Haddad                            Member

Mr. Roger Hasbani                                        Member

Mr. Wiliam Haykal .                                      Member

Mr. Christain Karam                                     Member

Mr. Gabi EL-Kassir                                        Member