Timeline History

1910

Rev. Mobarek Bellama arrived in Birmingham and resided at Saint Paul’s rectory. He held the Maronite divine liturgy in a room at Saint Paul’s School while organizing a congregation and establishing the St. Elias Maronite Catholic parish. Annie Faridee was the first person to be baptized on January 20.  Her godparents were Romanue Farshah and Susie Dwayhy. Plans were made to purchase a property on 6th Avenue South, between 20th and 21st Streets. The existing building, a Protestant school, would eventually be remodeled and converted into a church.

1911

The first wedding at St. Elias took place on October 4 between Ayoub George Wakeol and Deeby Assy. The best man was Beshara Zanaty, and the maid of honor was Martha Ghsoun.

1914

Conversion of the 6th Ave building was finally completed, and the number of Maronites had more than doubled to over 300. The first funeral took place on January 6 for Debie Ayoub Waken; her burial was at Our Lady of Sorrows Cemetery. On February 14, Bishop E. P. Allen dedicated the church in honor of St. Elias, the prophet, “patron of the villages from which the faithful came” (Wady-el-Arayesh).  Rev. Lawrence J. Carroll was celebrant of the dedication Mass. Assisting were Rev. Eugene L. Sands and Rev. Phillip McCormack. The St. Bernard Abbey Choir chanted the mass in the Gregorian style. Fifteen priests and clergymen of different faiths were present. Fifty Knights of Columbus attended. The Melkite Rite Catholics attended the dedication mass with the Maronites. A banquet was held that evening at the Empire Hotel. Dr. H. A. Elkourie was master of ceremonies. Speakers were Father Bellama, M.E. Linnehan, Judge Oscar Hundley, John W. O’Neill, Sterling A. Wood, H.J. Kribs, and Arnold Masberg.

1917

Rev. Joseph Koury was appointed the 2nd pastor of St. Elias Church. Sultana Wehby organized the efforts to purchase the first church organ. Her daughter, Josephine Wehby, assisted Father Koury with the Latin Mass by playing the organ. The choir members were Feiza Michwee, Lyda Ferris, Nim Wehby, and Mary Pharo.

1919

In May, the sacrament of Confirmation was administered to the first class by Bishop Allen. The first class consisted of Jamile Bohorfoush, Victoria Khoury, Joe McCary, Alexander Shaia, and Mickie Tebsharany.

1920

Rev. George Aziz was appointed the 3rd pastor. He transcribed the Arabic lyrics of liturgical music with the assistance of Josephine Wehby, so the choir and parishioners could fully participate in the music of the liturgy by reading the words phonetically. Zanie Monseur became the organist, and Josephine directed the choir.

1922

The Bishop of Tyre, Chucrallah Khoury, MLM, visited St. Elias while on tour of the Maronite churches of the United States by decree of Patriarch Elias Peter Hoayek.

1923

Rev. Joseph Ghanem was appointed 4th pastor. Father Ghanem was buried in Elmwood Cemetery (Lot 490, Block 29).

1925

Chorbishop Joseph Shebayah was appointed 5th pastor.

1926

Rev. Joseph Shaboth was appointed the 6th pastor of St Elias Church.  On February 28, the Mystery of the Holy Eucharist was administered by Father Shaboth to the first Holy Communion Class at St. Elias.  The members of this class were Adel Boackle, Lily M. Kassouf, Daza Ant. Kouri, Mary Mezrani and Rosalie Mezrani.

1929

Rev. Paul Rizk was appointed the 7th pastor for a period of six months. Rev. George Aziz was appointed the 8th pastor in July serving until 1935.

1935

Until 1937, St. Elias was under the administration of Latin Rite priests, beginning with Rev. Edward Shea, pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Church. During this time, Rev. Herman Cazalas lived at St. Elias for 6 months.

1937

Rev. Joseph Yazbek was appointed the 9th pastor of St. Elias Church.

Due to the financial hardships created by the Great Depression, the parish suffered greatly.  The number of registered parishioners dropped to 61, and St. Elias was unable to sustain its operations.

1938

Rev. Joseph Schumtz, Pastor of Immaculate Conception Church, and Rev. Herman Cazalas, and others, including some Benedictine priests from St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, were appointed to serve St. Elias part-time.

1939

St. Elias was temporarily closed.

1940

On May 8, Louis A. Boohaker received a letter from Bishop T. J. Toolen stating that if the people of the parish did not assume the responsibility for the Church’s operational expenses, then “…I will close the church and put it up for sale. I have come to the end of my patience with the parish of St. Elias. If they rally around it, support it, [sic] fix it up, then it will go on. Otherwise, we will close it entirely. This question will have to be decided in the next two weeks. There will never be a new St. Elias. There has been too much trouble with this one.” On September 23, Rev. Joseph Ferris Abi-Chedid was appointed the 10th pastor of St Elias Church.  There were sixty-one registered members, and Father Abi-Chedid was faced with the task of re-opening the church. Records show that the treasury contained a total of $7.87 and a fund of $311.00 raised by the Ladies’ Altar Society, who never ceased working even though the church was closed. The funds from the treasury and the Altar Society were used to repair the church and the pastor’s living quarters.

1944

The Cooperation Society of St. Elias Maronite Parish Girls’ Club was formed and held its initial meeting on December 3.

1945

The Birmingham Realty Company put together a transaction for the old church building and property located at 20th Street and 6th Avenue South to be sold for $45,000.00 and for a full square block of land located at 8th Street and 9th Avenue South to be purchased for the new St. Elias Church building. The St. Elias Altar Boys’ Society is organized.

1949

On November 9, ground was broken for the construction of the new St. Elias Church building.

1950

The new St. Elias Maronite Church building was completed, and the first Divine Liturgy was celebrated at midnight on Christmas. The first baptisms in the new church took place on December 31 for Najeeb Yousef Boohaker, Christy Ann Butrus, Patricia Nell Domit, and Thomas Michel Milton.

1951

The first funeral in the new church took place on January 26 with the death of John T. Saab, who was buried at Elmwood Cemetery. The first wedding in the new church took place on March 26, when Louise R. Tanory and James Austin Prestwood exchanged their wedding vows. The first Holy Communion class in the new church consisted of six students who received the Eucharist on May 27. The members of the class were: Joseph Frank Anderson, Haickel Paul Boackle, Sammy John DiPiazza, Helen Edward Kassouf, Janice Edward Kassouf, Ann Sa-eed Stephen, and Juliette Therese Wehby.

1953 

Bishop T. J. Toolen administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to the first class in the new St. Elias Church on March 22. Those receiving the sacrament were: Frank Joseph Anderson, Abdallah J. Boohaker, Diane Gantous, Phillip F. Gantous, Terrs Ann Gantous, Helen Kassouf, John J. Lusco, Annette Mezrano, James A. Mezrano, Louis L. Mezrano, Betty Mizerany, Fritz Niggler, John J. Saab, William G. Shaia, Celeste Sharbel, Georgette Sharbel, Diane Wehby, Joseph S. Wehby, Louis A. Zanaty, Peggy M.J. Zanaty. Sponsors for the class were Lyda Deep and Alexander Shaia. The Ladies’ Altar Society donated the marble altar railing in the church.

1955

Junior Matrons donated the main marble altar for the church.

1958

On December 18, ground was broken for the Church Hall.

1960 

The Golden Jubilee of St. Elias Church was celebrated. Rev. Joseph F. Abi-Chedid was elevated to the rank of Chorbishop and he celebrated 20 years at St. Elias. Chorbishop Mansour Stephen rededicated the church.

1962

 The St. Elias Church rectory was completed. His Beatitude, Paul Peter Meouchi, Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, dedicated the rectory and the church hall. The total cost for the church hall building and its furnishings was approximately $180,00o. The parishioners of St. Elias contributed a Hammond Organ to Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Seminary in Washington, D.C. on the occasion of its dedication. A delegation headed by Chorbishop Abi-Chedid attended the Patriarchal dedication.

1966

Pope Paul VI established the Maronite Apostolic Exarchate in the United States.  Most Rev. Francis M. Zayek was named Exarch of the Exarchate of Saint Maron, with headquarters in Detroit, Michigan. A delegation from St. Elias parish, headed by Chorbishop Abi-Chedid, attended the ceremonies in Detroit. On November 3, Rev. Dominic Ashkar was appointed assistant pastor of St. Elias.

1969

 The St. Elias school rooms were built.  The St. Elias School Charitable Trust and Knights of St. Maron Charitable Trust were established. Chorbishop Joseph Abi-Chedid retired to Lebanon.

1970

Monsignor John Trad was appointed the 11th pastor of St. Elias and organized the parish’s first MYO.

1971 

On January 31, Bishop Zayek visited St. Elias to confirm 90 parishioners. In June, Rev. Mr. Richard D. Saad, Deacon, was assigned to St. Elias.

1972 

A delegation from St. Elias attended the ordination of Rev. Richard D. Saad in Detroit, Michigan on January 29. Later, he was assigned to St. Elias as Assistant Pastor and then as Temporary Administrator. The Exarchate was raised to the rank of an Eparchy (Diocese). In June, St. Elias Parish hosted the 9th annual National Apostolate of Maronites (NAM) Convention, a first for Birmingham, with Archbishop Peter Sfeir, representative of Pope Paul VI, in attendance. Fred Melof was Chairman of NAM at the time. U.S. Congressman Abraham Kazan of Texas served as banquet speaker.  The President of Lebanon, Suleiman Franjieh, addressed the convention via telephone connection during the banquet. Birmingham mayor, George Seibels, declared the week “Maronite Week in Birmingham”.

1973 

Rev. Mr. Don J. Sawyer, was assigned to St Elias as a deacon.

1974

A St. Elias Parish delegation attended the ordination of Rev. Don J. Sawyer, chartering a bus to Austin, Texas.

1975

The St. Elias church building, hall, and rectory were all remodeled.

1976 

Rev. Richard D. Saad was appointed the 12th pastor of St. Elias. In July, Archbishop Roland Aboujaoude and Bishop Francis Zayek attended and spoke at the Southern Federation Convention in Birmingham.

1977

St. Elias parishioners participated in the pilgrimage to Rome for the canonization of St. Sharbel Makhlouf, the first canonized Lebanese saint.

1978 

The Glen Iris Citizen Participation Meetings in the U. S. Community Development Program were hosted by St. Elias Church.  Rev. Richard Saad served as vice-president and as president (1977-1980). The first St. Elias Vacation Bible School began.

1980 

In January, the executive board of NAM met in Birmingham at St. Elias Church. The first ordination was celebrated at St. Elias on June 28, when Rev. Fahed Azar was ordained to the priesthood. The National Order of St. Sharbel met in Birmingham.

1981

St. Elias hosted Birmingham Southern College’s “Birmingfind” Project – a historical research project of the Lebanese Community in Birmingham.

1982

In January, St. Elias again hosted the NAM executive board winter meeting. The Chorbishop Joseph F. Abi-Chedid Library was dedicated. Chorbishop Abi-Chedid died in Lebanon on March 14. On April 25, St. Elias parish offered a 40th Day Memorial Liturgy and also dedicated the Holy Week Services to the memory of Chorbishop Abi-Chedid.

1983

Archbishop George Scanadar of Zahle, Lebanon, visited the St. Elias community along with Bishop John Chedid, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of St. Maron – USA, who made a canonical visit to the parish.

1984 

On January 23, the Birmingham Historical Society saluted the Lebanese community in Birmingham at their annual meeting at the Botanical Gardens. The Order of St. Sharbel conducted its winter retreat in Birmingham. In April, Rev. Richard D. Saad’s appointment at St. Elias was revoked, and he was reassigned as Pastor of Saint George and Saint Anthony parishes in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. Rev. Maron Abi-Nader was appointed the 13th pastor of St. Elias. Rev. William J. Decker was appointed the 14th pastor on July 20.

1985 

In April, Rev. Richard D. Saad was reappointed 15th Pastor of St. Elias on April 24. St. Elias celebrated its Diamond Jubilee and Year of Spiritual Renewal, hosting Archbishop Francis Zayek of the USA; Msgr. George Wehby, Vicar-General of the eparchy of the USA; Bishop Joseph Vath of the diocese of Birmingham; and all former pastors of St. Elias. A delegation of St. Elias Parishioners participated in the Pilgrimage to Rome for the Beatification of Blessed Rafka Al-Rayes.

1986 

Rev. Antoun Saad was appointed assistant pastor of St. Elias on August 19. The St. Elias Diamond Jubilee and Year of Spiritual Renewal ended on Nov. 1 with the visit of Archbishop Zayek and all former pastors.

1987

Beverly Kassouf Kimes was elected as the first female NAM president and served until 1990. The Junior MYO was organized under the direction of Carlo Joseph.

1988

His Beatitude, Nesrallah Peter Sfeir, Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, visited St. Elias Church from July 5-8. The Proclamation and Key to the City of Birmingham were given to him by Mayor Arrington. The Patriarch appeared on EWTN with Mother Angelica.

1989

Rev. (Hikeael) Paul Peter Boackle was ordained to the priesthood on September 30. This was the second priestly ordination at St. Elias.

1990

St. Elias celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the ordination of Father Fahd Azar.

1991

On December 26, Rev. Richard Saad was notified that he was being elevated to the honor of Papal Chamberlain, with the title of Monsignor.

1992 

Rev. Richard Saad celebrated his 20th Ordination Anniversary and was invested as Papal Chamberlain on July 25, 1992. The NAM Board met in Birmingham. L. Paul Kassouf received NAM Recognition. The new marble altar of sacrifice, donated by Bishop Boland of Birmingham, was installed in the sanctuary in memory of Kevin Butrus. Gerald L. Kimes was elected as NAM President and served until 1994.

1993

Rev. Robert Pensenstadler was appointed Assistant Pastor of St. Elias. St. Elias hosted the 30th annual NAM convention. This was the second convention hosted at St. Elias. Gerald L. Kimes served as the convention chairman. On May 9, Archbishop Zayek visited to install Paul Kassouf as a Knight of the Order of St. Gregory and Naomi Kassouf as a Lady of Papal House. Joseph R. Stephens, Sr. and Samuel J. Wehby were ordained in December as Subdeacons.

1994

The Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles was created by Pope John Paul II. The Most Rev. John G. Chedid, its first Eparch, was enthroned.

1995

Eparch John Chedid visited St. Elias. Groundbreaking for the multipurpose educational building began.

1996 

Construction of the multipurpose educational building was completed on the north side of the church. It included three classrooms and a reception hall. Fr. Maron Abi-Nader died in Lebanon.

1997

The St. Maron Banquet honored Monsignor Richard Saad on the 25th Anniversary of his priestly ordination with a special program.

1998

John Paul Kimes was ordained Subdeacon for the Eparchy at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon.

1999 

The first St. Elias Lebanese Cultural and Food Festival was held. Subdeacon John Paul Kimes was ordained a deacon by Bishop John Chedid.

2000

The 90th Anniversary of the parish’s founding was celebrated. Rev. John Paul Kimes was ordained to the priesthood at St. Elias on July 20. Subdeacon Joseph Stephens was ordained as a deacon on July 22. The Millennial Jubilee Gala Celebration was held on November 25.

2002

Bishop Robert Shaheen visited St. Elias during the Lenten season. Rodrigue Constatin was assigned to St. Elias. Chorbishop John Trad died in Australia.

2003

Deacon Armando Elkoury was assigned to St. Elias for the summer.

2004 

Bishop Shukrallah Harb visited on Hosanna Sunday. Bishop Robert Shaheen ordained Fr. Richard D. Saad as a chorbishop on June 15. He was the third chorbishop to serve St. Elias and was the fourth in the Eparchy.

2007

Subdeacon Samuel Wehby was ordained a deacon on September 21 by Bishop Robert Shaheen.

2008 

The 10th Annual Lebanese Food and Cultural Festival was held on April 11 & 12. Groundbreaking for the Northside development was held. A capital campaign began for “The Next 100 Years”.

2009 

St. Elias had grown in its 100 years to over 1200 parishioners, representing over 400 families. In preparation for its Centennial Year, the Parish kicked off its first-ever Faith. Family. Heritage Capital Campaign, which later helped establish a monetary foundation designed to fund the capital needs of the church for generations to come. A new covered side entrance to the church and additional parking were constructed. A complete renovation of the church interior and construction of a Grotto and Columbarium were completed.

2010

St. Elias celebrated its 100th Anniversary. As part of the celebration: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament was observed for 100 consecutive hours and a Lenten Mission was held with Monsignor Don Sawyer. On July 7-11, St. Elias hosted the NAM Convention with Mark & Kimberly Boackle as co-chairpersons. Bishop Robert Shaheen visited St. Elias for the closing of the Centennial Year on Thanksgiving Day. The area in front of the rectory was redesigned to add limestone pavers, new steps from the 9th Avenue side, and new landscaping.

2012

On November 10th, Deacon Joseph Roberts Stephens, Sr., died.  He was the first permanent deacon to serve St. Elias and had served for 12 years.

2013

The 15th annual St. Elias Food and Cultural Festival was held April 12-13. Because of television coverage, this was the most successful festival yet. A 5K run was added, benefitting the SUKI Foundation, which helps children with RETT Syndrome and their families.

2014 

A kitchen renovation and expansion project was completed. Chorbishop Richard D. Saad was named Vicar General of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon by the Eparchy’s third bishop, Bishop A. Elias Zaidan. A special memorial fountain in honor of the late Deacon Joe Stephens was built. Bishop Zaidan visited St. Elias March 28-30, for the first time as bishop. While here, he: Ordained Dr. Mark Ferris and Mr. Jimmy Wehby as Subdeacons, on March 29, and blessed the newly renovated kitchen and the Deacon Joe Stephens Memorial Fountain. On September 12-13, Maronite Cardinal Patriarch Bechara Peter Raii made a pastoral visit to St. Elias. He was accompanied by his Vicar General, Archbishop Paul Sayah, and Bishop A. Elias Zaidan. Activities during his visit included: a Divine Liturgy, an evening banquet at The Club, a presentation by the parish children, Safro, and a parish brunch. He also dedicated the Deacon Joseph Stephens Memorial. He presented Chorbishop Richard D. Saad with a patriarchal medal, “Patriarchatus Maronitarum Antiochiae Totiusque Orientis.” On December 7, Bishop A. Elias Zaidan visited St. Elias for the third time that year to install Paul Peter Bolus and Norman Edward Bolus into the Pontifical Equestrian Order of the Knights of St. Gregory the Great. This is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon laypersons by the Pope.

2015 

On January 15, Deacon Samuel J. Wehby died. He was the second permanent deacon to serve St. Elias and had served for 8 years. From October 28-30, St. Elias hosted the relics of St. Sharbel. Bishop A. Elias Zaidan was present for the opening of the 3-day celebration, which included special liturgies, time for confession, and time for veneration of the relics.

2016 

At the St. Maron Banquet on February 6, 15 parishioners were honored who were 90- years-old or older. The 18th Annual St. Elias Food and Cultural Festival was held on April 8-10 with Bishop A. Elias Zaidan in attendance. On April 10, Bishop Zaidan installed nine new members into the Order of St. Sharbel.

2017 

The church hall was renovated, largely due to the generosity of two lifelong parishioners, Paul Bolus and Carlo Joseph, along with contributions from the Ladies’ Altar Society and the MYO.

2018

April 13-14, we held the 20th Annual St. Elias Food and Cultural Festival. Bishop A. Elias Zaidan was again in attendance for the weekend. On Sunday, April 14, Bishop Elias inducted Mary Milton and Jeanette Milton Wyrick into the Pontifical Equestrian Order of St. Sylvester. The bathrooms in the main church hall were renovated. Rami Razzouk was assigned as Associate Pastor.

2019 

A statue of St. Sharbel was donated in memory of Deacon Sam Wehby and placed in the church vestibule. Bishop A. Elias Zaidan visited St. Elias on the weekend of November 9-10, to speak about the Eparchial Capital Campaign. Two new members were installed as Perpetual Members of the Order of St. Sharbel. On December 1st, Subdeacons Mark Ferris and Jimmy Wehby were ordained as Deacons by Bishop A. Elias Zaidan. Chorbishop Richard Saad; Rev. Rami Razzouk; and Rev. Yaghi Milad, the Bishop’s Secretary, concelebrated.  A parish reception was held afterward. In December, Rev. Rami Razzouk was reassigned as administrator at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Church in Millbrae, CA. Deacon Peter Zogbi was assigned to St. Elias for his pastoral year as a temporary deacon.

2020 

On January 10, the NAM Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Chorbishop Richard D. Saad.  Rev. Albert Constantine, the NAM Spiritual Director, celebrated the divine liturgy, and a Gala Banquet was held afterward at The Club. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many adjustments were made beginning in March: livestreaming of liturgies, cancellations of in-person activities, etc. – in accordance with government safety guidelines.  In-person participation with safety precautions resumed in late April. On June 27, Deacon Peter John Zogbi was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop A. Elias Zaidan in Portland, Oregon, and assigned as Associate Pastor of St. Elias. On July 18-19, the parish held a celebration for the 40th Anniversary of Monsignor Peter Fahed Azar, the 20th Anniversary of Rev. John Paul Kimes, and for the recent ordination of Rev. Peter John Zogbi.  The weekend included a banquet and a reception in addition to the regular weekend Liturgies. Bishop A. Elias Zaidan was also in attendance for the weekend.

2021 

On January 16, we celebrated the retirement of Chorbishop Richard D. Saad with a dinner. Rev. Peter J. Zogbi was assigned as Administrator of St. Elias. In September, a new rectory was purchased at 2000 4th Street South. This allowed the current rectory to be converted into an Administration Building and the sacristy to be renovated. This renovation included naming the new library in the administration building in dedication to Chorbishop Richard Saad for his lifelong ministry to Saint Elias. Abouna Peter Zogbi moved into the new rectory, and an open house was held for parishioners in December.  

2022

Rev. John Maron Helou served as Assistant Pastor from June of 2022 until April of 2023.  

2023 

The St. Elias Cultural and Food Festival celebrated its 25th Year with Bishop A. Elias Zaidan in attendance. Paul Peter Bolus, a lifelong parishioner of St. Elias, was ordained a Subdeacon by Bishop Zaidan on the observed feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, July 2. The Revs. Peter Zogbi, John Paul Kimes, Mitch Pacwa, and Gilbert Walker were in attendance.

2024 

The new Administration Building and Sacristy Renovation Project was completed in April. On April 7, the administration building was blessed by Abouna Peter, and an “open house” was presented to the parish. By letter dated April 19, Bishop Zaidan revoked Abouna Peter’s assignment as Administrator at St. Elias and reassigned him as Pastor of St. Sharbel Maronite Church in Portland, Oregon, effective June 1, 2024. On May 12, the parish had a breakfast, at Abouna Peter’s request, between the 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. liturgies, as a “going away” party. May 13, Rev. Michael Shami arrived at St. Elias. He was soon assigned as interim Administrator until July 1. July 1, Rev. Elias Yazbeck arrived at St. Elias to begin his appointment as 16th pastor of St. Elias. December 7, Danny Bostany, a lifelong parishioner of St. Elias, was ordained as a Subdeacon by Bishop A. Elias Zaidan. Concelebrants included Pastor Elias Yazbeck, Rev. John Paul Kimes, and the Very Revs. Kevin Bazzel and Justin Ward from the Diocese of Birmingham. Also assisting were Dcns. Mark Ferris and Jimmy Wehby from St. Elias, Dcn. Doug Moorer from the Diocese of Birmingham, and Subdeacon Paul Bolus from St. Elias. Pastor Emeritus Chorbishop Richard D. Saad was also in attendance.  Following the Liturgy, a reception prepared by the ladies of the parish was held in the church hall.

2025

On March 2, the Feast of Saint John Maron, Bishop A. Elias Zaidan ordained Subdeacon Paul Peter Bolus to the Diaconate at St. Elias Maronite Church in Birmingham, AL. Concelebrants from the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon included Pastor Elias Yazbeck; Rev. Albert Constantine, Chancellor of the Eparchy; Rev. John Paul Kimes, Canon Lawyer for the Eparchy; Rev. Michael Shami, Liturgist for the Eparchy; Rev. Gilbert Walker; and Rev. Mitch Pacwa. Priests from the Diocese of Birmingham included Very Rev. Kevin Bazzel, Rev. Jon Chambliss, and Rev. Jose Gomez. Chorbishop Richard Saad, Pastor Emeritus of St. Elias, was also in attendance.

On July 12, Rev. John Paul Kimes celebrated the 25th Anniversary of his Ordination at his home parish of St. Elias. Father John Paul was the main celebrant at the 5:00 PM Liturgy.  Concelebrants included the Pastor, Rev. Elias Yazbeck, Very Rev. Kevin Bazzel, and Rev. Ray Dunmyer. Deacons Paul Bolus, Mark Ferris, and Jimmy Wehby, and Subdeacon Danny Bostany assisted. Pastor Emeritus Chorbishop Richard D. Saad was also in attendance. Following the liturgy, a delicious meal prepared by parishioners was served in the parish hall.

On September 7, Bishop A. Elias Zaidan ordained Rev. John Paul Kimes to the Order of Periodeut with the title of Monsignor. Concelebrants included Most Rev. Steven J. Raica, Bishop of the Diocese of Birmingham; Rev. Elias Yazbeck, Pastor of St. Elias; Rev. Mitch Pacwa, S.J.; Rev. Michael Shami; Deacons Jimmy Wehby, Mark Ferris, and Paul Bolus and Subdeacon Danny Bostany of St. Elias. A seated steak dinner reception prepared by parishioners followed in the church hall.

Beginning in July, a capital campaign to restore the outer protective coverings of the church’s stained-glass windows began. Thanks to the generosity of the parishioners, this project met its $92,000 goal in just over 6 weeks. Renovations were completed at the end of September.

2026

On June 7, 2026, the parish held a reception for Rev. Mitch Pacwa, S.J., on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.

Deacon Paul Peter Bolus was ordained to the priesthood on Friday, June 26, 2026, by Most Rev. A. Elias Zaidan, Bishop of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles. Other priests who concelebrated included Rev. Elias Yazbeck, Rev. Yaghi Milad, Monsignor John Paul Kimes, Chorbishop Don Sawyer, Rev. Gilbert Walker, Rev. Michael Shami, Rev. Alejandro Landin, Rev. Alex Harb, Rev. Mitch Pacwa, Rev. Peter Zogbi, Rev. Justin Rose, Rev. Jon Chalmers, and Rev. Jad Chlouk. Also assisting at the Liturgy were Deacons Jimmy Wehby, Mark Ferris, and Subdeacons Doug Leonard, Anthony Allam, Danny Bostany, Claude Karam, Riley Winstead, Gibran Zogbi, and Seminarian Thomas Rogers. The ordination was followed by a reception at The Club.

On Sunday, June 28, 2026, Rev. Paul celebrated his first Liturgy. A reception followed in the parish hall. He was also assigned as Associate Pastor at St. Elias.