Father George Shalhoub was born in Hama, Syria, and at the young age of 12, was sent to the Balamand Monastery in Lebanon. He was ordained a deacon in the Cathedral of the Patriarchate in Damascus, Syria and immigrated to the United States in 1971 where he was able to perform his duties in many Detroit churches who graciously opened their doors for him to do baptisms, weddings, funerals, and to celebrate the Holy Eucharist on Sunday before the Basilica of St. Mary was built.

After one week of being married, one day as an official priest, and discussions with his family and friends, Father George Shalhoub was asked to build a church in Metro Detroit, and on February 6th, 1972, Basilica of St. Mary - Livonia, MI was founded. At the time, Father Shalhoub did not speak English or even understand how to go about building a church, but today, the Basilica of St. Mary is one of the most beautiful houses of worship of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian community.

The Basilica of St. Mary is made up of a combination of people of first, second, and third generation from Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Jordan, parts of Iraq, and a few Americans who have married into the culture, and who are all orthodox.

The artwork is special, taking 23 years to complete by Vlasios Tsotsonis of Greece, who has been referred to as the Michelangelo of the Orthodox Church of the 21st century. Every seven years, Tsotsonis would come and stay at the Basilica in a studio set up for him and his company, and he would paint. The process is not a typical artist painting a picture, but someone who understands the soul and whom they depict on that icon.

December 10th was a special mass with the Ordination of a new Priest, Deacon Samer Hanna. The day started with Matins, the blessing of a reader by the Bishop, meaning someone who is not ordained, but is licensed by the bishop to lead worship, then the Holy Liturgy followed by the ordination of the priest. At the end of the service, was a blessing of a couple who got married a few weeks ago which is a process of bringing back their crown which was placed on their head to be placed at the altar as a sign of their vows.

This was a beautiful service and will add a great dimension to our faith film displaying the many wonderfully diverse cultures we have here in Metro Detroit. Thank you to Father George Shalhoub and the Basilica of St. Mary for allowing us to attend this service.