Our Beliefs
St. Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church is part of the ancient Antiochian Patriarchate—the Church where “the disciples were first called Christians” (Acts 11:26). Rooted in the Antiochian tradition, we are a vibrant Pan-Orthodox parish that welcomes faithful from many backgrounds and worships together in many languages, with English as the primary language.
Our parish family reflects the beauty of the Orthodox Church itself. We are both American converts and cradle Orthodox Christians from Lebanese, Palestinian, Greek, Romanian, Albanian, Russian, Ukrainian, Serbian, Hispanic, and many other backgrounds—all united in preserving “the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 1:3). This diversity is a living expression of God’s love, Antiochian hospitality, and our shared Orthodox faith.
We also carry the legacy of Saint Raphael of Brooklyn, the first Orthodox bishop consecrated on American soil in 1904. A tireless missionary, he founded more than 30 parishes across North America and devoted his life to gathering Orthodox Christians into one spiritual family through humility, compassion, and unwavering faith.
We honor St. Raphael as our spiritual father and heavenly intercessor, carrying forward his vision of a welcoming, missionary-minded Church through faith, hospitality, and service.
Our History
Parish history timeline
September 2000
A New Chapter Begins
Archpriest Joseph Shaheen and Kh. Diane were assigned to St. Paul. At the Fourth Anniversary of St. Paul, Bishop ANTOUN challenged the parish to “get started and raise some money so you can build a church.” That evening, $450,000 was pledged!
2004
Building Our Foundation
Bishop ANTOUN presided at the marking of the foundation. St. Paul was honored to host the fall meeting of the Archdiocese Board of Trustees, during which Metropolitan PHILIP, Bishop ANTOUN, and Bishop JOSEPH presided at the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new church.
February 24, 2006
A Faithful Farewell & New Beginning
The Vespers Service for the Saturday of Souls was the last service held in the original church. At the end of the service, parishioners processed to move the ecclesiastical items from the old church to the new, unfinished church. The following Sunday, Bishop ANTOUN presided at the first Hierarchical Liturgy in the new church.
February 19, 2012
Our Church Consecrated
The beloved St. Paul Church Temple was consecrated by Metropolitan PHILIP, joined by participating hierarchs and clergy.
May 2017
Thank You, Fr. Joe & Kh. Diane
After years of dedicated service, Fr. Joe and Kh. Diane retired with a gala celebration surrounded by friends and parishioners who gathered to honor their ministry and wish them a long and blessed retirement.
June 2017
A New Shepherd Arrives
Fr. Paul Girgis was assigned to St. Paul, arriving with his Kh. Dana and their children. Under his leadership, St. Paul experienced another growth spurt, welcoming many converts to Holy Orthodoxy and becoming a spiritual home for Orthodox Christians from throughout the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and beyond.
February 2018
A Gifted Addition
Deacon Nicholas Reid, Diakonissa Elizabeth, and their family were assigned to St. Paul by His Grace Bishop +NICHOLAS. Their arrival brought, among many gifts, beautiful chanting that deepened the prayerfulness of our Divine Services.
2025–2026
Preparing for the Future
After years of preparation with the county, St. Paul Orthodox Church broke ground on a much-needed fellowship hall in 2025. The Shaheen Hall was completed shortly after PASCHA 2026, providing space to celebrate life’s most meaningful moments—from baptisms and weddings to haflis, slavas, mercy meals, and feasts of the Church—and room for our growing children’s programs.
Meet Our Clergy & Staff
St. Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church is blessed to serve under the spiritual leadership of the ancient Patriarchate of Antioch and the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America.
John X, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East
His Beatitude John X has served as Patriarch of Antioch since 2013. As the spiritual head of the ancient See of Antioch, he shepherds Orthodox Christians throughout the world with a ministry rooted in faith, compassion, and the living tradition of the Church.
Saba, Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
Elected in 2023, Metropolitan Saba provides spiritual leadership for the Archdiocese’s parishes, missions, ministries, and faithful across the United States and Canada.
Bishop Nicholas, Bishop of the Diocese of Miami and the Southwest
Bishop Nicholas holds a Master of Divinity degree, awarded with Highest Distinction, from studies undertaken between September 2002 to May 2005 at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Massachusetts. He speaks Arabic and English fluently. Bishop Nicholas was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by His Eminence Metropolitan Philip on April 23, 2004, and to the Holy Priesthood by His Grace Bishop Antoun on January 9, 2005. Upon graduating from Holy Cross Seminary, he was assigned by His Eminence Metropolitan Philip to St. Philip Antiochian Orthodox Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he served from August 2005 to December 2011. He was elevated to the dignity of Archimandrite by His Eminence Metropolitan Philip on February 14, 2010, and was consecrated to the bishopric as the Bishop of Brooklyn on December 11, 2011 at the Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos in the Patriarchal Monastery of Our Lady of Balamand, Balamand, Lebanon.
Paul Girgis, Parish Priest
Fr. Paul has faithfully served as the pastor of St. Paul since 2017. Born in Lebanon and raised in the Pacific Northwest, he left a successful business career to answer God’s call to the priesthood, earning his Master of Divinity from St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. Fr. Paul and his wife, Presbytera Dana, are the grateful parents of five children. His joyful, thoughtful preaching and genuine pastoral care have helped cultivate a welcoming parish rooted in Orthodox faith, hospitality, and love for Christ.
Nicholas Reid
A convert to Orthodoxy, Deacon Nicholas has served at St. Paul since 2018. He assists Fr. Paul in the liturgical life of the parish while also serving on the board of the Antiochian Heritage Foundation. Professionally, he is Senior Vice President of the Moving Picture Institute. He and his wife, Elizabeth, have five children and are grateful to call St. Paul their parish home.
Demitri
Biography to come.
Andrew
Rdr. Andrew was born in Virginia, raised in Southern Maryland, and found a home at St Paul Church in 2022 after his service as an Airman. He was tonsured a reader in 2024. As Protopsaltes, Rdr. Andrew is the leader of St Paul Church’s chant ministry. He attended the Trisagion School of Byzantine Music in 2023 and later studied Byzantine Music with Deacon Spyridon Hanna in 2024. In 2025, he attended the School of Ecclesiastical Music under Athanasios Païvanas and Joseph Yazbeck to earn a certificate in Byzantine Music. He currently teaches Byzantine music and typikon to beginner and intermediate chanters.
Brie (Mary) Sessa
Brienne (Mary) Sessa has served as the Parish Administrator at St. Paul Orthodox Church since February 2023. In her role, she executes the day-to-day administrative operations for the parish and coordinates Father Paul’s scheduling and calendar. Deeply devoted to the parish community, Brienne loves serving the clergy, parishioners, and visitors who make St. Paul Orthodox Church their spiritual home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are visitors welcome?
Absolutely! Everyone is welcome at St. Paul. Whether you’re Orthodox, from another Christian tradition, or simply exploring the faith, you’ll be greeted warmly and invited to worship with us.
What should I expect during the service?
How long are the services?
Great Vespers: Approximately 45–50 minutes
Orthros (Matins): Approximately 60–90 minutes
Divine Liturgy: Approximately 90 minutes
Please see our Parish Calendar for current service times.
What should I wear?
Modest, respectful attire is encouraged, but don’t let clothing keep you from visiting. You’ll find everything from business attire to jeans. Come as you are and focus on worship.
Is childcare available?
Children are welcome in our services and are encouraged to worship alongside their families. If a child becomes restless, parents are welcome to step out briefly and return whenever they’re ready. We love having children in church—they are an important part of our parish family.
Do you offer Sunday school?
Instead of Sunday school, we provide faith formation and youth ministries for children of all ages throughout the year. Visit our Ministries page to learn more.
Should I stand or sit?
In Orthodox tradition, standing is the customary posture of prayer, though our church has pews and seating available. Feel free to follow the congregation, standing and sitting as you are comfortable.
May I light a candle?
Yes. Anyone is welcome to light a candle as an offering of prayer. It is a cherished Orthodox tradition and a beautiful way to lift your prayers to God.
May non-Orthodox Christians receive Holy Communion?
Because the Eastern Orthodox Church understands Holy Communion to be the fullness of our unity in faith, the Eucharist is reserved for baptized and chrismated Orthodox Christians who are spiritually prepared to receive. If you are not receiving Communion, you are warmly invited to remain in prayer and receive the blessed bread distributed at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy.
What is Orthodox worship music like?
Orthodox worship is almost entirely sung, without musical instruments. At St. Paul, we use the ancient tradition of Byzantine chant, creating a prayerful and reverent atmosphere that has been part of Orthodox worship for centuries.
I still have questions. Who can I talk to?
We’d love to meet you. Fr. Paul and our parish family are always happy to answer questions after the service or during our Sunday fellowship meal. You are also welcome to contact the church office to schedule a conversation with Fr. Paul.
New to Orthodoxy?
Whether you’re exploring Christianity, curious about the Orthodox Church, or looking for a place to worship, we’re honored you’re here. Visiting an Orthodox church may feel unfamiliar, but you don’t need to know every tradition. Simply come, pray, observe, and experience the beauty of Orthodox worship through ancient hymns, sacred icons, and a welcoming community. Many of us were first-time visitors too. Before or after the service, stop by our welcome table, sign our guest book, and be sure to join us after the Sunday Divine Liturgy for Fellowship Hour, a complimentary meal where our parish connects with one another.
Visit Us
We would be honored if you’d join us for a divine service! Visit the church calendar to plan your visit accordingly.
2425 Rivers Road, Naples, FL 34120
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