About Us
Meet Our Clergy
Rt. Rev. Kenneth Sherman
Rev. Choukri Sabbagh
Rev. Archdeacon Edward Bsarany
Rev. Deacon Roland Basinksi
The Dome
The Church is crowned with an awe-inspiring dome, a profound symbol of the Church as the Bride of Christ. Inside, the dome features a majestic depiction of Christ the Pantocrator, “the Almighty One,” holding the Word and bestowing blessings upon the world. Surrounding Christ on the tier just below are the angelic cherubim and seraphim, including Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and Urico, reflecting their closeness to Him. Below them, in the next tier, stand the twelve great prophets of the Old Testament—David, Solomon, Moses, and others—who foretold the coming of Christ, their presence underscoring the fulfillment of divine prophecy.
Our Lady of America
Saint Ann’s holds the distinguished honor of being the Shrine Church of the Holy Icon of Our Lady of America. Commissioned in 1972 by then-pastor Fr. Albert Gorayeb, the icon was meticulously crafted over three years. Our Lady is adorned with 2,300 precious stones and silver, lovingly donated by faithful devotees. Fr. Al dedicated the icon as a blessing for the American people, bestowing upon it the revered title Our Lady of America.
On June 27, 1976, the icon was solemnly blessed and consecrated by Patriarch Maximos V Hakim and Archbishop Joseph Tawil, imparting a special blessing to America and to all who come to pray before Her.
Though the icon belongs to the Melkite Diocese of America, it is permanently housed at St. Ann Melkite Catholic Church. Occasionally, the icon embarks on pilgrimages to parishes requesting Her presence, always returning home to St. Ann—a poignant reflection of Mary, the Daughter, returning to Ann, Her Mother.
The Iconostasis
The most striking feature of the Melkite rite is its profound embrace of mystery, particularly evident in the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. Central to this sense of mystery is the Iconostasis—a magnificent wooden screen adorned with icons that separates the sanctuary from the nave. This iconic structure is the most distinguishing and prominent feature of a church in the Eastern tradition.
Far from obstructing participation in the mysteries of the liturgy, this “sanctuary barrier” enriches the Melkite spirit of worship. Concealment and revelation work together to deepen devotion, as the doors of the Iconostasis alternately hide and unveil the sacred. It serves as a living witness to the divine mystery experienced in the liturgy—not a barrier, but a symbolic gateway to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Our History
In 1916, a significant wave of Syrian immigrants from Aleppo settled in Paterson, New Jersey. These industrious newcomers adapted to American life without the aid of welfare, focusing on meeting their families’ needs. They learned English, educated their children, and navigated the challenges of global economic and political upheavals, all while preserving their deep family bonds and cherished religious traditions.
Initially, Reverend Emmanuel Bazirganian, an Armenian priest, occasionally celebrated liturgies for the new Syrian Catholics in the chapel of Saint John’s Church. However, his limited proficiency in Arabic and declining health underscored the need for a permanent pastor.
On December 8, 1919, Father Cyril Anid, a priest from the Diocese of Beirut, Lebanon, arrived in New York for what was intended to be a brief visit. As Christmas approached, he was invited to Paterson to offer spiritual services. He celebrated the Divine Liturgy in Saint John’s chapel on Christmas Day, where his words in the native language deeply moved the congregation. With tears of joy, they implored him to stay.
A committee of lay leaders petitioned Bishop John O’Connor to appoint Father Anid as their pastor. With approval from the Sacred Congregation for Eastern Churches in Rome, Father Anid became the first permanent priest for the Syrian Catholic community in Paterson.
As the congregation grew, Saint John’s chapel quickly became inadequate. Enthusiasm for a new church was high, and Father Anid launched a building fund campaign. However, an economic downturn in February 1920, spurred by a decline in Paterson’s silk industry, forced the project to pause. Despite these setbacks, the search for a suitable site continued, and the Thomas E. O’Neill estate at 235 Mill Street was identified as ideal.
Although funds were scarce, a motivational visit from Archbishop Maximus Sayegh, later Patriarch of the Melkite Church, inspired parishioners to raise $5,000 in just one week—an extraordinary feat given the average weekly wage of a weaver was only $12. The remaining balance was paid off within a year, and groundbreaking for the new church began in April 1922.
The parish faced one challenge: the chosen name, Saint George Church, caused confusion, as two other churches in the area already bore the same name. Father Anid, an alumnus of the Seminary of Saint Ann in Jerusalem, renamed the parish in honor of Saint Ann, in tribute to his formative years.
By 1930, the parish was preparing for the completion of a Byzantine-style church. However, the Great Depression left most parishioners unemployed, making another fundraising campaign impossible. Undeterred, Father Anid and his parishioners undertook the construction themselves. With $8,000 in funds, Father Anid acted as general contractor, and unemployed parishioners were paid modest wages to work on the church, helping both the workers and the project.
On December 8, 1932, the new Saint Ann Church was solemnly blessed, marking both the church’s dedication and the 13th anniversary of Father Anid’s arrival.
Despite the economic hardships of the Depression, Father Anid expanded the parish, organizing campaigns for a parish center and acquiring adjacent properties for religious education, priest housing, and social events. His tireless dedication endeared him to his congregation, who loved him as he loved them.
After 45 years of service, Archimandrite Anid retired in May 1965, receiving the honorary title of Pastor Emeritus. Though retired, he remained active, residing at the parish and writing his memoir, I Grew With Them, published in 1967. He also inspired the establishment of a Melkite parish in Miami, Florida, realized in December 1966.
On November 4, 1968, at the age of 83, Archimandrite Anid, the beloved founding pastor of Saint Ann, passed away, leaving a lasting legacy of faith and dedication to his community.