The Very Reverend Alfred John Badeen, 86, of Beaumont, died Wednesday, December 25, 2013. He was born on April 9, 1927, to Farida Abu Shia Badeen and John Badeen, in Damascus, Syria, and was a United States Navy veteran having served in World War II. Father Badeen was a minister for St. Michael Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, Beaumont, from 1966-1971 and again from1985 until 1995.
Prior to becoming a Priest of the Orthodox Christian Faith, Fr. John served in the Pacific Theater during WWII, as a Sailor aboard the Destroyer, USS Rooks. After the war, he attended several universities and colleges, earning degrees in Law, Political Science and Business Administration, and finally a Masters of Divinity, from Saint Vladimir's Seminary. Later, he married Louise, his wife of over 65 years, and was ordained to the Priesthood in 1961. During his career as a Priest he served as the Pastor of five different Churches including St. Michael Church of Beaumont. He also served as the Chairman of the Archdiocese Insurance Commission, Director of the Department of Wills, Trust & Legacies, Chancellor to the Metropolitan Archbishop of North America, Chief Justice of the Ecclesiastic Court, as well as many other positions within the Archdiocese. He was recognized by the Patriarchs of Moscow and Antioch for his work while serving as a Diplomatic Envoy to the Patriarch of Antioch for his efforts during negotiations to bring about peace in the Middle East. His other notable achievements include the founding of the Arab American & Chaldean Council (ACC), which has since become the largest Social Services Organization in Michigan and the construction of the St. George Towers, a 14 story assisted living apartment complex. He was the founder and General Manager of the Antiochian Christian Orthodox Radio Network, an evangelical radio outreach program of the Orthodox Faith. He was also appointed by the Governor of Michigan as the Chairman of the Fair Campaign Practices Committee and advised the Clinton & Reagan Administrations on matters pertaining to Middle East issues and the resettlement of refugees. To those who were blessed to have known him and knew of his prominence, he always wanted to be regarded as a humble Priest from his adopted hometown of Beaumont, Texas, however; our Lord had a greater purpose for him and he rose to become the confidant and advisor to both rich and poor and the champion of the causes of the common man. His impact was far reaching and on a global scale and only God knows the extent that he has made our world a better place. May his memory be eternal.
Survivors include his wife, Louise Hugh Badeen; daughter, Farida Badeen of Beaumont; sons, James Badeen and his wife, Linda, of New Hudson, Michigan; George Badeen and his wife, Geralyn, of Northville, Michigan; brother, Fouad Badeen and his wife, Antoinette, of Junae, Lebanon; sister, Vivian Badeen of Damascus, Syria; and grandchildren, Kevin Badeen and his wife, Trish, of Austin, Texas; Dana Badeen of Shanghai, China; John R. Badeen of Plymouth Michigan; Michael Badeen and his wife, Nicole of Canton, Michigan; and Christy Ann Badeen of Redford, Michigan.
A private service is planned under the direction of Broussard's, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Archangel Gabriel Mission, 1237 Eraste Landry Road, Lafayette, Louisiana 70506. -
Obituary by Broussard's Mortuary.
The Rev. John Badeen loved aiding those in need: supporting struggling immigrantstudents, urging gift-basket bearers at his church to give to the less fortunate in the community instead.
That guided him while launching the Arab American and Chaldean Council, a nonprofit that aims to help Middle Eastern immigrants and others overcome obstacles finding jobs, health care and more.
"Father Badeen was a role model for humanity and a true humanitarian, caring person," said Haifa Fakhouri, the council's president/CEO. "He dedicated his life to help the needy and the destitute in the community."
Father Badeen, the group's co-founder and its first chairman, died Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2013, in Texas after multiple health issues. He was 86.
In the late 1970s, while leading St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church of Detroit, the ordained priest witnessed the struggles of recent refugees and other foreigners seeking resources. So he, Fakhouri and others gathered to launch a group to address their needs.
Once in a small office in Detroit, the Arab American and Chaldean Council evolved into a major group connecting thousands of clients across the region with services such as counseling and health care.
Father Badeen continuously advocated for them and reminded peers of their mission, Fakhouri said: "He was the main pillar of ACC, for better or worse."
While serving at St. George, Father Badeen joined annual efforts to distribute food and other items to the residents in need. He also helped establish the St. George Tower, a subsidized housing community in Clinton Township that serves senior citizens and others, said the Rev. Joseph Antypas, who succeeded him at the church, now in Troy.
"Father Badeen believed in order to go to heaven, you must serve the people who are on Earth," said Rev. George Shalhoub, a pastor in Livonia.
Father Badeen earned numerous honors and in 2010 was among founders to whom the Arab American and Chaldean Council's board of directors dedicated its headquarters, youth recreation/leadership center and an an adult learning site, the ACC website says. The council plans a college scholarship fund in his honor, Fakhouri said.
Relocating to Texas in 1985, he headed a church there for years, launched another in Louisiana, stayed active with the ACC and counseled others, said his daughter, Farida Badeen. "My father's vocabulary did not contain the word ‘no' when it came to help," she said.
Other survivors include his wife of 65 years, Louise, and sons James and George. Services are Monday in Texas.
From The Detroit News:
Prior to becoming a Priest of the Orthodox Christian Faith, Fr. John served in the Pacific Theater during WWII, as a Sailor aboard the Destroyer, USS Rooks. After the war, he attended several universities and colleges, earning degrees in Law, Political Science and Business Administration, and finally a Masters of Divinity, from Saint Vladimir's Seminary. Later, he married Louise, his wife of over 65 years, and was ordained to the Priesthood in 1961. During his career as a Priest he served as the Pastor of five different Churches including St. Michael Church of Beaumont. He also served as the Chairman of the Archdiocese Insurance Commission, Director of the Department of Wills, Trust & Legacies, Chancellor to the Metropolitan Archbishop of North America, Chief Justice of the Ecclesiastic Court, as well as many other positions within the Archdiocese. He was recognized by the Patriarchs of Moscow and Antioch for his work while serving as a Diplomatic Envoy to the Patriarch of Antioch for his efforts during negotiations to bring about peace in the Middle East. His other notable achievements include the founding of the Arab American & Chaldean Council (ACC), which has since become the largest Social Services Organization in Michigan and the construction of the St. George Towers, a 14 story assisted living apartment complex. He was the founder and General Manager of the Antiochian Christian Orthodox Radio Network, an evangelical radio outreach program of the Orthodox Faith. He was also appointed by the Governor of Michigan as the Chairman of the Fair Campaign Practices Committee and advised the Clinton & Reagan Administrations on matters pertaining to Middle East issues and the resettlement of refugees. To those who were blessed to have known him and knew of his prominence, he always wanted to be regarded as a humble Priest from his adopted hometown of Beaumont, Texas, however; our Lord had a greater purpose for him and he rose to become the confidant and advisor to both rich and poor and the champion of the causes of the common man. His impact was far reaching and on a global scale and only God knows the extent that he has made our world a better place. May his memory be eternal.
Survivors include his wife, Louise Hugh Badeen; daughter, Farida Badeen of Beaumont; sons, James Badeen and his wife, Linda, of New Hudson, Michigan; George Badeen and his wife, Geralyn, of Northville, Michigan; brother, Fouad Badeen and his wife, Antoinette, of Junae, Lebanon; sister, Vivian Badeen of Damascus, Syria; and grandchildren, Kevin Badeen and his wife, Trish, of Austin, Texas; Dana Badeen of Shanghai, China; John R. Badeen of Plymouth Michigan; Michael Badeen and his wife, Nicole of Canton, Michigan; and Christy Ann Badeen of Redford, Michigan.
A private service is planned under the direction of Broussard's, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Archangel Gabriel Mission, 1237 Eraste Landry Road, Lafayette, Louisiana 70506. -
Obituary by Broussard's Mortuary.
The Rev. John Badeen loved aiding those in need: supporting struggling immigrantstudents, urging gift-basket bearers at his church to give to the less fortunate in the community instead.
That guided him while launching the Arab American and Chaldean Council, a nonprofit that aims to help Middle Eastern immigrants and others overcome obstacles finding jobs, health care and more.
"Father Badeen was a role model for humanity and a true humanitarian, caring person," said Haifa Fakhouri, the council's president/CEO. "He dedicated his life to help the needy and the destitute in the community."
Father Badeen, the group's co-founder and its first chairman, died Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2013, in Texas after multiple health issues. He was 86.
In the late 1970s, while leading St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church of Detroit, the ordained priest witnessed the struggles of recent refugees and other foreigners seeking resources. So he, Fakhouri and others gathered to launch a group to address their needs.
Once in a small office in Detroit, the Arab American and Chaldean Council evolved into a major group connecting thousands of clients across the region with services such as counseling and health care.
Father Badeen continuously advocated for them and reminded peers of their mission, Fakhouri said: "He was the main pillar of ACC, for better or worse."
While serving at St. George, Father Badeen joined annual efforts to distribute food and other items to the residents in need. He also helped establish the St. George Tower, a subsidized housing community in Clinton Township that serves senior citizens and others, said the Rev. Joseph Antypas, who succeeded him at the church, now in Troy.
"Father Badeen believed in order to go to heaven, you must serve the people who are on Earth," said Rev. George Shalhoub, a pastor in Livonia.
Father Badeen earned numerous honors and in 2010 was among founders to whom the Arab American and Chaldean Council's board of directors dedicated its headquarters, youth recreation/leadership center and an an adult learning site, the ACC website says. The council plans a college scholarship fund in his honor, Fakhouri said.
Relocating to Texas in 1985, he headed a church there for years, launched another in Louisiana, stayed active with the ACC and counseled others, said his daughter, Farida Badeen. "My father's vocabulary did not contain the word ‘no' when it came to help," she said.
Other survivors include his wife of 65 years, Louise, and sons James and George. Services are Monday in Texas.
From The Detroit News:
The Very Reverend Alfred John Badeen, 86, of Beaumont, died Wednesday, December 25, 2013. He was born on April 9, 1927, to Farida Abu Shia Badeen and John Badeen, in Damascus, Syria, and was a United States Navy veteran having served in World War II. Father Badeen was a minister for St. Michael Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, Beaumont, from 1966-1971 and again from1985 until 1995.
Prior to becoming a Priest of the Orthodox Christian Faith, Fr. John served in the Pacific Theater during WWII, as a Sailor aboard the Destroyer, USS Rooks. After the war, he attended several universities and colleges, earning degrees in Law, Political Science and Business Administration, and finally a Masters of Divinity, from Saint Vladimir's Seminary. Later, he married Louise, his wife of over 65 years, and was ordained to the Priesthood in 1961. During his career as a Priest he served as the Pastor of five different Churches including St. Michael Church of Beaumont. He also served as the Chairman of the Archdiocese Insurance Commission, Director of the Department of Wills, Trust & Legacies, Chancellor to the Metropolitan Archbishop of North America, Chief Justice of the Ecclesiastic Court, as well as many other positions within the Archdiocese. He was recognized by the Patriarchs of Moscow and Antioch for his work while serving as a Diplomatic Envoy to the Patriarch of Antioch for his efforts during negotiations to bring about peace in the Middle East. His other notable achievements include the founding of the Arab American & Chaldean Council (ACC), which has since become the largest Social Services Organization in Michigan and the construction of the St. George Towers, a 14 story assisted living apartment complex. He was the founder and General Manager of the Antiochian Christian Orthodox Radio Network, an evangelical radio outreach program of the Orthodox Faith. He was also appointed by the Governor of Michigan as the Chairman of the Fair Campaign Practices Committee and advised the Clinton & Reagan Administrations on matters pertaining to Middle East issues and the resettlement of refugees. To those who were blessed to have known him and knew of his prominence, he always wanted to be regarded as a humble Priest from his adopted hometown of Beaumont, Texas, however; our Lord had a greater purpose for him and he rose to become the confidant and advisor to both rich and poor and the champion of the causes of the common man. His impact was far reaching and on a global scale and only God knows the extent that he has made our world a better place. May his memory be eternal.
Survivors include his wife, Louise Hugh Badeen; daughter, Farida Badeen of Beaumont; sons, James Badeen and his wife, Linda, of New Hudson, Michigan; George Badeen and his wife, Geralyn, of Northville, Michigan; brother, Fouad Badeen and his wife, Antoinette, of Junae, Lebanon; sister, Vivian Badeen of Damascus, Syria; and grandchildren, Kevin Badeen and his wife, Trish, of Austin, Texas; Dana Badeen of Shanghai, China; John R. Badeen of Plymouth Michigan; Michael Badeen and his wife, Nicole of Canton, Michigan; and Christy Ann Badeen of Redford, Michigan.
A private service is planned under the direction of Broussard's, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Archangel Gabriel Mission, 1237 Eraste Landry Road, Lafayette, Louisiana 70506. -
Obituary by Broussard's Mortuary.
The Rev. John Badeen loved aiding those in need: supporting struggling immigrantstudents, urging gift-basket bearers at his church to give to the less fortunate in the community instead.
That guided him while launching the Arab American and Chaldean Council, a nonprofit that aims to help Middle Eastern immigrants and others overcome obstacles finding jobs, health care and more.
"Father Badeen was a role model for humanity and a true humanitarian, caring person," said Haifa Fakhouri, the council's president/CEO. "He dedicated his life to help the needy and the destitute in the community."
Father Badeen, the group's co-founder and its first chairman, died Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2013, in Texas after multiple health issues. He was 86.
In the late 1970s, while leading St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church of Detroit, the ordained priest witnessed the struggles of recent refugees and other foreigners seeking resources. So he, Fakhouri and others gathered to launch a group to address their needs.
Once in a small office in Detroit, the Arab American and Chaldean Council evolved into a major group connecting thousands of clients across the region with services such as counseling and health care.
Father Badeen continuously advocated for them and reminded peers of their mission, Fakhouri said: "He was the main pillar of ACC, for better or worse."
While serving at St. George, Father Badeen joined annual efforts to distribute food and other items to the residents in need. He also helped establish the St. George Tower, a subsidized housing community in Clinton Township that serves senior citizens and others, said the Rev. Joseph Antypas, who succeeded him at the church, now in Troy.
"Father Badeen believed in order to go to heaven, you must serve the people who are on Earth," said Rev. George Shalhoub, a pastor in Livonia.
Father Badeen earned numerous honors and in 2010 was among founders to whom the Arab American and Chaldean Council's board of directors dedicated its headquarters, youth recreation/leadership center and an an adult learning site, the ACC website says. The council plans a college scholarship fund in his honor, Fakhouri said.
Relocating to Texas in 1985, he headed a church there for years, launched another in Louisiana, stayed active with the ACC and counseled others, said his daughter, Farida Badeen. "My father's vocabulary did not contain the word ‘no' when it came to help," she said.
Other survivors include his wife of 65 years, Louise, and sons James and George. Services are Monday in Texas.
From The Detroit News:
Prior to becoming a Priest of the Orthodox Christian Faith, Fr. John served in the Pacific Theater during WWII, as a Sailor aboard the Destroyer, USS Rooks. After the war, he attended several universities and colleges, earning degrees in Law, Political Science and Business Administration, and finally a Masters of Divinity, from Saint Vladimir's Seminary. Later, he married Louise, his wife of over 65 years, and was ordained to the Priesthood in 1961. During his career as a Priest he served as the Pastor of five different Churches including St. Michael Church of Beaumont. He also served as the Chairman of the Archdiocese Insurance Commission, Director of the Department of Wills, Trust & Legacies, Chancellor to the Metropolitan Archbishop of North America, Chief Justice of the Ecclesiastic Court, as well as many other positions within the Archdiocese. He was recognized by the Patriarchs of Moscow and Antioch for his work while serving as a Diplomatic Envoy to the Patriarch of Antioch for his efforts during negotiations to bring about peace in the Middle East. His other notable achievements include the founding of the Arab American & Chaldean Council (ACC), which has since become the largest Social Services Organization in Michigan and the construction of the St. George Towers, a 14 story assisted living apartment complex. He was the founder and General Manager of the Antiochian Christian Orthodox Radio Network, an evangelical radio outreach program of the Orthodox Faith. He was also appointed by the Governor of Michigan as the Chairman of the Fair Campaign Practices Committee and advised the Clinton & Reagan Administrations on matters pertaining to Middle East issues and the resettlement of refugees. To those who were blessed to have known him and knew of his prominence, he always wanted to be regarded as a humble Priest from his adopted hometown of Beaumont, Texas, however; our Lord had a greater purpose for him and he rose to become the confidant and advisor to both rich and poor and the champion of the causes of the common man. His impact was far reaching and on a global scale and only God knows the extent that he has made our world a better place. May his memory be eternal.
Survivors include his wife, Louise Hugh Badeen; daughter, Farida Badeen of Beaumont; sons, James Badeen and his wife, Linda, of New Hudson, Michigan; George Badeen and his wife, Geralyn, of Northville, Michigan; brother, Fouad Badeen and his wife, Antoinette, of Junae, Lebanon; sister, Vivian Badeen of Damascus, Syria; and grandchildren, Kevin Badeen and his wife, Trish, of Austin, Texas; Dana Badeen of Shanghai, China; John R. Badeen of Plymouth Michigan; Michael Badeen and his wife, Nicole of Canton, Michigan; and Christy Ann Badeen of Redford, Michigan.
A private service is planned under the direction of Broussard's, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Archangel Gabriel Mission, 1237 Eraste Landry Road, Lafayette, Louisiana 70506. -
Obituary by Broussard's Mortuary.
The Rev. John Badeen loved aiding those in need: supporting struggling immigrantstudents, urging gift-basket bearers at his church to give to the less fortunate in the community instead.
That guided him while launching the Arab American and Chaldean Council, a nonprofit that aims to help Middle Eastern immigrants and others overcome obstacles finding jobs, health care and more.
"Father Badeen was a role model for humanity and a true humanitarian, caring person," said Haifa Fakhouri, the council's president/CEO. "He dedicated his life to help the needy and the destitute in the community."
Father Badeen, the group's co-founder and its first chairman, died Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2013, in Texas after multiple health issues. He was 86.
In the late 1970s, while leading St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church of Detroit, the ordained priest witnessed the struggles of recent refugees and other foreigners seeking resources. So he, Fakhouri and others gathered to launch a group to address their needs.
Once in a small office in Detroit, the Arab American and Chaldean Council evolved into a major group connecting thousands of clients across the region with services such as counseling and health care.
Father Badeen continuously advocated for them and reminded peers of their mission, Fakhouri said: "He was the main pillar of ACC, for better or worse."
While serving at St. George, Father Badeen joined annual efforts to distribute food and other items to the residents in need. He also helped establish the St. George Tower, a subsidized housing community in Clinton Township that serves senior citizens and others, said the Rev. Joseph Antypas, who succeeded him at the church, now in Troy.
"Father Badeen believed in order to go to heaven, you must serve the people who are on Earth," said Rev. George Shalhoub, a pastor in Livonia.
Father Badeen earned numerous honors and in 2010 was among founders to whom the Arab American and Chaldean Council's board of directors dedicated its headquarters, youth recreation/leadership center and an an adult learning site, the ACC website says. The council plans a college scholarship fund in his honor, Fakhouri said.
Relocating to Texas in 1985, he headed a church there for years, launched another in Louisiana, stayed active with the ACC and counseled others, said his daughter, Farida Badeen. "My father's vocabulary did not contain the word ‘no' when it came to help," she said.
Other survivors include his wife of 65 years, Louise, and sons James and George. Services are Monday in Texas.
From The Detroit News:
