Christina Shaheen Reimann, M. A.

Christina Shaheen Reimann

Christina, the daughter of a priest, was nurtured in several parishes of the Antiochian Archdiocese of America. She taught and helped to run Sunday schools, held several offices in SOYO (Syrian Orthodox Youth Organization), sang in choirs, and served as a chanter. Her successful participation in oratorical festivals and Bible bowls inspired her love of preaching. She has since given numerous sermons in various parishes.

Christina received her B.A. in education from Hellenic College where she served as chapel chairperson. She went on to obtain a Master's degree in theology from St. Vladimir's Seminary and then a Master's degree in education and a certificate in drug and alcohol counseling from the University of Massachusetts. While working on her degrees, Christina served at Antiochian Village in various capacities.

While pursuing a career as a special needs educator and substance abuse counselor, Christina has led retreats and given talks at a number of churches. She also recently spoke on the ministry of Orthodox women at a Conference of the World Council of Churches.

"My desire to work on this journal stems from my gifts of teaching and counseling, as well as from my gift of writing," remarks Christina. "I want to encourage other women and men to use their gifts to the glory of God and to learn more about our faith so we can better witness to Christ and serve His Church in our often fragmented society."

Christina chants and sings at St. Nicholas Church in Los Angeles, where her husband serves as the second priest. She is chaplain to the Ladies' Society of her parish and she is active in offering pastoral ministry to others. Christina has a special interest in Orthodox pastoral ministry about which she is currently writing.

• Click here to read articles by Khouria Reimann from the pages of the Quarterly.