Welcome Message
It is with heartfelt joy and deep gratitude that, on behalf of my colleagues in the Orthodox Educational Society (OES) Board of Directors, I welcome you to our official website. This space is more than a source of information; it is a meeting place that brings together our students and families, alumni, teachers, partners and donors, the General Assembly, and the wider community we are privileged to serve.
Our story began in the early 1950s, when Palestinian families, forcefully displaced from their homeland, carried with them a steadfast devotion to faith, education, and service. Out of this devotion, a group of young men, inspired by both patriotic and spiritual duty, came together to establish Sunday Schools and community initiatives that nurtured and supported the wider community. In 1957, their vision grew into education, and the Orthodox Educational Society was formally established, registered the following year as one of the Kingdom’s earliest charitable organizations.
Since then, OES has thrived through the active participation of its General Assembly, whose presence continues to sustain our progress. Alongside the Assembly, committees dedicated to education, culture, finance, and community service have carried forward our mission with shared responsibility, ensuring OES remains rooted in heritage while embracing growth. As the daughter of a former chairperson of the OES Board of Directors, I feel deeply connected to this legacy of devotion, a legacy built by generations whose faith and dedication continue to guide our path.
The National Orthodox Schools in Shmaisani and Ashrafieh, including their kindergartens, embody the legacy of OES. Over the decades, our schools have turned out thousands of alumni whose success and leadership personify OES’s values. Their achievements enrich communities and extend the Society’s mission through both their accomplishments and their enduring connection to OES. OES places great value on its teachers and educators, providing continued professional development that nurtures their growth and ensures high-quality education for our students. This, in turn, enriches the wider community — which brings us pride and fulfills our mission.
Building on this solid foundation, we are preparing to establish a new school in Umm ElKundum, broadening our reach to more families and enriching the educational landscape with an additional campus. This new school will complement the distinguished work of our existing institutions by introducing a career-related programme, internationally accredited, to prepare students for both academic and professional success.
Our vision embraces not only academic excellence but also spiritual growth. Through our Sunday Schools, we nurture faith, values, and a sense of belonging among younger generations. The Theological Training Program embodies our mission to equip Sunday School servants, educators, and future clergy with the knowledge and spiritual depth needed to guide our community, enrich religious education, and sustain the Orthodox faith across generations.
We also take pride in our community initiatives that embody compassion and solidarity. Each year, more than 500 families benefit from programs such as the Winter and Easter Goodwill Campaigns, the Student Support Fund, and ongoing monthly assistance. Alongside these efforts, the Ashrafieh School provides subsidized learning for all its students, reflecting our commitment to making quality education accessible to families across diverse backgrounds. OES has always sought to create an environment where differences fade, and our schools remain open and welcoming to families from all components of our Jordanian society.
As a living expression of the Society’s mission, and in continuity with the path laid down by our founders and the boards that preceded us, we thank God for the blessing that enabled us to donate, as a gift, a piece of land in the Umm ElKundum area to the Orthodox Archdiocese of Jordan. Upon it, a new church will be built — a witness to faith and a pillar of unity for our community.
Looking ahead, the Umm ElKundum Master Plan represents our long-term vision to unite educational, cultural, spiritual, and social facilities in one comprehensive hub. It reflects our determination to build sustainably for generations to come, ensuring that learning and community life continue to flourish side by side.
We warmly invite you to explore our website, discover more about our schools, initiatives, and the important work of our committees, and join us in shaping a future of excellence, compassion, and service. Together with our alumni, teachers, students and parents, partners and donors, and the General Assembly, we will continue to strengthen this mission. We look forward to walking this journey with you, hand in hand, for generations to come.
Narmine Michel Sindaha
Chairperson
OES Board of Directors
The Orthodox Educational Society