Sub Deacon Mazen Khalifeh was born in 1957 in the city of Amman, Jordan. He is the youngest of 7 siblings. Since the age of 9 in Amman he served as an altar boy, never missing a Sunday at church. He came to the United States in May 1974 at the age of 17. He attended Amundsen High School for 2 years. He continued his education attending Wilber Wright College. He received his Associates Degree in data processing.
In America he continued attending church every Sunday, taking the bus if necessary. He served as an acolyte at St. George under a number of priests. In 1983, he began working at the Secretary of State as a pony driver, working his way up to becoming Supervisor at the D.M.V. in Bridgeview, IL, after 32 years of service. He went to Jordan in 1984 and there he got married to his wife Amal. They came back to the U.S. together where they lived in a small apartment in Cicero to be close to the church.
In 1994, when the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary wept, Bishop Antoun ordained him Subdeacon. He continues to play a big role in the altar and will continue for many more, God willing!
Subdeacon Mazen has had the privilege of serving for many years in the Church, under many bishops as well. His experience is noticeable in our services, and his presence as well.
He is blessed with 3 children Samer (1985), Andrew (1988), and Christina (1993).