by Lydia Istomina
In the sanctity of my office, I was graced with the story of Jeanette Issa, and her husband, Fr. Elias George Boulos. The power of a name—its significance, its history, its symbolism—was made profoundly evident to me. For in his birth name, Boulos, was not just a name, but a declaration of faith in a land where that faith made life arduous. A name, simple yet profound, had the might to dictate the trajectory of his father George’s life. The decision to change it to Issa was not merely to adopt a new identity but to survive and thrive in a predominantly Muslim society. Yet, the resilience of the spirit shone through when, decades later, Fr. Elias George reclaimed the name Boulos, a testament to the love and reverence he held for his lineage and faith. His journey reminds us that names are more than mere words; they bear the weight of our histories, identities, and convictions. Fr. Elias George Boulos of St. Basil the Great Church stands as a beacon, reminding us all of the enduring power and legacy of a name.
