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# Metr. Saba Continues Archpastoral Tour of Texas Parishes
- URL: https://uoj.news/news/86212-metr-saba-continues-archpastoral-tour-of-texas-parishes/
- Published: 2026-01-23T10:30:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-25T16:12:30.000Z
- Description: Metr. Saba continues a multi-city Texas tour to ordain clergy, teach, and strengthen Orthodox parish communities.
- Author: Tobias Straney
- Tags: #Category: News, Metropolitan Saba (Isper), Texas, Archpastoral Visit

**HOUSTON, TX —** From January 16–February 2, His Eminence Metr. Saba is [visiting parishes](https://www.antiochian.org/regulararticle/2708) in Houston, Austin, and San Antonio to ordain clergy, elevate an archpriest, and engage with local communities. His tour began at St. Anthony the Great Church in Spring, Texas, where he celebrated the patronal feast, emphasized ascetical life, and elevated Fr. John Ballard to archpriest.

Subsequent visits include Holy Transfiguration Mission of Kingwood, Holy Forty Martyrs of Sebaste in Sugar Land, St. Silouan the Athonite in College Station, and St. Joseph the Betrothed in Houston. At each parish thus far, Metr. Saba presided at Divine Liturgies and Vespers, tonsured readers, shared theological guidance, and encouraged faithful engagement with sacramental life.

[![](https://uoj.news/content/images/2026/01/86167-metr-saba-names-new-leader-for-antiochian-missions-effort-fb6ac2ae8813.jpg)On this topicMetr. Saba Names New Leader for Antiochian Missions Effort](https://uoj.news/news/86167-metr-saba-names-new-leader-for-antiochian-missions-effort/)

Metr. Saba also met with young adults, discussed theosis and spiritual growth, and offered pastoral advice on daily Christian living. Across all visits, he stressed the importance of remaining connected to the Orthodox Church, fostering community, and nurturing faith in children and youth.  
  
Previously, the [UOJ reported](https://uoj.news/news/85756-over-13-million-raised-antiochian-women-honor-priests-widows/) that the Widowed Clergy Wives Endowment Fund had raised more than $1.3 million.