Deacon Sami was born in San Francisco, CA. His parents emigrated from Ramallah, Palestine. His education includes: a B.A. in Computer Science from the University of California, Berkeley; an M.B.A from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; a Master in Theological Studies from Spring Hill College.

He has a long career in high technology marketing where he has helped organizations accelerate their growth and generate revenue.

Originally raised as a Latin Catholic, he is married to Lourice Zarour, a Melkite. She is a litigation paralegal for a law firm focused in the real estate market. They have two children, Tania and John. All have been greatly involved in the life of their Melkite parish. Lourice has been involved with the Parish Advisory Council, Ladies Society, Good Samaritan Society, Mid East Festival, Ushers and has served as Chair of Children’s Activities and is presently the Parish Liaison of the National Association of Melkite Women (NAMW). Tania is a member of the Parish Choir and is attending Kennesaw State University studying nursing. John has been an Altar Server for several years.

Dn. Sami has been an integral participant in the Parish Advisory Council, Investment Committee, Men’s Club, and Mid East Festival. He has served for several years as the Chair of both the Finance Council and also the Building and Property Council.

He officially requested a Transfer of Rite and was inscripted into the Melkite Church on June 28, 2006.

Beginning to feel the desire to involve himself in a closer relationship with his faith, he began offering his services as an adult Altar Server. He moved from that to formally being approved to enter the Diaconate Formation Program of our Eparchy. After four years, he completed his diaconal studies with St. Gregory Melkite Seminary and was ordained a deacon by Bishop Nicholas Samra here at St. John Chrysostom Church on Nov. 18, 2012.

Dn. Sami is an avid reader regarding Catholic and Eastern spirituality and lifelong learner to grow in Christ.