Acclaimed activist and World War II veteran the Very Reverend Alfred John Badeen, of Beaumont, Texas, passed away at age 86 on Wednesday, Dec. 25. 

Badeen dedicated his life to community service and helping others. He was born on April 9, 1927, in Damascus, Syria. Badeen  was a minister for St. Michael Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church in Beaumont from 1966-1971 and again from 1985 until 1995. 

Prior to becoming a priest, Badeen served in the U.S. Navy in World War II. He was a sailor aboard the destroyer USS Rooks. After the war, he attended several universities and colleges, earning degrees in law, political science, business administration, and finally a masters of divinity from Saint Vladimir’s Seminary. 

Later, he married Louise, his wife of over 65 years, and was ordained to the priesthood in 1961. During his career as a priest, he served as the pastor of five different churches including St. Michael’s Church of Beaumont. 

Badeen.

He also served as the chairman of the Archdiocese Insurance Commission, director of the Department of Wills, Trust & Legacies, chancellor to the Metropolitan Archbishop of North America, chief justice of the Ecclesiastic Court, as well as many other positions within the Archdiocese. 

He was recognized by the Patriarchs of Moscow and Antioch for his work while serving as a diplomatic envoy to the Patriarch of Antioch for his efforts during negotiations to bring about peace in the Middle East. Badeen was a founding member of the Arab American & Chaldean Council (ACC), which has since become the largest social services organization in Michigan. “As a founder of the Arab American and Chaldean Council and its first Chairman, Father John Badeen was the backbone of ACC,” read a statement by the organization. “He served the council for over 35 years as our leader, mentor and friend. His passion, understanding, and dedication to serve the Arab American and Chaldean community was the driving force, which led Fr. Badeen to become a staunch leader in the establishment of ACC.”

Tallal Turfe, ACC’s former chair of board of directors, described Badeen as a “shining pillar of strength and endurance.”

“The loss of Father John is a loss for all who espouse to his example of compassion, empathy, and brotherhood,” he said. “He continues to resonate in our hearts, as his spirit captures the essence of a love that God had gifted him.”

Revrend Badeen was instrumental in the construction of the St. George Towers, a 14 story assisted living apartment complex. He was also the founder and general manager of the Antiochian Christian Orthodox Radio Network, an evangelical radio outreach program. 

He advised the Clinton & Reagan Administrations on matters pertaining to Middle East issues and the resettlement of refugees.

Badeen is survived by his wife, Louise Hugh Badeen; daughter Farida; sons James and George; brother Fouad; sister Vivian; and five grandchildren.