WESTFIELD, NJ – [Photos by Douglas John Photography]
With the participation of almost 200 clergy and lay delegates representing the 55 parishes of the Holy Metropolis, as well as, over 85 Philoptochos representatives, the Metropolis of New Jersey Annual Clergy Laity Assembly and Philoptochos Convention was held on April 29 at The Waterfall in Claymont, DE, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey.
His Eminence offered the prayer service to officially open the Assembly and welcomed Archbishop Elpidophoros, expressing his gratitude and appreciation that the he was able to join him and the clergy and faithful of the Metropolis of New Jersey for this Assembly. Additionally, Metropolitan Apostolos also offered sentiments of welcome to all of the delegates and thanked them for traveling from throughout the Metropolis in order to participate in this most important event in the life of Church, our Archdiocese, and our Metropolis.
In his opening remarks His Eminence spoke about the work that has taken place over the last year since the 2024 Metropolis Clergy Laity. He reflected on his travels and parishes visits throughout out the Metropolis and announced that next month he will be visiting in one weekend 3 parishes in Virginia, fulfilling his commitment to visit all of the parishes in our Metropolis as soon as possible. His Eminence spoke about the highly successful inaugural, Music & Dance Festival (MDF) and how incredible it was to bring together over 600 participants and thousands of people in one place in Philadelphia, celebrating our faith and our heritage. He also joyfully announced that just before Palm Sunday the parish of Holy Apostles in Dulles, Virginia had completed the purchase and received the keys to their new house of worship.
Throughout his remarks Metropolitan Apostolos focused on the theme of the Clergy Laity: “If you ask Me for anything in My name, I will do it” (John 14:14), stating that all of these amazing accomplishments over this past year have happened because of our prayers to our Lord, as He makes all things possible.
In his Archpastoral remarks, Archbishop Elpidophoros called the attendees to ask themselves, “What is the special purpose that God has called us to, as we strive to serve our parishes and this Metropolis?” He also stressed that “how we do the work of the Church is as important – indeed, more important – than the work itself. God has created the entire universe – without the slightest assistance from us. If God so wills a thing, then the thing is done. Our part is to do whatever we are called to do with the virtues of our Faith, or as Saint Paul lists them, the Fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control.”
In the afternoon, Metropolitan Apostolos participated in the annual Metropolis Philoptochos Convention offering them his words of appreciation and encouragement for their amazing philanthropic work, asking them to continue with renewed spirt and vigor this work of our Church to help the needy and to bring Christ to all those in despair. His Eminence also presented the president of the Metropolis Philoptochos, Eleni Constantinides with a commemorative plaque in recognition of her dedicated service to the Philoptochos.
Throughout the day various presentations were offered on the finances of the Metropolis, the total commitment/benefits funding, the work of the Audit committee, the youth and young adult ministries, religious education, the legal committee report and the communications report. Additionally, the delegates were blessed with interesting presentations offered by Dr. Demetrios Katos, the President of Hellenic College/Holy Cross, Ms. Rhea Ballas on Youth Safety, and Mrs. Melpomeni Murdakes on the Parish Initiative Program of our Archdiocese. The highlight of the presentations was the wonderful video offers by Archdeacon Konstantinos which offered amazing highlights of the recently held MDF.
Before officially closing the 2025 Metropolis of New Jersey Clergy Laity Assembly, His Eminence first thanked the members of the staff of the Metropolis, the members of the Metropolis Council and the Rev. Clergy for their wonderful and selfless work and commitment to the success of all the works and ministries. Metropolitan Apostolos continued by expressing his emphasis for the ministry to our young people, asking the clergy and delegates to return to their parish and to give focus to the youth programs, working to improve and create new ministries that will bring our children closer to Christ.
[Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey]
