CHERRY HILL, NJ – [photos: Steve Lambrou]
On Sunday, September 7, Saint Thomas Greek Orthodox Church community of Cherry Hill, NJ, welcomed Fr. Georgios Oikonomou as its new Proistamenos. It was a joyful day for the parish as it received its new spiritual leader assigned by His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos as of September 1, 2025. Presvytera Anna and their five children, Ioannis, Stella, Gregory, Arsenios and Loukas were seated in the front of the church and were also welcomed by parishioners in this vibrant Greek Orthodox community.
The packed congregation came not only to mark the beginning of the new Ecclesiastical year but also to lend its support open armed of Father Georgios and his family. At the solea, after services, Fr. Georgios wholeheartedly thanked Metropolitan Apostolos and spoke to the parishioners on the self-evidence of their dedication to the church through their overwhelming attendance, considerable renovations, iconography, and vibrant ministries. He thanked all of the church’s previous clergy as well as its Parish Council, Philoptochos, and all of its organizations, including the Hellenic Afternoon school, the largest such school in the Metropolis of New Jersey.
Fr. Oikonomou also thanked the church’s longtime assistant clergy Fr. Flourin and his family, expressing gratitude for the privilege of serving with him at the Holy Altar. He noted that he looks forward to meeting each and every parishioner personally and on behalf of his family extended his warm wishes to the congregation.
St. Thomas Parish Council President Archon Anastasios Efstratiades was recognized, noting how Fr. Georgios studied all of the church’s considerable ministries with the help of its prior proistamenos, Fr. Avgoustinos Psomas and is ready to meet the challenge of this flagship parish. He noted that the community will continue to thrive as one amongst the very best in the Metropolis and that he looks forward to Fr. Georgios’ leadership, continuing the community on the road to salvation and progress in its goals and programs. He announced a highlight of the church’s iconography program when completed will be a full panel dedicated to the life of its patron Saint, St. Thomas, which will be singularly unique throughout the world.
On behalf of the community, the Parish Council President presented a cross to the new proistamenos, relaying heartfelt community sentiments that St. Thomas the Apostle protect Father and his family always.
Also, on behalf of the Parish Council, Archon George Horiates brought forward the entire family to the solea. At that time each member of Fr. Oikonomou’s family was presented with welcoming gift bags with featuring official jerseys of the Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles.
The Parish Council and the Philoptochos hosted a luncheon in the Danielle Kousoulis Center Hall. As Fr. Georgios was brought forward, escorted by Parish Council President Efstratiades, the congregation warmly stood and applauded. From senior members well -wishers to even little children holding “Welcome Father” signs, the luncheon continued as shouts of AXIOS showered upon Fr. George and his family.
