WESTFIELD, NJ – [Photos: Douglas John Photography]
The Metropolis of New Jersey held its annual Christmas Tree Lighting on December 18 at the Metropolis Headquarters in Westfield, NJ. His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey welcomed faithful from across the Metropolis along with Members of the Metropolis Council, Metropolis Philoptochos, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and guest of Honor Consul General of the Republic of Cyprus in New York Kyriakos Pogiatzis.
After the celebration and chanting of a Doxology prayed in celebration of the Nativity season, His Eminence addressed all present, thanking them for coming to celebrate the Nativity of the Lord and their fellowship.
His Eminence then welcomed and expressed his gratitude to the Consul General of Cyprus for his participation in the celebration. Pogiatzis thanked His Eminence for the invitation and expressed her best wishes to all the people of the Metropolis of New Jersey for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Metropolitan Apostolos then lit the Christmas tree and led the singing of traditional carols in Greek and English. Following the caroling, His Eminence invited all to a dinner reception.
At the dinner, Metropolitan Apostolos recognized Metropolis Office Director Georgia Vlitas and presented her with a small gift for her years of volunteering her time and effort managing the day- to -day business of the Metropolis office. Additionally, Metropolis Philoptochos Vice President Diane Saphos presented His Eminence and the Metropolis a donation on behalf of the Metropolis Philoptochos. The night was a beautiful display of Christmas spirit. His Eminence thanked all those who came and shared their fellowship and love.
Below is His Eminence’s Address:
Beloved Rev. Fathers, presvyteres , Philoptochos ladies, dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
With joy and gratitude to God, we gather this evening to light the Christmas Tree of our Metropolis and to prepare our hearts for the beautiful Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The light we see shining before us reminds us of Christ, “the true Light which enlightens every person coming into the world” (John 1:9). He comes quietly, in humility and love, to warm our hearts and to bring hope to a world often burdened by worry and uncertainty. As Saint Athanasius teaches us, the Son of God became man so that we might share in His life and love.
The Gospel assures us that “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1:5). No matter the difficulties we face, the light of Christ is stronger than every fear. Saint John Chrysostom reminds us that this light cannot be extinguished, because it comes from God Himself.
Our Lord invites each of us: “Let your light so shine before others” (Matthew 5:16). This happens especially in our homes, when parents teach their children to pray, to love, to forgive, and to care for one another. As Saint Basil the Great reminds us, our faith is shown most clearly through lives shaped by kindness and mercy.
As we draw near to Bethlehem, let us hear the joyful call of Saint Gregory the Theologian: “Christ is born—glorify Him!” May the angelic hymn of peace—“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace” (Luke 2:14)—fill every home with warmth and hope.
My beloved, Let us pray, especially for our families, that the Lord may bless them with unity, patience, and mutual love. May our homes become small churches, filled with prayer, forgiveness, and warmth. For our children, let’s ask God-Emanuel to surround them with His protection, to guide their steps, and to fill their lives with joy, faith, and hope.
May the newborn Christ bring peace to your homes, comfort to your hearts, and light to your lives.
Blessed and joyful Nativity to you all!
