NEW YORK – GNUSA / by Revekka Papadopoulou [Photos: GANP/ Dimitrios Panagos]
Honoring a long‑standing tradition, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America once again presided this year at the Service of the Bridegroom (Orthros of Holy Wednesday) on Holy Tuesday evening at the Church of the Kimisis Tis Theotokou in Brooklyn. He was assisted by the parish’s presiding priest, Archimandrite Damaskinos Ganas, Archdeacon Dionysios Papiris, and Deacon Ieremias Mandoras.
A large number of faithful filled the church to hear the “Hymn of Kassiani,” one of the most beautiful hymns of Byzantine hymnography, rendered exquisitely by the parish’s Protopsaltis Dimitrios Kehagias, together with chanters Nikolaos Rallis, Nikolaos Chaldaiakis, and Nikolaos Nikolovienis.
At the very moment when Judas – a Disciple who has been with the Lord for three years, witnessed miracles, heard His teachings parables and sermons, and enjoyed the presence of the Creator—turns his face away from the Light and descends into betrayal and self‑destruction, the Sinful Woman, who lived in darkness and the shadow of death, recognizes the divinity of Christ and approaches Him with repentance and love.
“This contrast,” the Archbishop emphasized, “reveals the possibilities of human freedom. The Church calls us to see ourselves in these two figures: we may live close to the Church and yet drift away through our own choices; or we may live far from grace and, with one act of genuine faith, find ourselves within the power of the Resurrection. The choice is ours, and God—‘whose mercy is beyond measure’—always waits for us to respond to His call”.
Archimandrite Damaskinos Ganas, presiding priest of the historic community, welcomed the Archbishop, expressing “the deep love, respect, and appreciation” of the parishioners, as well as their joy that “you continue a wonderful tradition of so many years established by your predecessors”. He added, “Kimisis Tis Theotokou and the Hymn of Kassiani without the presence of the Archbishop means nothing”, to which the Archbishop replied, “And the Hymn of Kassiani without the Kimisis cannot happen!”
“Here at the Dormition, as in every community, we build and continue to preserve what we have, inspired by the beautiful theme you chose this year for the Clergy‑Laity Assembly in Cleveland: Rise and Build. This is what we follow”, Fr. Damaskinos noted.
Addressing the Archbishop, he added that “this beautiful vision you have is beginning to bear fruit, and that is why Rise & Build is a foundational principle for all of us. We at the Kimisis stand with you,” urging him to continue “with the same enthusiasm and strength so that this vision may be fulfilled, and so that we may see our Holy Archdiocese in the 21st century as you envision it—and as we desire it.”
The Archbishop, in turn, expressed his joy at being once again at this parish. “When I come to this community, my heart finds rest”, he said, noting that this parish serves as an example for all others. He also praised the choir of chanters, calling them “angels and archangels who chant every year”.
He made special mention of the young girls and altar boys standing honorably before the icon of the Bridegroom.
He also remarked that as a people, we are blessed to have such a faith, such teachings, such a tradition, and such a national identity. “Teach our faith and our values to your children and grandchildren”, he urged the congregation.
His Eminence was welcomed, together with Fr. Damaskinos, by the parish council president Antonis Grigos. The capable Philoptochos Society, led by Anna Magriplis, along with the dynamic ladies of the St. Markella Sisterhood under the leadership of Stella Kafkis, prepared the Lenten dinner that followed.
