UPPER DARBY, PA – [photos & story by Steve Lambrou]
St. Demetrios Church in Upper Darby, PA, bid farewell to Rev. Presbyter Gregory Gilbert who has started his new assignment to St. John the Theologian Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Tenafly, NJ, effective February 1, with the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.
The parish held an event in honor of Fr. Gregory on January 28. Parish Council President Michael Economou offered the following words as a farewell tribute:
“Today, we are not gathered here at St. Demetrios Community Center to merely say ‘goodbye and farewell’ to our priest and dear friend Fr. Gregory Gilbert, but to honor his service to our beloved St. Demetrios Church as he turns the page to a new chapter, in his life as a faithful servant of our great and Holy Greek Orthodox Church. Father, Presvytera Katherine and their five beautiful children have made an indelible mark on all of our lives the past six years.
Economou continued: “St. Demetrios was, and will always be, his home. He was ordained a priest here in October 2015 and returned two years later in September 2017 and until the present as our presiding priest. His life in the Priesthood, began here at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Upper Darby and he will always be considered a ‘St. Demetrian.’ We wish you well Fr. Gregory and appreciate all that you have done for our Parish. You, Presvytera and your children are positive role models for us all. Thank you for your dedication, hard work and spiritual leadership. You will surely be missed.”
