NEW YORK, NY – GreekNews USA
A historic occasion was celebrated at the parish of the Holy Resurrection in Brookville with the grand opening and the ribbon cutting of its Expansion Project on December 16. The event was attended by a joyous gathering of more than 300 parishioners, distinguished guests, and community leaders, making it a memorable day for all.
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America graced the occasion with his presence and addressed the congregation, stating, “As you work together for your parish by ministering and being of service to one another, you grow in love. You become friends in Christ, beloved brothers and sisters in the Lord and this is the key to understanding the why of our faith. Brotherly and sisterly love unlocks the deeper mystery of our faith.”
His Eminence officiated at the Agiasmos service at the church of the Holy Resurrection assisted by parish presiding priest Fr. Panteleimon Papadopoulos, Chancellor of the Archdiocesan District, Fr. Elias Villis, Vicar of Nassau County, Fr. Nikiforos Fakinos of St. Demetrios Merrick, Fr. Vasilios Louros of Zoodohos Peghe Bronx, and Fr. Alexander Gratsias of St. Nicholas at the World Trade Center.
His Eminence led the congregation throughout the new facility, blessing it. He also symbolically inaugurated the new Athletic Facility by taking the first shot, marking the beginning of a new era for this vibrant Long Island Greek Orthodox parish. In the end, it was one of Holy Resurrection’s youth, Demetrios Koutsagelos, who made the first shot! Score: two points for Holy Resurrection!
Attending the joyous event were Archbishop Demetrios, formerly of America, along with a number of dignitaries including Consul General of Greece in NY Dinos Konstantinou, Justice Helen Voutsinas of the 2nd Department of the New York Supreme Court Appellate Division, Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz [NYS Assembly District 15], Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor, Joseph Saladino, Town of Oyster Bay Councilman, Louis Imbroto, Mayor of the Village of Brookville Daniel Serota, Mayor of The City of Glen Cove, Pamela Panzenbeck, Former U.S. Congressman, Tom Suozzi, Deputy Mayor of the City of Glen Cove Donna McNaughton, City of Glen Cove Councilman Grady Farnan, and Councilman Elect of The City of Glen Cove, Michael Ktistakis. Their presence underscored the significance of the Expansion Project for both the religious and local communities.
The expansion project represents a significant milestone in the history of the Church of the Holy Resurrection, reflecting its commitment to growth, community engagement, and fostering a welcoming environment for parishioners. The new Athletic Center, one of the key components of the expansion, will serve as a focal point for community activities and sporting events for our youth, such as our dynamic Camp G-1 and Archdiocesan Basketball and Volleyball ministries.
“We are thrilled to unveil this remarkable expansion, and we are grateful for the overwhelming support from our parishioners, the Archdiocese, community leaders, and esteemed guests who joined us in celebrating this momentous day,” said Stephanie Clark, President of the Church of the Holy Resurrection under whose tenure the construction was commenced and completed. “This project is a testament to our dedication to both our faith and our community, and we look forward to the positive impact it will have on the lives of those we serve.”
In his remarks, Father Panteleimon Papadopoulos, brought to the forefront the letter of St. Paul to the Phillipians quoting, “Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:13-14) With these words of the saint, Father added his own benediction for this occasion saying, “By God’s Grace, if He gives us strength, we will never take a step backwards. We will keep pushing forward as St. Paul says “towards the goal.” To give these kids a much brighter and much more beautiful future. I hope and pray that all of us, civil, religious, our families, and communities can join and partner in this sacred mission to make a better world for our children.”
The Church of the Holy Resurrection extended its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the Expansion Project, to all those who supported this project from their heart with their resources, their time, their volunteerism and in every other way, noting that “Your love and prayers have brought us this far. May we be blessed to continue to serve Christ and make our community “on earth as it is in heaven.”
“Through the challenges of COVID and other economic difficulties that plagued the world this community stood in full support. There is much more work ahead, however, with God’s help we will continue to inspire giving from the heart with joy in order to completely pay off this project”, the Holy Resurrection parish states in a press release.
