CHERRY HILL, NJ – [Photos by Steve Lambrou]
His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey presided over the Great Vespers on May 11 and officiated at the Divine Liturgy on May 12 for the feast of St. Thomas at the only church throughout the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese that is named after this Apostle of our Lord, St. Thomas in Cherry Hill, NJ.
Led by presiding priest V. Rev. Avgoustinos Psomas and its Parish Council President Anastasios Efstratiades, the congregation not only celebrated the vespers of its patron saint on Saturday evening, but also the birthday of Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey. A heartfelt reception, hosted by the local St. Irene Philoptochos Society led by its President Rania Pappas followed the vespers service. There, members of the community, the clergy of the Delaware Valley, and a contingent of the Archons of the Order of Saint Andrew sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to His Eminence.
On Sunday, the community was led by His Eminence Apostolos in celebrating its Patron Saint. The dome of the church was adorned by the new iconography for all to see as the community is undergoing an ambitious iconography program. Each year, the community recognizes a parishioner for their service at the luncheon following the Feast Day of Saint Thomas. This year, the parish honored longtime parish council member Gerasimos Kappatos, who had endured a tragic accident two years ago and has undergone a miraculous comeback.
Much like the gospel of Saint Thomas, many were told secondhand of the miracle Gerasimos Kappatos experienced in recovering from the traumatic accident. Kappatos was honored with his wife and children by his side, in an emotional and heartfelt moment on this special Sunday which also happened to be Mother’s Day. Many recognized the need to believe with great faith without witnessing, as His Eminence so eloquently put it.
