TENAFLY, NJ – [Photos: Douglas John Photography]
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey, in collaboration with the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, marked a dual celebration on June 25 at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint John the Theologian in Tenafly highlighted by Hierarchical Vespers and a Lecture in honor of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s ministry and Metropolitan Apostolos’s nameday.
His Eminence was joined by 250 faithful including Metropolis clergy, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and laity for the Great Vespers in anticipation of his name day, the Synaxis of the 12 Apostles.
At the conclusion of the service, Metropolis Chancellor Rev. Protopresbyter Gregory Gilbert addressed Metropolitan Apostolos on behalf of the clergy and lay people of the Metropolis, praising his fatherly care and pastoral leadership.
“Your Eminence, for three years now, this Metropolis has come to know you as a deeply attentive and loving Father, one who strives fervently, day in and day out, to care for his spiritual flock ensuring they are nurtured and able to flourish within their spiritual homes, the parishes under your omophorion”, he said noting that “just as the Holy Apostles, whose feast we celebrate and whose name you bear, gathered around Christ and learned from Him how to shepherd their flocks, so too do we, the Clergy of this Metropolis, look to Your Eminence as the model and inspiration for our own paternal ministry”.
After thanking Fr. Gregory and the faithful for their prayers, Metropolitan Apostolos recognized the ministry of Fr. Emmanuel Pratsinakis, who has served the Church for nearly 51 years. His Eminence presented him with a pectoral cross, honoring his steadfast priestly service and recalling St. Paul’s words: “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek.” (Heb 7:17).
His Eminence, joined by Metropolis Philoptochos President Eleni Constantinides, then awarded scholarships from the Walking with Christ initiative to the Metropolis seminarians. A total of $48,000 was distributed to nine seminarians through the generosity of the Philoptochos and faithful of the Metropolis.
Archon Symposium Honoring His All-Holiness
Following Vespers, the Archon Symposium honoring the 35 years of His All-Holiness took place in the Fr. Socrates C. Tsamutalis Cultural Center. The Cathedral youth dance group “Ta Theologakia” opened the evening with a performance of Constantinopolitan and Rhodian dances.
Event Co-Chairs Archon Michael D. Camarinos, Esq. and Archon George A. Tsougarakis, Esq. offered opening remarks and introduced featured speaker Archon George E. Demacopoulos, PhD, who presented on the historical significance of His All-Holiness’s ministry as Ecumenical Patriarch.
Dr. Demacopoulos’ presentation was followed by a video and spoken address by Archon National Commander Dr. Anthony Limberakis, who lauded the ministries of both His All-Holiness and Metropolitan Apostolos. As president of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation, he announced that the Endowment reserve had reached $40 million and encouraged continued support to ensure the Patriarchate’s financial independence and enduring mission.
Consul Generals of Greece and Cyprus in New York, Iphigenia Kanara and Kyriakos Pogiatzis, respectively, also offered their best wishes for His Eminence’s name day and commented on the dynamic persona of His All-Holiness.
Metropolitan Apostolos’ Closing Remarks
In his hierarchical remarks, Metropolitan Apostolos praised the unique and humble personality of His All-Holiness, noting, inter alia, that “In the person of His All-Holiness, we behold a Patriarch who exemplifies the patristic ideal of sacrificial service, pastoral responsibility, and evangelical love; a worthy successor to the illustrious Patriarchs of Constantinople; a shepherd who has borne the burdens of his office with dignity and courage; and a spiritual father whose voice continues to resonate far beyond the confines of the Phanar. For thirty-five years he has kept alight the lamp of Orthodoxy at the Sacred Center of our faith, offering to the world a compelling witness of truth, reconciliation, and hope”.
The evening concluded with a joyful reception featuring a dance performance by the Cathedral’s GOYA youth.
