St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Williamsburg, Virginia celebrated the tenth-year anniversary as a parish Saturday, March 9, 2024. His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America joined the St. Demetrios community to celebrate. His Eminence presided over Hierarchical Divine Liturgy Saturday morning and joined the parish for their community gala in the evening. 

Archbishop Elpidophoros praised the St. Demetrios community for its remarkable achievements within a short period as a parish. He underscored the significance of parishes such as St. Demetrios in contributing to community growth and progress over the next decade and beyond.

"That is why your parish is so important. Because our Orthodox Faith, the most authentic and realistic unfolding of the Lord’s Gospel – exemplified in our theology and worship – is a healing balm for our unique American challenges," Archbishop Elpidophoros remarked, "I know that we are a very small minority here in America. But we have a responsibility to the culture that surrounds us – no matter what its character is. Take heart in these two sayings of our Lord. First: Μὴ φοβοῦ τὸ μικρὸν ποίμνιον. Let the little flock not be afraid. (Luke 12:32) This saying has always been of great comfort to me, especially as I was born in Constantinople, where our Greek Orthodox community is now very few in number. But we were one community in Christ, under the loving eye of our father in Christ, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. This binds us in hope and confidence. The same is true here in Williamsburg as well."

Read His Eminence's Gala remarks here. 

Read His Eminence's Homily here.

Photos: Allison Niccole Creatives