REMARKS

By His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America

At the Awarding of the Saint Paul Medal to

Stella & James Pantelides

Holy Trinity Archdiocesan Cathedral

New York, New York

December 24, 2022

Reverend Fathers and esteemed Parish Council members,

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

Today, as we commence our celebrations of the greatest gift the world has ever received, I would like to recognize two members of our Cathedral in a very special way. Because they are both wondrous and precious gifts – not just for our Cathedral family, but for the Archdiocese as a whole, and indeed the entire Omogeneia.

James and Stella Pantelides

You both are such outstanding members of our community, standing – as it says in the Book of Revelation – as “pillars in the Temple of God, fixed and immovable.”[*]

Today, your Archdiocese wishes to recognize the both of you with its highest honor. As a couple, you are an example of what is best in a family. And as individuals, you are examples of true service to the Church.

Stella, you have been such a presence here at the Cathedral – a blessing at every turn!

And Jimmy, you are truly our Marathon Man – manifesting faith, determination, patience and true grit in your every endeavor.

Both of you have offered to this community and to the entirety of the Church innumerable blessings. Whether it was to the local Philoptochos and Parish Council, or to the national ministries like Leadership One Hundred and the Order of Saint Andrew. You are always there for us, and we want you to know that we are there for you as well!

Today, we embrace you with our highest award, the Medal of Saint Paul, as a token of our high esteem, deep appreciation and genuine love for you both.

I pray that God will bless you and your family abundantly – with every good and perfect spiritual gift from on high. May your hearts always be filled with the love that you have shared with so many through the decades.

Thank you for your service to Christ and His Holy Church.

Thank you for your bright and shining presence among us.

Thank you … for being you.

Χριστὸς γεννᾶται! Δοξάσατε! Christ is Born! Glorify Him!