On Holy Thursday in the Greek Orthodox Church we hear the emotion of the Twelve Gospels as we commemorate the death of Christ on the Cross. On this sacred and solemn day His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America visited St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Shrine Church in Flushing, NY. Presiding priest Paul Palesty, Assistant Priests Aristidis Garinis and Alexander Douvres, Archdeacon Dionysios and Deacon Jeremiah also participated in the service.

“This is the culmination of the observance of Christ’s Passion, where He suffered and died for our sins. Tonight, our service overwhelms our hearts and astonishes our minds, as we contemplate the vision of God crucified in the flesh. We stand in awe before the One Who suspended the land in the midst of the waters, and our planet in the midst of the stars, as He hangs upon the Cross for our redemption and eternal life.We have listened to the eloquence of the Twelve Gospels, which contain the agonizing details of our Lord’s arrest, trial, and Crucifixion. And we have glorified His condescension, His Humility, and His long-suffering – His μακροθυμία on behalf of us all,” Archbishop Elpidophoros stated in his Homily.

Photos: GOARCH/Dimitrios Panagos