REMARKS
By His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America
At the Consecration Banquet
Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption
Port Jefferson, New York
May 7, 2022
Reverend Protopresbyter Demetrios Calogredes, Banquet Honoree,
Reverend Presbyter Elias Nicholas,
President Lilimpakis and Esteemed Members of the Parish Council,
Beloved Sisterhood of the Ladies’ Philoptochos,
Members of the Greek School, Youth Organizations, AHEPA and
Archons of the Ecumenical Throne,
Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Χριστὸς Ἀνέστη! [in response: Ἀληθῶς Ἀνέστη!]
Christ is Risen! [in response: Truly He is Risen!]
Χριστὸς Ἀνέστη! [in response: Ἀληθῶς Ἀνέστη!]
What a joy it is to gather in the fellowship of this evening’s meal, and to continue our celebration of the consecration of Κοίμησις τῆς Θεοτόκου. Truly, this moment should be savored by all. For it is an accomplishment that has come to pass by sacrifice, devotion and the sweat of a community that is committed to preserving its faith and heritage. You all deserve a hearty round of applause!
I am especially moved by the fact that you are dedicating this evening’s event to someone who was so instrumental in making this day a reality – your former Proïstamenos, Protopresbyter Demetrios Calogredes.
Father Demetrios:
The love of this community for you reflects your love for them, in all your years of service and dedication. You are truly worthy of this distinction! For by honoring you, the Parish honors itself as well and, indeed, your successor, Father Lou.
We have all heard the expression: “It takes a village….” When I look around this room tonight, I behold more than a village. I behold the Body of Christ, the Church – the Assembly of the God’s Chosen – who have worked and struggled together in order to make the dream of this day a reality.
And never forget – you stand on the shoulders of all those who came before you: fathers and mothers, παππούδες και γιαγιάδες, who worked long hours and even longer days. The πρωτοπόροι of our communities across this great Nation built the parishes from the ground up with their blood, sweat and tears. How proud they would be to behold this Church, together with the Platea, Amphitheater, Arcades, Agora, Courtyard and Bell Tower!
It is not without significance, though, that we celebrate the consecration of Κοίμησις τῆς Θεοτόκου in the centennial year of our Sacred Archdiocese of America. This historic anniversary of our Church in America is an opportunity to look where we are, where we have been and, most importantly, where we are going.
And so, let this consecration – this incredible milestone for your parish – be the same opportunity and challenge for you to celebrate the present moment, to take inspiration from your proud history and to envision your future.
From where I am standing, it looks very bright – indeed!
Therefore, I lift my glass to all of you – the devout faithful of the Parish – and wish you all continued success and happiness in this beloved community of Κοίμησις τῆς Θεοτόκου.
Unto many years!