On Sunday, March 10, 2024, His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey visited the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Community in Baltimore, MD in order to celebrate the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in commemoration of celebration of the 76th Anniversary of the Unification of the Dodecanese Islands with Greece. In his sermon, His Eminence spoke significance of the Gospel lesson of the final judgment and how the Gospel emphasizes the necessity for us to have love and compassion for all people in the world. He also spoke of the sadness, pain and devastation that war brings, and emphasized the importance of our prayers for peace in the world. Following the Divine Liturgy the area youth members dressed in traditional costumes from the Dodecanese Islands processed into the church as His Eminence offered a Doxology in remembrance of this historic anniversary. Joining His Eminence for the Divine Liturgy and Doxology were dignitaries from throughout the region, including the Ambassador of Greece to the United States, Ekaterini Nasika; the Consul of Cyprus, Constantinos Constantinou; and military attaches from the diplomatic missions of Greece and Cyprus: Colonel Panagiotis Vlahopoulos, Colonel Andreas Andreou, and President and CEO of AHI, Nick Larigakis.

Afterwards the celebration continued at the Greektown Square with the participation of hundreds of dedicated Hellenes from throughout the greater Baltimore area. Throughout the afternoon the children of the St. Nicholas Greek School offered beautiful Greek poems and songs, while the youth from the Panhellenic Dance Group, St. Nicholas Hellenic Golden Coins, Rhodian Society "Diagoras" Dance Troupe Performance, and Karpathian Dance Troupe "Anagenesis Olympou" offered traditional Greek Dances to mark the auspicious occasion. Ambassador Ekaterini Nasika and Consul of Cypurs Constantinos Constantinou offered touching remarks on the history and importance of the Unification of the Dodecanse Islands with Mainland Greece. In his celebratory speech, His Eminence spoke on the importance of this event, as it offers us the opportunity to celebrate and preserve our Greek culture, while recognizing the beauty and unique heritage of the Dodecanese Islands. In addition, His Eminence offered his deepest gratitude to the Chairman of the Event, George Comninos, and the President of the Parish Council, Stamatia Ieromonahos for their tremendous efforts to ensure the success of this most beautiful event.

Photos Courtesy of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey