The Metropolis of Pittsburgh St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival was held May 7 at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Camp Hill, PA. Five speakers in each division – Junior and Senior – spoke on topics such as fasting from technology, their relationship to God, responding to God’s call and the Orthodox Christian approach to war and violence. The speakers were:

• Kristina Chroneos – Holy Trinity Cathedral, Camp Hill (Senior Alternate)
• Theophany Goudas Ksenyak – Sts. Constantine & Helen Cathedral, Cleveland Heights
• Gabriella Mathiellis – St. Demetrios, Rocky River
• Kalliope Moissis – Sts. Constantine & Helen Cathedral, Cleveland Heights
• George Papoutsis – Holy Trinity Cathedral, Camp Hill (Senior Finalist)
• Christopher Ramaley – Holy Trinity, Ambridge (Junior Alternate)
• Evyennia Raudenbush – Holy Trinity Cathedral, Camp Hill
• Kalliopi Shay – Holy Trinity Cathedral, Camp Hill
• Mia Velisaris – St. Nicholas Cathedral, Pittsburgh
• Loukas White – Sts. Constantine & Helen, Cleveland Heights (Junior Finalist)

Through the generosity of the Metropolis Philoptochos, scholarships of $500 were given in memory of Gregory Anstine to the top two speakers in both divisions. Anstine tragically lost his life this year on Feb. 4 when he fell while hiking near his college. He was active in the parish in York, PA, participating in the Oratorical Festival at all levels – representing our Metropolis at the 2018 National Festival.

During the Awards Presentation, Greg’s uncle, Chris Giovanis spoke about Greg’s accomplishments and his commitment to his faith. Greg’s parents and grandparents were in attendance and his sister Stephanie presented the scholarships. Thanks to the Metropolis Philoptochos for supporting this ministry and enabling us to honor Greg’s life.
George Papoutsis and Loukas White will represent our Metropolis at the 38th National Oratorical Festival hosted by Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Dallas, TX. Their speeches will be live streamed on June 4.

Special thanks to the parishes who encouraged participation in this Oratorical Festival this year:

• Annunciation, Cleveland
• Anunciation Cathedral, Columbus
• Anunciation Lancaster
• Holy Trinity, Ambridge
• Holy Trinity Cathedral, Camp Hill
• St. Demetrios, Rocky River
• St. Nicholas, Bethlehem
• St. Nicholas Cathedral, Pittsburgh
• Sts. Constantine & Helen Cathedral, Cleveland Heights
• Sts. Constantine & Helen, Reading