Upper Darby, PA – On Monday, St. Demetrios parishioners were treated to a noon visit by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America. The historic visit to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox church was a first.
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America was welcomed by Parish council President Michael Economou, Rev. Gregory Gilbert, and several parish children with bouquets.
After venerating the altar and icons and greeting the community, His Eminence toured the parish facilities with the Parish Council and Philoptochos Board members.
The tour also made its way outside the Pontian Monument adjacent to the church, where Pontian Akritai President Ifigeneia Pavlidou-Oikonomou and Carry Mossiadis shared the history of the Pontian organization, the community, and the monument.
After returning inside, he toured the Greek school. Teacher Marilena Drakou and several students welcomed His Eminence into a classroom and briefly introduced the education program. A luncheon closed out the day where members of St. Demetrios got to sit down and get to know His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.