More than 400 people attended the 16th Annual Delaware Valley Ambassador Awards Banquet on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Adelphia Restaurant and Event Center in Deptford, New Jersey. The event recognized volunteers and young people from 13 Greek Orthodox parishes and communities across the region.
Metropolitan Athenagoras of New Jersey joined the gathering just one day after his enthronement at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint John the Theologian in Tenafly. He attended the banquet to meet parishioners and congratulate the honorees.
Speaking to Cosmos Philly, Metropolitan Athenagoras praised parish volunteers and emphasized that clergy depend on the active participation of their communities. He expressed particular appreciation for the young people who offer their time to the Church.
The banquet recognized parishioners involved in community activities, Philoptochos, youth programs, and other areas of church service. Four youth ambassador awards represented Faith, Hope, Peace, and Love.
Rev. Fr. Christoforos Oikonomidis of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Wilmington, Delaware, described the banquet as an established regional tradition. He welcomed the Metropolitan’s presence and congratulated the parishioners recognized for their service.
Georgia Chletcos, who served as mistress of ceremonies, emphasized the importance of recognizing young volunteers. She connected their involvement to the work and sacrifices of earlier generations of Greek Orthodox parishioners throughout the Delaware Valley.