On Sunday, September 7, 2025, the Saint Thomas Greek Orthodox Church community of Cherry Hill, NJ, welcomed Father Georgios Oikonomou as its new Proistamenos. Assigned by His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos as of September 1, he was warmly received by parishioners who filled the church to capacity. His Presvytera Anna and their five children, Ioannis, Stella, Gregory, Arsenios, and Loukas, were seated in the front pews and embraced by the community as well.
The congregation gathered not only to mark the beginning of the new ecclesiastical year but also to show their support for their new spiritual leader and his family.
Following the service, he expressed heartfelt gratitude to Metropolitan Apostolos and spoke of the parish’s evident dedication, reflected in its attendance, renovations, iconography, and active ministries. He thanked the church’s previous clergy, the Parish Council, the Philoptochos, and all parish organizations, including the Hellenic Afternoon School, the largest such program in the Metropolis of New Jersey.
The Proistamenos also recognized the church’s longtime assistant clergy, Father Florin and his family, calling it a privilege to serve with him at the Holy Altar. He shared his eagerness to meet every parishioner personally and extended warm wishes on behalf of his family.
Parish Council President Archon Anastasios Efstratiades praised the preparation and dedication of the new Proistamenos, noting that he had studied the parish’s ministries with the guidance of his predecessor, the Very Rev. Father Avgoustinos. He expressed confidence that the community would continue to thrive under its new spiritual leader.
Efstratiades also announced a highlight of the parish’s iconography program: a full panel dedicated to the life of Saint Thomas, a work that will be unique in the Orthodox world. On behalf of the community, he presented a cross to the new pastor, offering prayers that Saint Thomas the Apostle protect him and his family.
Later, Archon George Horiates invited the family forward to the solea, where each member was presented with a welcome gift bag that included official Philadelphia Eagles jerseys.
The Parish Council and the Philoptochos then hosted a luncheon in the Danielle Kousoulis Center hall. As the Proistamenos entered, escorted by President Efstratiades, the congregation rose in applause. From senior members offering blessings to young children holding “Welcome Father” signs, the joy was unmistakable.
The celebration ended with heartfelt applause and shouts of AXIOS for the new pastor and his family.
Images courtesy of the Parish Council of Saint Thomas.