Upper Darby, PA – Last month the Greek Orthodox community of the Delaware Valley celebrated the Greek Letters Honoring the Three Hierarchs. The annual event, started five years ago, was sponsored by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey. More than 800 people from 12 churches attended the event, which was hosted by St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox church for the 2nd time. Greek afternoon schools of the Delaware Valley performed dances, sang songs and read hymns all about the Three Hierarchs whose feast days are commonly celebrated around the 28th of February.
The Three Holy Hierarchs (Greek: Οἱ Τρεῖς Ἱεράρχες) of Eastern Christianity refers to Basil the Great (known as Basil of Caesarea), Gregory the Theologian (known as Gregory of Nazianzus) and John Chrysostom. They were highly influential bishops of the early church who played pivotal roles in shaping Christian theology.
Many parish priests from across the Delaware Valley were also in attendance for the celebration which was hosted by his Eminence, Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey. His Eminence, Metropolitan Evangelos addressed the audience after dinner and the performances concluded. He spoke of the future of the Greek community of Philadelphia and recognized many teachers and staff for their efforts to preserve Hellenism and a Greek Orthodox education.