Tenafly, NJ — Metropolitan Athenagoras was enthroned as Metropolitan of New Jersey on Saturday, November 7, taking leadership of 55 Greek Orthodox parishes across New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. Hundreds of clergy and faithful attended the service at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint John the Theologian.
Archbishop Elpidophoros of America took part in the enthronement, while Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden and All Scandinavia represented Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Athenagoras had been elected Metropolitan of New Jersey by the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate on October 1.
In his enthronement address, Athenagoras said he intends to visit parishes and listen directly to clergy, families, and young people throughout the Metropolis.
“I want to meet you exactly where you are,” he told the congregation, referring to churches, parish halls, classrooms, and homes.
Athenagoras also announced the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Scholarship, established as the Church marks the 35th anniversary of Bartholomew’s election to the Ecumenical Throne.
The fund already has more than $500,000 in gifts and pledges, according to the Metropolitan. One scholarship track will assist seminarians from the Metropolis studying at Hellenic College Holy Cross who need financial support while preparing for the priesthood. A second will assist Greek Orthodox high school graduates across the Metropolis who need help pursuing undergraduate studies at accredited colleges or universities.
Athenagoras said the fund’s principal will remain intact, with only the interest used to provide scholarships in future years.
He also outlined plans to strengthen religious education in the parishes, including resources for teaching the faith, helping families develop prayer at home, and supporting clergy and catechists working with people exploring Orthodoxy. Speaking in Greek, he also said the Greek language and cultural heritage would remain part of parish life.
His emphasis on young people included a personal connection to Archbishop Elpidophoros. Athenagoras recalled that when he was 12 in Thessaloniki, he attended a Saturday Bible study called Lychnos. Among the participants was a 15-year-old named Yiannis, now Archbishop Elpidophoros.
“We were brothers then, and we are brothers now,” Athenagoras said.
The new Metropolitan asked clergy and parishioners to judge his ministry by practical measures: whether those who have grown distant are being sought out, people facing difficulties are supported, children receive guidance, and the faithful grow closer to their faith.