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After three years of prayerful anticipation and sacrificial devotion — and nearly a decade of vision and planning — the faithful of Saint Thomas Greek Orthodox Church gathered for a sacred and historic evening celebrating the completion of the interior iconography of their beloved church, a work truly “For the Ages.”
The celebration began with a solemn Paraklisis service to the parish’s Patron Saint, the Holy Apostle Thomas. The service was led, on behalf of His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey, by the Very Rev. Archimandrite Christoforos Oikonomides, who conveyed the paternal blessings and heartfelt love of the Metropolitan. In his remarks, he emphasized that His Eminence played an integral role in the realization of the iconography project and that without his guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support, this sacred endeavor would not have been possible.
Clergy of the Delaware Valley joined in prayer, filling the church proper alongside Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, officials of the Metropolis of New Jersey, Philoptochos members, Parish Council representatives, donors, neighboring parishioners, and many faithful who came to witness this milestone in the life of the community.
A Vision Born in 2017
In remarks delivered by Archon Anastasios Efstratiades, President of the Parish Council, the community was reminded that this journey began in 2017, on the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Church, when the faithful overwhelmingly resolved to complete the church and enhance its architectural integrity in accordance with Byzantine tradition.
During the consecutive presidencies of George Horiates, Stathis Karadonis, and Dimitri Rozanitis — under the guidance of then-Proistamenos Very Rev. Archimandrite Christoforos Oikonomides — the renovation plan was conceived and the first stage completed: the construction of the exonarthex, adorned with columns and a portico.
The entrance was beautified with a mosaic of Christ, flanked by the Panagia and Saint Thomas.
Plans for the Dome, Bell Tower, and exterior stonework were finalized in 2018. In 2019, Mr. Efstratiades assumed the presidency of the Parish Council and, with the support of Father Christoforos, building committee chair George Horiates, and the faithful, brought the construction phase to completion.
As soon as that work concluded, the parish turned its focus to iconography — only to face the unexpected challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, which temporarily slowed progress. Yet the vision endured.
In 2023, under the presidency of George Horiates and the guidance of the new Proistamenos, the Very Rev. Archimandrite Avgoustinos Psomas, the iconography project resumed with renewed determination. With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos, the parish engaged the world-renowned iconographer, Georgios Giariskanis of Thessaloniki.
Theology in Color: The Sacred Work Unfolds
Mr. Giariskanis’ reputation spans the globe, and his work at Saint Thomas reflects the theological order and prayerful tradition of the Orthodox Church.
The first phase brought to life the majestic Pantocrator in the Dome, surrounded by angels, prophets, and the righteous of the Old Testament — executed in strict accordance with Orthodox theological tradition. As Mr. Efstratiades reminded those gathered: “In the Orthodox Church, our architecture, our painting, our music — they are not art; they are prayer.”
The second phase included more than sixty saints depicted along the lower walls — perhaps one of the largest synaxes of saints in any Orthodox church in the United States.
The final phase completed scenes from the New Testament across the ceiling, restored original icons dating back decades, and culminated in a singular and unprecedented work: a large rear panel dedicated to the life of Saint Thomas.
Created through deep study of Scripture and Holy Tradition — much like the early iconographers — the panel depicts the baptism of a prince in India, Saint Thomas teaching the people of India, and his holy martyrdom. This original composition exists nowhere else and will indeed remain for the ages.
A Witness of Faith and Memory
Particularly moving was the recognition of the first and largest benefactors of the iconography project — George and the late Zoe Kousoulis — who sponsored the Pantocrator in loving memory of their daughter, Danielle Kousoulis, who tragically lost her life in the September 11 attacks at the World Trade Center.
The community had previously renamed its cultural center in Danielle’s memory.
As Archon George Horiates, Chairman of the Iconography Committee, spoke, he also addressed the family’s recent sorrow: Zoe Kousoulis had fallen asleep in the Lord just days prior, as she prepared to come to Church and chant in the choir. For their unending faith through unspeakable tragedy, George and Zoe were selected unanimously to be honored by the community with its first ever “Saint Thomas Medal of Faith” this coming April. With emotion and compassion, he offered condolences to her son, Peter, who was seated in the front pews, speaking of the heavenly reunion now shared by mother and daughter.
As the interior was revealed in its fullness, the Pantocrator gazed down from the Dome with compassion while many lifted their eyes heavenward in reverent awe of the iconography, the recent events and of divine providence.
“Only the Name of the Holy God is Glorified”
When Mr. Giariskanis was invited forward, the congregation responded with heartfelt applause. Trembling with emotion, gratitude, and holy awe, he expressed that he felt the blessings of the Apostle Thomas and the intercessions of Iakovos of Tsalikis, the patron saint of the Metropolis of New Jersey.
In humility he declared:
“The church is revealed. The ego of the artist has no place… Only the name of the Holy God is glorified.”
A Legacy for Future Generations
Protopresbyter Georgios Oikonomou concluded the evening with profound gratitude to His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos for his vision, paternal care, and leadership. He thanked the faithful who labored tirelessly and sacrificially to bring the project to fruition.
“They sought what was best,” he said. “They did not choose painters, but true masters reflecting the dignity of the house of God — a house that future generations will enjoy.”
Indeed, what now adorns Saint Thomas Greek Orthodox Church is more than paint and plaster. It is theology proclaimed in color, prayer expressed in form, and faith preserved for generations yet to come.
A vision begun nearly a decade ago now stands complete — a sacred inheritance, a testament of unity, and a gift truly “For the Ages.”
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