Flemington, N.J. — St. Anna Greek Orthodox Church marked a major milestone on December 8, 2025, celebrating the burning of its church mortgage following Hierarchical Feast Day Vespers, a step that clears the way for the parish’s planned consecration.
The mortgage-burning ceremony took place on the solea and was led by His Eminence Apostolos, Metropolitan of New Jersey. More than a dozen clergy and approximately 150 parishioners attended the hierarchical service and the ceremony that followed.
The event formally confirmed the final payment on the church’s mortgage, a balance of $300,000 that was retired shortly after the parish launched its Consecration Fund in October. Joining Metropolitan Apostolos were parish priest Protopresbyter Fr. James Pavlow, Parish Council President Dean Soteropoulos, and Consecration Program Co-Chairs John Kaldes and Diana Grina.
Addressing the congregation, Metropolitan Apostolos emphasized the significance of the moment for the parish and its future.
“We are very blessed because of you and your faith, your dedication and contribution to your community of St. Anna,” he said. “St. Anna will never forget what you have done for this beautiful church in this corner of the Metropolis of New Jersey. I am very excited that in my time as your Metropolitan to be able to act like this, to confirm the last payment. Glory to the Holy Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen!”
With the mortgage fully paid, the parish is now focusing on its next major goal: the consecration of the church, which leadership hopes to complete in 2026. Continued fundraising will support the purchase of required ecclesiastical items and selected building updates associated with the consecration service.
“Paying off the mortgage removed a barrier to consecration,” Fr. Pavlow said. “Now we can work toward sanctifying our lovely parish. When we consecrate the church, we will turn it from a house of worship to truly a Holy House of God.”
Following the ceremony, parishioners gathered for a reception in the Nicholas and Anna Bouras Memorial Hall. The celebration concluded with performances by the parish choir, Greek School students, and the GOYA Greek Dance group.
Parish background
Founded in 2002 as the Greek Orthodox Parish of Hunterdon County, St. Anna Greek Orthodox Church received its permanent charter in 2010 and its name in honor of Saint Anna. After worshiping in temporary locations for several years, the parish opened its church on Voorhees Corner Road in June 2013 with a thyranixia, or door-opening ceremony.
Today, the parish serves more than 150 families and offers ministries for all ages, including religious education, youth programs, Greek language instruction, choirs, and senior groups. Its philanthropic work is led by the Agia Magdalena Ladies Philoptochos, a chapter of the National Ladies Philoptochos Society. The parish also hosts the annual Flemington Opa! Festival, a long-running community event in Hunterdon County.
More information about the parish’s “Path to Consecration” program is available at www.stannagoc.org.
Photo: Mortgage burning ceremony at St. Anna Greek Orthodox Church in Flemington, New Jersey, December 2025
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