On November 20, 2022, marking the Centennial of their beloved St. George Church, the congregation welcomed His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America. His Eminence celebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, along with the Very Reverend Archimandrite Christoforos Oikonomides, Chancellor of the Metropolis of New Jersey, and Fr. James Pavlow, presiding Priest of St. George.
In attendance were the Consul of Greece in New York, Demetrios Papageorgiou, Archon George Ververides, Archon Peter Kakoyiannis and his wife Joanne, the Parish Council officers and Stewards of St. George. Also present was Jeff Martin, Mayor of Hamilton, who presented a special Proclamation for the church’s 100th Anniversary. His Eminence Elpidophoros surprised Fr. James Pavlow with an elevation to Protopresbyter and presented him with a beautiful cross from Hagia Sophia.
Before his departure, His Eminence Elpidophoros offered a blessing for the church’s new Community Tree of Life. They enjoyed a fellowship hour hosted by the Ladies Philoptochos led by President Evie Georgopoulos. The St. George community offers him heartfelt thanks and appreciation for this beautiful celebration.
Later that afternoon, the celebration continued with a banquet held at Merion Caterers in Cinnaminson, NJ, coordinated by the 100th Anniversary committee, chaired by John Sirimis. Joining the guests was His Grace Bishop Apostolos of Medeia, who eloquently congratulated Fr. Jimmy on his elevation and the community on its 100th Anniversary.
Parish Council President, Dino Demetriou, constructed a historical video of the past 100 years, from its incorporation in 1922 to the present. The video highlighted the many facets of the church’s development: beginning in downtown Trenton in rented space, then the purchasing/renovating of many different church buildings over the years, raising funds during difficult times, increasing stewardship over the years, the other priests who served the congregation, up to the construction of the current church, community center and school in Hamilton. Saint George was officially consecrated in 2017.
In addition, Kay Golfinopoulos and Drs. Spiro and Emily Spireas were honored as Grand Benefactors for their continued commitment and support of our beloved St George church. All this incredible history was presented to, and appreciated by, the 270 people in attendance, especially the younger generation who will continue the legacy of St. George.