Cherry Hill, NJ – Eight years later, the pivotal event The Three Hierarchs started the new Year and united the Greek Orthodox community of Philadelphia. This past Sunday, St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church hosted the annual event where it all began.
Thirteen parishes from the Metropolitan of New Jersey participated in the days affair. Through poem and song, the three Holy Hierarchs, Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom were recognized. The annual holiday on the Orthodox calendar is observed on January 30th.
A presentation by teacher Stamatios Kartelopoulos was given about the history of the Three Hierarchs. His discussion and slide show focused on their pivotal roles in shaping Christian theology and for bringing Hellenes the Greek letters.
Through out the afternoon short plays and poems were recited. Each church participated by initiating a different part of the historical error. The teachers of each Greek school were later recognized for their effort in the community and for bringing forward a Greek Orthodox education.
President of the Educational Committee of St. Thomas Hellenic School, Dimitris Rozanitis, presented the community and Metropolitan a check for One thousand dollars. The money was raised by the Greek school students through cookie sales for the building of St. Nicholas Shrine in New York.
Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey thanked St. Thomas and the many organizations and churches for their effort. A group shot with the students and teachers concluded the afternoon, but not before a final announcement. Next year, the event will be hosted at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox church in Wilmington Delaware.