Cherry Hill, NJ – Eight years later, the pivotal event The Three Hierarchs marked the start of the new year and brought together 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 day’s event. Through poetry and song, the three Holy Hierarchs—Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom—were honored. The annual holiday on the Orthodox calendar is observed on January 30th.
Teacher Stamatios Kartelopoulos delivered a presentation about the history of the Three Hierarchs. His discussion and slide show focused on their essential roles in shaping Christian theology and introducing Hellenes to Greek letters.
Throughout the afternoon, short plays and poems were recited. Each church participated by initiating a different part of the historical event. The teachers of each Greek school were later recognized for their effort in the community and for promoting a Greek Orthodox education.
President of the Educational Committee of St. Thomas Hellenic School, Dimitris Rozanitis, presented the community and the Metropolitan with a check for one thousand dollars. The money was raised by Greek school students through cookie sales for the construction of St. Nicholas Shrine in New York.
Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey expressed gratitude to St. Thomas, along with the numerous organizations and churches, for their efforts. The afternoon wrapped up with a group photo of students and teachers, but not before a final announcement was made: next year, the event will be hosted at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Wilmington, Delaware.