Upper Darby, PA – The veneration of the cross, a 40 day blessings and an Artoklasia for the Pontian Akritai, were all on the program this past Sunday at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox church.
The third week of Lent filled the church with activities during services. Throughout the day following liturgy, the church hummed. The Pontian Akritai now celebrating 76 years attended the services and commemorated their founding. They stood by as as Father Lekkas raised bread and cross and then led the children of his church.
Greek school students and the Pontian Akritai circled and carried crosses during the veneration that was followed by two forty day blessings of boys. Two new boys had joined the congregation.