Upper Darby, PA – Two celebrations shared church services this Sunday at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. The Veneration of the Cross and the 78th anniversary of the Akritai of Philadelphia.

Sunday school students participated in the veneration ceremony by marching through the church holding crosses. On this, the third Sunday of Great and Holy Lent, the Orthodox Church commemorates the precious and life-giving cross of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Members of the Pontian Akritai in Upper Darby also attended the liturgy service. Father George of St. Demetrios announced the members and the dance troupe that came in traditional folk attire. The Akritai of Philadelphia is the oldest Black Sea, Greek Pontian organization in North America.