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ΙΕΡΑ ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΗ
ΑΜΕΡΙΚΗΣ
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his eminence, metropolitan evangelos of New Jersey
Hosts
4th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Celebration
Kenilworth, New Jersey –
In a most festive and celebratory
atmosphere, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey held its 4th
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Celebration on Sunday evening,
December 10, 2006, at the Metropolis of New Jersey Headquarters in Kenilworth,
New Jersey. His Eminence, Metropolitan EVANGELOS of New Jersey, spiritual Leader
of the Holy Metropolis of New Jersey, together with the Metropolis of New Jersey
Philoptochos Society, hosted the much anticipated annual celebration that was
attended by Orthodox Faithful from throughout the Metropolis of New Jersey who
filled the Metropolis Headquarters to capacity once again.
Joining Metropolitan Evangelos for
the merry, yet elegant celebration were His Eminence, Archbishop Damaskinos of
Ioppis of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, His Grace, Bishop Vikentios of Apameia,
Deputy Abbot of the Sacred Patriarchal and Stavropeghial Monastery of St. Irene
of Chrysovalantou in Astoria, NY, Reverend Clergy, Mrs. Catherine Boura, Consul
General of Greece in New York, Mr. Nicholas Bouras, Vice Commander of the Order
of Archons of the Venerable Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, Mrs.
Georgia Skeadas, President of the National Ladies Philoptochos Society, Archons
of the Order of St. Andrew, Members of the Metropolitan Council, the Metropolis
Philoptochos Society, Leadership 100, various Youth Organizations and Faithful
from throughout the Holy Metropolis of New Jersey.
His Eminence, Metropolitan
Evangelos of New Jersey, welcomed everyone once again to the Metropolis
Headquarters and prayed that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Incarnate
Logos of God, continue to send His divine blessings upon our Holy Metropolis and
the faithful and devout Orthodox Christians who comprise it. Furthermore, His
Eminence praised the wonderful work being done by our Metropolis Philoptochos
and expressed his profound gratitude for all of the support and devout service
to the Church that our Orthodox Faithful offer with their hearts, fully and
continuously.
Immediately following the
ceremonial lighting of the Christmas Tree, all joined in the singing of
Liturgical Hymns of praise in honor of our Lord’s Nativity, which was
accompanied by area Greek and Sunday school students and children joyfully
leading the Faithful in the singing of Traditional Christmas Carols. The
festivities then proceeded into a large and specially decorated room in which
Metropolitan Evangelos distributed gift bags and an Icon of the Nativity to the
children and all present, bestowing upon all his paternal blessings and wishing
upon them the blessings of God, a most blessed and beautiful Christmas, and a
healthy and happy New Year 2007. A surprise visit by Santa Claus added to the
joy of the children and the overall cheerful ambiance of the evening.
The evening concluded with a most
beautiful and bountiful Lenten reception prepared by the Metropolis of New
Jersey Philoptochos. All shared in the holiday spirit of Christmas, creating a
most warm and peaceful atmosphere in contrast to the cold wind that blew
outside. As Christmas wishes were exchanged and New Year’s resolutions made, the
Faithful left in an uplifted and excited spirit of anticipation for next year’s
celebration.
This annual holiday event brings
together Clergy and their families, as well as a host of Orthodox Christians
from throughout the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey, who gather for a
blissful and delightful evening of friendship and jubilation in celebration of
our Lord’s Nativity.
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