By Catherine Tsounis
“Memory is the mother of all wisdom.”
― Aeschylus
Memories of newspaper/photography work on the 27 year ministry was remembered as I witnessed the culmination of Very Rev. Paul Palesty as first/protopresbyter priest at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Bayside, NY. on Sunday, December 29th, 2024. ‘Presbytera Anastasia and I deeply appreciate the love and loyalty of the community,” said Father Paul. The packed church was amazing. A lavish breakfast with standing room only was served in the Michelis hall. A program by community leaders was held. A unique icon of St. Paul was presented to the religious leader by the Philoptohos. Many people were involved in this event. Contact the church office for information on all who organized and attended the event.
I had the opportunity of interviewing the creator of the St. Paul icon after the event. Ms. Irene Tsiaris of Greek Art Corner explained she tried her best in creating a unique icon. “Father Aristidis Garinis, the new protopresbyter of St. Nicholas Church, is close to our youth,” said Chrysoula Douroudakis Demiris, Philoptohos community activist. “He will help our community grow.”
Father Paul’s genius is uniting all classes to create a magnificent religious and education center. Unsung heroes are the builders of societies. The average person, unknown to many of us, creates centers of civilization and religion. They were and are part of something bigger: doing something for their children so they can hold onto their religion and culture. Father Paul inspired the many to elevate St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church of Flushing to 2024. His leadership contributed to the greatness of Hellenism in New York City and the United States of America. I had the honor of chronicling his exceptional leadership in my book “Through My Eyes: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church of Flushing, New York 1987- 2014 based on primary sources. All readers interested can email me at [email protected].
A highlight of his career was when more than 1,000 children, parents, educators and parishioners filled St. Nicholas Church, leaving standing room only for Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of the Patriarchate of Constantinople and New Rome, historic visit on Wednesday, March 17, 2004. His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, attended along with Metropolitans, ecclesiastical hierarchy of the Greek Patriarchate and Orthodox clergy. His All Holiness honored Rev. Paul Palesty, pastor of St. Nicholas, for his 25 years of service to the Greek Orthodox Church with a unique Byzantine gold cross and a censer for liturgical (religious service) use. “ We are the link between our forefathers, who established this church, and those who will benefit from the ministries of our parish after us,” said Father Paul.
The groundbreaking for the Michelis Hellenic Cultural and Educational Center took place on December 6th, 2004, and formally opened on December 2, 2007. It houses the Petros Sarantakos Hall, the Despina and Michael Yarian Gymnasium, the Venita Lorras Parish and School Library and the Niarchos and Vasilios and Anastasia Kartsonis Classroom Wing. Father Paul Palesty was the inspiring leader who mobilized all together in a dynamic building force.
Reverend Paul Palesty of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Flushing, celebrated the 25th anniversary of his ministry on November 2nd, 2003, at the Sandcastle catering establishment in Franklin Square, Long Island. “Our family name is Palestidis that means prize wrestler. We had a great uncle who was famous in the sultan’s court for his wrestling feats. Palestidis replaced our family name, Xanthopoulos. I was named Parashos after the wrestler. The name Paul was assumed upon my ordination as a priest,” the minister said.
Father Paul is married to Anastasia Topsidelis, a native of the island of Crete. They have two children, Christos Nikolaos and Maria Kiriaki who have spouses and families of their own. “Our son was born on the eve of St. Nicholas’ feast day. Maria was born on August 15th. We gave our children names associated with these religious feast days,” he added.
Father Paul attended PS 7 in Astoria, Half Hollow Hills High School in Long Island and Hellenic College and Holy Cross Theological School in Boston, Massachusetts. His postgraduate school studies were conducted at the University of Geneva. He was awarded a Certificate of Theological Studies there. His ordination as a priest was on May 28, 1978, in San Jose, California. Upon completion of his post-graduate work, Father Paul began his ministry at St. Nicholas in San Jose, California, St. Nicholas in Lexington, Massachusetts, St. Demetrios in Merrick, Long Island and currently in St. Nicholas.
“My parents were excellent role models,” he recalls. “My father, worked as a ship and airplane mechanic. My mother read us stories of the lives of the Holy Saints during my childhood. She explained how Panagia (Virgin Mary) was an important figure in her life. My mother was a refugee from Asia Minor, he said.
His philosophy centers on the role of the people of his community. “The faith and commitment of the community have inspired me. People make a parish. I listen to their needs and attempt to expand the community. My ministry has survived, because I do not seek to please people, but the Lord. I seek the approval of God and in this way people approve of my work. I am constantly learning from the Holy Scriptures.”
The soft-spoken priest is honored to serve the largest Greek Orthodox parish in the United States with its varied ministries. “Every priest should be as blessed. I was given a thriving community. My parishioners have worked with me to expand. On December 29th, 2024, ended his tenure of 27 years as protopresbyter of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Bayside, NY. He is now entering a new chapter of his ministry that will continue to inspire all.
Special appreciation to Chrysoula Douroudakis Demiris for her invitation, making the coverage of this event possible.
All photos by Catherine Tsounis.
Links:
https://www.qchron.com/editions/north/st-nicholas-father-paul-palesty-celebrates-25-years-in-ministry/article_0a00cab8-ccbb-5f59-a92e-c6c7edb328a0.html
Ministry of Rev. Paul Palesty: 2018 Anniversary and Photos through the Years
https://www.qchron.com/editions/north/st-nicholas-father-paul-palesty-celebrates-25-years-in-ministry/article_0a00cab8-ccbb-5f59-a92e-c6c7edb328a0.html
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