San Juan, Puerto Rico — December 21, 2025 – In a development reflecting faith, perseverance, and adherence to canonical order, the Holy Monastery of the Incorporeal Powers in Puerto Rico is playing a central role in guiding more than 23 communities across Central and South America into the Greek Orthodox Church.
The effort is being advanced through the collaboration of Geronda Andrew, Archimandrite and Abbot of the Holy Monastery; Fr. Peter, priest of the monastery’s metochion; and Soterios “Ted” Argeroplos, an active supporter of the Greek Orthodox Church globally.
According to parish leadership, the initiative began following a conversation after a church service in Puerto Rico, when Nikephoros “Niko” and Neena Argeroplos introduced philanthropist Ted Argeroplos to Fr. Peter. During that exchange, Fr. Peter shared the pastoral and administrative challenges facing the parish, as well as the growing number of communities throughout Central and South America seeking a canonical path toward the Greek Orthodox Church but lacking clarity on how to proceed.
Motivated by the need and guided by respect for ecclesiastical order, the Argeroplos family undertook a detailed review of canon law and Church procedures. Their work resulted in a practical roadmap designed to assist not only the Puerto Rico parish, but also other communities seeking reception into the Greek Orthodox fold. Over the following weeks, Ted Argeroplos helped establish key institutional connections and supported the initial steps required for a broader, coordinated process.
At the same time, Geronda Andrew had been working for nearly two years to engage clergy and communities interested in participating in the effort, laying essential groundwork through pastoral outreach and coordination.
The initiative gained further momentum with the appointment of His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos (Santiago) of Mexico, whose pastoral leadership and vision supported the canonical realignment. Archimandrite Andrew emerged as a leading advocate for the process on behalf of the participating communities.
A Historic Moment of Unity
Today, more than 23 communities are preparing to begin the formal process of reception into the Greek Orthodox Church. His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos visited the Puerto Rico parish from December 18–21, 2025, celebrating the Divine Liturgy and marking what parish leaders describe as a significant moment of unity and ecclesiastical continuity.
Looking ahead to 2026, Protopresbyter Alexander El Brihi, Secretary of the Ecclesiastical Courts of the Holy Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Mexico, Central America, Colombia, Venezuela, and the Islands of the Caribbean, together with Archimandrite Andrew and with the blessing of Metropolitan Iakovos, will coordinate meetings with each community to determine next steps. Church leaders also confirmed that a structured ecclesiastical roadmap is being prepared to facilitate the reception of an additional 28 communities in other parts of Latin America outside the jurisdiction of the Holy Metropolis of Mexico.
Strengthening the Parish’s Sustainability
During this same period, the Puerto Rico parish faced financial challenges. In response, the Argeroplos family assisted in establishing a charitable framework to support sustainable fundraising through Henosis Ministries, Inc. (EIN 99-1518476), a 501(c)(3) organization formed under Puerto Rico’s applicable tax provisions.
Henosis Ministries is listed among nonprofit organizations eligible to receive donations under Puerto Rico’s Act 60, which requires qualifying residents to contribute annually to local charitable organizations. With this structure in place, Niko and Neena Argeroplos promoted the parish as an eligible Act 60 beneficiary, helping to broaden philanthropic participation.
In recognition of these efforts, parish leadership noted that Niko Argeroplos has also contributed personally and helped raise significant funds in support of the Greek Orthodox Parish in Puerto Rico, strengthening its sustainability and long-term mission. His efforts in aiding in securing the many parishes under the Greek Orthodox Church, together with his stewardship and commitment, were formally recognized with his investiture as an Archon, a distinction reflecting lay leadership in service to the Greek Orthodox Church and its ecclesiastical mission.
Parish leadership reports that attendance is increasing, with parishioners—including Fr. Peter’s family—taking active roles in parish life, from choir participation to iconography and the welcoming of new members. Organizers also confirmed that a benefactor from Panama has pledged land and funding toward the future development of a new church and monastery, further strengthening the parish’s long-term vision.
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