TENAFLY, N.J. — More than 250 faithful, clergy, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and members of the Greek Orthodox community gathered at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint John the Theologian on Thursday, June 25, to celebrate the Great Vespers in anticipation of the Nameday of His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey, observed on the Feast of the Synaxis of the Twelve Apostles.
The evening’s celebration combined prayer, recognition of faithful service, support for future clergy, and a symposium commemorating the 35th anniversary of the patriarchal enthronement of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
At the conclusion of the Vespers service, Metropolis Chancellor Rev. Protopresbyter Gregory Gilbert offered heartfelt remarks on behalf of the clergy and faithful of the Metropolis, expressing gratitude for Metropolitan Apostolos’ pastoral leadership during his three years serving the Metropolis of New Jersey.
Fr. Gregory praised His Eminence’s fatherly care for both the clergy and faithful, noting that the priests of the Metropolis look to him as an example of pastoral ministry, much as the Holy Apostles looked to Christ in learning to shepherd His Church.
Following the remarks, Metropolitan Apostolos thanked Fr. Gregory and all those gathered for their prayers and expressions of love on the occasion of his Nameday.
During the service, His Eminence also recognized the remarkable ministry of Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Pratsinakis, honoring nearly 51 years of faithful priestly service to the Church. Metropolitan Apostolos presented Fr. Emmanuel with a pectoral cross, commending his lifelong dedication and describing him as a living example of the permanence of the priesthood, reflecting the words of Scripture: “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 7:17).
The evening also highlighted the Metropolis’ continued commitment to fostering future clergy. Joined by Metropolis Philoptochos President Eleni Constantinides, Metropolitan Apostolos presented scholarships to the Metropolis’ seminarians through the Walking with Christ initiative.
Thanks to the generosity of the Metropolis Philoptochos and faithful throughout the Metropolis, a total of $48,000 in scholarships was awarded to nine seminarians preparing for service in the Orthodox Church.
Following the liturgical celebration, attendees gathered in the Fr. Socrates C. Tsamutalis Cultural Center for a special symposium organized in collaboration with the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate commemorating the 35th anniversary of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s patriarchal ministry.
The Cathedral’s youth dance group, Ta Theologakia, opened the program with traditional dances from Constantinople and Rhodes, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Orthodox world.
Event Co-Chairs Archon Michael D. Camarinos, Esq., and Archon George A. Tsougarakis, Esq., welcomed guests before introducing featured speaker Archon George E. Demacopoulos, Ph.D., who presented an address examining the historical significance of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s leadership and global ministry over the past three and a half decades.
The symposium also featured a video presentation and remarks from Archon National Commander Archon Anthony Limberakis, M.D., who reflected on the enduring ministries of both His All-Holiness and Metropolitan Apostolos.
Metropolitan Apostolos concluded the evening by expressing appreciation to the Cathedral community, the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and the Metropolis Philoptochos for their prayers and Nameday wishes, while emphasizing the lasting legacy of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
“In the person of His All-Holiness,” Metropolitan Apostolos said, “we behold a Patriarch who exemplifies the patristic ideal of sacrificial service, pastoral responsibility, and evangelical love; a worthy successor to the illustrious Patriarchs of Constantinople; a shepherd who has borne the burdens of his office with dignity and courage; and a spiritual father whose voice continues to resonate far beyond the confines of the Phanar.”
He continued, “For thirty-five years he has kept alight the lamp of Orthodoxy at the Sacred Center of our faith, offering to the world a compelling witness of truth, reconciliation, and hope.”
The evening served as both a celebration of Metropolitan Apostolos’ Nameday and a tribute to the enduring spiritual leadership of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, bringing together clergy and faithful in prayer, fellowship, and reflection on the continued mission of the Orthodox Church.
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