On a night filled with much gratitude, unity, and reverence, you could not escape the joyful Kefi in the air. The Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity celebrated its 85th Gala, honoring Leadership 100 on Friday, June 9th in New York City. The event marked the most successful gala in the Cathedral’s history, with over 530 guests gathered in the majestic ballroom at 583 Park Avenue. The celebration began with His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros leading the faithful in prayer. Gala Co-Chairs Dr. John Athas and Dr. Monica Tadros welcomed everyone sharing a tribute to the National Cathedral and reawakening its historic intentions in the words of Archbishop Athenagoras in 1933 to serve the diaspora, as “The Cathedral of All Hellenism in America.” By reminding us of our impressive past, they emphasized the goal of working toward an even brighter future.
Since its inception in 1984, the honoree of the evening, Leadership 100, has been instrumental in advancing Hellenism and Orthodoxy in America, distributing over 75 million dollars in grants to support our religious and cultural heritage.
Click here to view the commemorative journal
The Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity is “not just a church or a parish, it is a legacy rich in history that serves a greater purpose. As this country’s only National Cathedral, Holy Trinity holds a unique place in the Greek American Orthodox Faith and community, and with that comes an even greater responsibility” remarked Dr. Monica Tadros. She went on to say “The Cathedral community has much work to do to preserve this legacy for generations to come…and under the extraordinary leadership of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, and with the electric energy of our new Cathedral Dean, Father Chrysostomos Gilbert, I am certain we will succeed in assuming this responsibility.”
“The Archbishop picks the correct road for us, and we promise to pave it! And that’s exactly what is happening here in New York and across the country!” added Dr. John Athas, emphasizing the words written by His Eminence that Leadership 100 and the Cathedral “are ingrained in the hearts and minds of our Christ-loving faithful from coast to coast.”
“I offer my sincere congratulations and gratitude to Leadership 100, and to all those who have labored, whether with us in body or in spirit, whose efforts over these past 131 years laid the foundation for our Archdiocesan Cathedral,” said Father Chrysostomos Gilbert.
Mrs. Stella Pantelidis, President of the cathedral Board of Trustees, and wife of the dearly departed Jimmy Pantelidis, Vice-Chair of Leadership 100, presented the Holy Trinity Award to Ms. Paulette Poulos, Executive Director of Leadership 100. “Whenever the opportunity prevails, I encourage you to visit the Cathedral and to experience the warmth and kindness offered to all.,” added Paulette Paulos.
With a show-stopping surprise, Mrs. Pantelidis proudly announced,” It is in this spirit of collaboration, with love and esteem for Leadership 100, that I am pleased to announce that our Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity will become a member of Leadership 100 this year.”. Met with thunderous applause, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros congratulated the Archdiocesan Cathedral on taking this intiative. As he delivered his closing remarks, he counseled “This evening has a very special significance for us all because this cathedral is our National Cathedral, our seat of governance and administration for the entire Archdiocese… its responsibilities and duties extend far beyond the community.” His Eminence also reminded us of the tremendous significance of Leadership 100, “the single most important driving force delivering clergy to our national church…and the symbiotic relationship between [the Archdiocesan Cathedral and Leadership 100], two great institutions of our Sacred Archdiocese of America, reveals the network of ministry and leadership that sustains our church.”
As the evening unfolded, Young Professionals descended from the wrap-around balcony overlooking the grand ballroom, and the night transformed into a vibrant dance led by Yanni Papastefanou & Orchestra. The magnetic energy in the room was palpable as young and old joined together in traditional Greek folk dancing and modern rhythms. The clock struck midnight, but it felt as if the celebration could continue until dawn. The music slowly faded, and the lights grew brighter, yet the dance floor remained full, with guests mingling, reconnecting with old acquaintances, and forging new friendships.
Mark your calendars and save the date for the 86th Cathedral Gala, scheduled for Spring 2024. The Gala Committee promises that it will pick up where last Friday evening left off, ensuring another memorable and joyous celebration.
