By Aphrodite Kotrotsios
The vibrant community of Koimisis of Theotokos in Holmdale, New Jersey, came together on Sunday, March 24th to commemorate the Sunday of Orthodoxy with a series of special events. This significant occasion marked not only the triumph of the Orthodox faith but also served as a momentous celebration of Greek heritage, coinciding with the 203rd anniversary of Greek Independence Day.
The day began with solemn church services, followed by a captivating performance by the Greek school students, showcasing their talents and dedication to preserving the Greek language and culture. One of the highlights of the event was the traditional procession of carrying the Icons, symbolizing the rich traditions and beliefs of the Orthodox Christian faith.
The festivities continued with a heartfelt Doxology, from Father Panagiotis Lekkas, expressing gratitude and praise, followed by a reception featuring esteemed guest speaker, Dr. Panos Stavrianidis. Dr. Stavrianidis delivered an inspiring address, reflecting on the significance of the Sunday of Orthodoxy and the enduring spirit of the Greek people.
Among the distinguished guests in attendance were the founding president of the NJ Federation, Andreas Comodromos, and Paul Kotrotsios, founder and chairman of the Hellenic News of America and the Hermes Expo. Their presence added to the significance of the occasion, highlighting the unity and strength of the Greek-American community.
In addition, special recognition was extended to the Board, the Pan-Orthodox Youth Organization (PYO), and the dedicated teachers of Koimisis for their tireless efforts in organizing and coordinating this memorable event.
As the day concluded, the community joined together in proclaiming, “Long live Greece!” reaffirming their pride and commitment to preserving Greek culture and heritage for generations to come.
