By Fotios Kaliampakos
The Greek Orthodox Church of Evangelismos in Jersey City, New Jersey, has a rich history and serves not only the Greek Orthodox community in Jersey City but also neighboring areas such as Hoboken, Secaucus, and the nearby coastal zone, not far from New York.
For years, Dionysis Koukounaras has borne the heavy responsibility for the financial viability of the church and the continuity of the Greek Orthodox presence in the region. In an exclusive interview with the Hellenic News of America, Mr. Koukounaras explained that since taking on this responsibility, he has managed to make the community sustainable with a series of actions and initiatives, but the needs are many and ongoing. He referred specifically to his tireless efforts to navigate the labyrinth of American bureaucracy to secure the necessary permits to take advantage of the community’s real estate around the church. Mr. Koukounaras succeeded in creating a parking area, the proceeds of which go to the church, and in doing so, he not only made the church sustainable but also freed up and utilized other spaces for the school and created event space.
However, the church recently needed funds for necessary repairs that could not be covered by the fixed income created. Mr. Koukounaras met with the Chairman and Founder of the Hellenic News of America, Mr. Kotrotsios, at an event and informed him of the church’s problem. Mr. Kotrotsios immediately offered the community an opportunity to raise funds by donating a luxury cruise for two with Celestyal Cruises on behalf of the Hellenic News of America and Hermes Expo. A raffle was created, and all proceeds would go toward renovating the church. Any initial hesitations were quickly overcome when the church community leaders saw Mr. Kotrotsios’ ability to inspire others to get involved in fundraising efforts and to find additional resources. In just one day before the effort had even begun, entrepreneurs had already contributed $5,000!
After securing the necessary permits, the fundraising effort began and ended with the collection of the desired amount. The community of Evangelismos wanted to thank Mr. Kotrotsios for his efforts and organized a luncheon in his honor after church service on March 1st.
At the luncheon, Mr. Koukounaras and Mr. Kotrotsios jointly handed the vouchers for the cruise to the winners and introduced them to the audience. The drawing took place during the 31st Hermes Expo on November 16, 2022. The lucky winners of the drawing were an engaged couple, Antony LaTempa and his fiancée, who will go on the cruise for their honeymoon.
Also present at the luncheon was Dr. George Drogaris, a businessman in the field of medicine and cosmetics and a benefactor of educational efforts of the diaspora. He attended to pay tribute to Mr. Kotrotsios but also to his first parish in the USA. Dr. Drogaris also showed interest in the community’s educational efforts.
The luncheon in honor of the prize donor, Mr. Kotrotsios, and the raffle winners was a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate their remarkable achievements. The parishioners of Evangelismos were excited to participate in the raffle and are looking forward to the 32nd Hermes Expo on June 14th! The young couple will be back at the Hermes Expo in June to share their experience with Celestyal Cruises.
