By Petros Ragoussis, AHEPA
WHITESTONE, NY – On Sunday, February 21, 2021, the Brothers of Andreas T. Stamboulidis Parthenon AHEPA Chapter #495 were invited guests to the Tree of Life blessing and ribbon-cutting by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Whitestone.
The Brothers of this Chapter sponsored $3,000 towards the fundraising effort of the church to help the community finally pay off the mortgage that has been such a burden especially during the trying times of the pandemic.
The Tree of Life was installed just inside the entry of the church and those interested in contributing may donate for a leaf, acorn, boulder, or mini-tree which can be inscribed with the family’s name or in memory of a loved one and is added to the plaque commemorating the generosity of the donors.
Due to mandated occupancy restrictions, not all the Brothers who were present at the event could be included in the photograph taken in the church’s Vasilios and Athanasia Kartsonis Hall.
His Eminence also presided over the Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross that day and noted the importance of reopening the community’s day school for the future of the community.
