Dear Fellow Parishioners,
Last week was clearly a memorable week. Let me recount the week's events for you and take the opportunity to recognize the efforts of our volunteers.
1. Metropolis of New Jersey clergy Retreat (March 5, 6, & 7). We hosted Metropolitan Apostolos and 54 clergy for their annual retreat. We configured Tom Paparis Hall for the conference and served three delicious meals with the clergy gaining an appreciation for the quality of our parish chefs. Tuesday evening the clergy were treated to a lamb shank dinner prepared by Bob Marakos; on Wednesday, Barb Short and her son Tony prepared a traditional fish plaki luncheon; and on Thursday, Elpitha Paparis prepared breakfast for the clergy following the Hierarchical Liturgy. We received numerous comments on the beautiful iconography of our church, the quality of the meals we provided and the level of our hospitality and attentiveness. There are many more to thank, but I especially would like to recognize my wife, Linda for the beautiful room decor and for resetting the room each day with clean linens and table settings.
2. Fish Fry (March 8). In the midst of last week's events, we continued with Fish Fry on Friday. It was record-setting with over 420 meals served. Thanks to Yianni Palantzas and Mike Thompson for their leadership and the entire fish fry volunteer team that have turned this event into a Williamsburg tradition. Can't wait to see what this week will bring with good weather.
3. Hierarchical Liturgy (March 9). His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros celebrated Divine Liturgy and the first Saturday of the Souls. It was truly a moving service and a first for the parish. His Eminence tonsured our altar boys; provided us gifts; and gave us our charter which was my honor to accept on behalf of the parish. The charter is on display in the Narthex by the candle stand. On behalf of the parish, Kimi Vlahakis created a beautiful icon of St. Demetrios that was given as a gift to His Eminence. Thank you Kimi for your artistry. Also, thank you Ion Nichifor for taking photos to capture the event.
4. Ten-Year Celebration Dinner Dance (March 9). The week was capped off with our ten-year celebration gala with His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros as our guest of honor. There were close to 280 attendees. We were treated to the piano stylings of Jacob and Max Gregoire during cocktail hour; led in the National Anthems by Demetra Demetriou and by Philip and Mary Hotz; a rousing performance by the Colonial Williamsburg Fife & Drum Corps; beautiful Greek dancing by our youth led by Christina Emmanouil; great food from Costa Theodorogiannis; and the music of Apollonia. The celebration was glorious and a lot of fun. A big thank you to Elli Kaminarides Williams, Christina Kokolis and the event planning committee. I would also like to recognize my wife Linda Jouvanis for her tireless efforts to attending to the numerous details associated with the celebration.
Last week was such a great week. We should all be proud of our parish and what we have accomplished by hard work and the grace of God. Please excuse me if I failed to acknowledge anyone for their efforts. It would truly a parish-wide effort and success. I also want to apologize for any errors or omissions in the program book for the event.
It is my honor to be the president of the parish council. Thank you for your support and God bless the parish of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church of Williamsburg, VA.
Athanasios (Tom) Jouvanis