NEW YORK - Over 620 members of the Greek-American community gathered for a night of holiday cheer at the Harvard Club of New York City in support of Manhattan’s historic Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. A combination of the Stewardship and Mistletoe Galas, the event catered to church stewards and young professionals alike, celebrating its most successful year thus far.
Among those showing their support were numerous young professionals, and members of parish youth groups and other organizations promoting Hellenism, including past campers and counselors of Ionian Village, and members of the National Hellenic Student Association, Ariston Foundation and the National Hellenic Society, among others.
“We must make our young professionals feel relevant in the Church. We have to stop saying they are the ‘future’ of the Church, but instead make them part of the ‘present’ Church,” said Rev. Archimandrite Chrysostomos Gilbert, who coordinates the Annunciation Young Professionals Ministry.
Other notable attendees included Archdiocesan Council Vice-Chairman George Tsandikos, Leadership 100 Executive Director Paulette Poulos, Annunciation Parish Council President Dr. John P. Getsos, Director of Ionian Village Reverend Father Evagoras Constantinides and Consul General of Greece Trade Commissioner Georgios Michailidis.
The parish celebrated its 125th year anniversary last year, honoring His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Geron of America, who celebrated 50 years in the Episcopal ministry.
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WORDS: Portes Magazine
PHOTOS: Sophia PAV Photography