A Publication of the ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN LAITY
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| Volume 6 Number 36 - Tuesday, September 7th, 2004 |
A Publication of the ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN LAITY |
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The Orthodox Christian News Service |
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Port Jefferson Church Holds Festival
PORT JEFFERSON, NY.-When one first enters Sheep Pasture Road, one notices a majestic Byzantine dome dominating the landscape. A 1960’s church and new buildings are in the background. Youth, growth and a vibrant spirit combining old and new world values can be felt. In the late summer of 2004, this is where Americans went to partake of Greek culture, with the assurance of calm and safety from terrorist threats. The Kimisis Tis Theotokou Church in Port Jefferson, L.I. attracted Long Islanders and New York urbanites to a fabulous festival including vendors, cafenios, numerous Greek cuisine stands and awe inspiring fireworks. Energetic parishioners presented a microcosm of Athens 2004 to the community who attended in record numbers. The persons who organized the event included: George Martinos, Parish Council President; Milton Steliaros, Festival Chairman and Parish Council Vice-President; Starves Karakasanis, Festival Vice-Chairman; Ray Easily, technical support; John Avgoustidis, Kitchen Chairman and ladies of the Philoptohos chapter. Over 70 people manned the kitchen, preparing souvlaki, pastitsio and other Greek foods. The Greek language and culture now attracts all persons. Everyone has a Greek friend or relative who wants to learn Greek. “Our church will be a jewel when finished,” said Rev. George Matsis, who is an immigrant from the island of Rhodes. “Kimisis church is a replica of St. Sergius in Constantinople. The interior white marble columns are hand embellished with gold. The church is not consecrated. “We need donors for icons, the bell tower, Pantocrator wall painting in the dome and St. Nicholas Chapel,” said Fr. Matsis, encouraging people to call him at (631) 473-0894 or e-mail him at fathermatsis@aol.com to volunteer their services. Fr. Matsis, or “Father George,” as he is known to his parishioners, explained, “It is time for commemoration, celebration and commitment. The achievements of the past were significant; The opportunities of the future infinite. Greek Orthodox churches are growing all over Long Island.
Forty-four years have passed since the Greek
Orthodox Church in Port Jefferson was established.
We completed phase one: the physical building. We
will celebrate phase two, the Consecration…” |
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