Boston

Published by The National Herald, June 17, 2005

800 Gather for 19th Annual Boston Metropolis Awards Dinner

BOSTON – More than 800 Greek Orthodox parishioners from all 63 parishes of New England gathered at Lombardo’s in Randolph, Massachusetts for the 19th annual Metropolis of Boston Ministry Awards Dinner last Sunday evening, June 12.

"This is the 19th year that we gather as a family on the second Sunday of June to attend the Metropolis Awards Dinner in order to express our gratitude to our faithful clergy and laity for all they do to benefit their local parishes and our Metropolis," His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios said during his remarks.

Among the honorees were two prominent priests, presently retired, but who continue to serve on Sundays: Rev. Philip Gialopsos from Lowell and Rev. Soterios Alexopoulos from Nashua, New Hampshire.

Two former National Philoptochos Presidents, Past President Evanthea Condakes and Catherine Pappas, were also honored on the occasion of Philoptochos’ 50th anniversary, as were 19 of the Boston Metropolis local Philoptochos presidents.

"I feel personally overwhelmed this evening. I served as National President of Philoptochos and traveled throughout the entire country for four years. But I am the one that felt privileged to meet the most devoted and dedicated women across the country who work with so much love for Philoptochos and our Church. But this evening, with this wonderful recognition for the humble service of many, has filled my heart with gratitude. I want to say to His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios, this night will be unforgettable. A million times, thank you," Mrs. Condakes said.

"Tonight we thank and honor the recipients of the Ministry Award – all those who contribute their time and talents to our local communities, and to our Metropolis. Every week, I travel to parishes in New England, and I am blessed to see devout clergy and lay people who do so much to enhance the ministry of their communities. In one parish, that person might very well be a cantor, who chants without remuneration. In another, it is a grandmother who brings her grandchildren to church.

In another, it is the Sunday School teacher or the Greek afternoon schoolteacher. In fact, this year, two of those teachers completed 30 years of service. I refer to Niki Ladakos of the Holy Trinity Parish in Lowell and Maria Meimarides of St. George’s Parish in Lynn," Methodios said.

"In the Church, which is defined as the Body of Christ, each of us has a gift, a talent, an ability to contribute for the benefit of the community. The Holy Spirit unites us in faith and purpose and understanding. I am so grateful to God because I see the light of our faith burning brightly in our parishes," His Eminence added.

Dr. Elizabeth Prodromou, who serves on the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, was master of ceremonies. "These honorees live their Orthodox faith in a way that brings the beauty of the Church to all those with whom they come in contact – whether in their parishes, in the Metropolis, or in their everyday lives outside of the physical boundaries of our Orthodox Church," Dr. Prodromou said.

Consul of Greece in Boston Katerina Ekonomou-Demeter echoed the Metropolitan’s sentiments, praising the virtue of volunteerism. "The Greek American community was born, developed and has been sustained through the dedication and commitment of many individuals who have given their time and money, and have contributed countless other services to their communities," she said.

"They are testament to the ideals of volunteerism. You all have exemplified the principles of volunteerism through your contributions to your respective communities. You have touched our lives as ambassadors of your communities. You have inspired all of us with your dedication and commitment, and you have invited us to follow your example," she added.

The Metropolis Philoptochos donated $9,000 for the Heritage Camp, and $14,000 for the Philoxenia House. "I want to thank everyone here this evening for the support you offer to all of our Metropolis programs and ministries," Metropolis Philoptochos President Merope Kapetanakis stated in her greetings.

The Very Rev. Constantine Bebis, president of the Metropolis Clergy Association, said "The men and women who our Metropolis recognizes tonight have exhibited, throughout the years, deep and profound commitment to our churches, and have served in many capacities faithfully and tirelessly."

Speaking to National Herald, Mrs. Condakes told the National Herald the Metropolis of Boston Ministry Awards Dinner is one of the most spiritually uplifting events of the year for New England’s Greek Orthodox community. "The has to be one of the most beautiful evenings annually in the life of our Holy Metropolis.

The grateful recognition of the dedicated men and women who serve our communities is one the most gracious gestures. For this, we commend our beloved Metropolitan Methodios, who initiated this ward dinner 19 years ago," she said.

George Behrakis, great benefactor of the Boston Metropolis, George Chryssis, George Danis and Rev. Dr. Emanuel Clapsis, Dean of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, were also in attendance.



Volume 7 Number 25 - Tuesday, June 21st, 2005	A Publication of the ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN LAITY