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Orthodox Observer - January 1997 St. George in Bethesda Celebrates Important Milestone WASHINGTON, D.C. — Hundreds of faithful from seven Washington-area parishes welcomed Archbishop Spyridon on his Nov. 16-17 pastoral visit. In addition to the parish of St George in Bethesda, which celebrated the 25th anniversary of its pastor Fr. George Papaioannou, the communities that took part included St. Sophia Cathedral, Sts. Constantine and Helen, both in Washington; St. Katherine, Falls Church, Va.; and the Maryland communities of Sts. Constantine and Helen, Annapolis, St. Theodore, Lantham and Sts. Peter and Paul, Frederick. His Eminence arrived at the Marriott hotel in Washington on Nov. 16 and was greeted by the clergy, parish council presidents, Philoptochos chapter presidents and National Board members, and others.
GREETS YOUTH — Many young people were on hand to welcome Archbishop Spyridon to St. George Church in Bethesda. Later in the afternoon, the Archbishop was the honored guest at a leadership tea attended by about 100 persons, including parish council and Philoptochos presidents, Sunday School and Greek school directors and youth representatives from all parishes. His Eminence urged the guests to remain united and work with him for the glory of God and the good of Orthodoxy. Historic Sts. Constantine and Helen Church was the setting for the Great Vespers on Saturday evening with the Archbishop presiding, assisted by 15 area priests. The Archbishop spoke of the unique contributions of Sts. Constantine and Helen in helping set the foundation of the Christian Faith and freedom in the formulation of Christian doctrine. The church was filled to capacity. A reception followed, hosted by the church's Philoptochos Society, and attended by His Eminence who spoke to and blessed the people. Ambassador of Greece and Mrs. Loucas Tsilas later that evening hosted a dinner at the embassy for about 30 Greek American leaders in honor of the Archbishop. The Ambassador welcomed Archbishop Spyridon and offered both his personal support and that of his government in his ministry. Responding to the Ambassador's remarks, His Eminence promised to work tirelessly for the restoration of human, religious, and cultural rights in Cyprus, Albania, and Constantinople. On Sunday, Nov. 17, people from all parts of Maryland, Virginia, and the District filled St. George Church for the Archbishop's pastoral visit and to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their pastor, Fr. George Papaioannou. Hundreds of Sunday School and Greek school children holding icons and Bibles lined up in the courtyard to welcome the Archbishop with joyful shouts of the Axios! Worthy! Inside the church, the service had just reached the point at which he Archbishop was to enter and direct his steps to his throne with an anxious congregation waiting for his entry. But he took time to talk to the children, bless their icons, autograph their Bibles, and was photographed with them. It was this sight that made Bill Broadway write in The Washington Post, 'When Greek Orthodox Archbishop Spyridon came to Bethesda, the day belonged to the children."
ARCHBISHOP SPYRIDON offici- ates at the Divine Liturgy at St. George Church in Bethesda. A- mong the clergy at the right in the photo is Fr. George Papaioan- nou, who was honored for his 25th anniversary at a reception after- ward. Patriarch Bartholomew sent him a congratulatory message which was read during the luncheon. During the Liturgy, the Archbishop was assisted by 10 priests and two deacons. His sermon was on the unselfish love demanded by Christ. Delegations from the schools later presented His Eminence with two checks, one for St. Basil's Academy and the other for the Patriarchate. He urged the congregation "to see the world as children see it." On Sunday evening 600 people gathered in the Presbytera Maria Grand Hall to pay tribute to Fr. George Papaioannou on his 25th anniversary as pastor. Over the years, the membership of St. George has grown from 70 families to 750 families. During the dinner a congratulatory message from Patriarch Bartholomew was read, in which he praised both the honoree and the parish. The patriarch said, in part, 'We proceed joyfully with this patriarchal letter, written by our hand, to congratulate the honoree, for you truly deserve the honor, and commend those who are responsible for the celebration, for they perform a godly work in bestowing the honor and expressing gratitude to their spiritual guide..." Fr. Papaioannou requested that proceeds from the dinner, which totaled $15,000, go to the restoration of the Patriarchal Church of St. George in Constantinople, which had been damaged by Turkish terrorists. [ Orthodox Observer - Vol. 62, No. 1122 - January 1997 - p. 2 ]
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