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Orthodox Observer - March 20, 1997

Archbishop Spyridon Visits the Diocese of Boston

By Fr. Theodore J. Barbas

CORNELIA Photopoulos of the Boston Cathedral wel- comes Archbishop Spyridon as he enters the Narthex.

BROOKLINE, Mass. ― Archbishop Spyridon made his first pastoral visit to the Boston Diocese over the March 1 weekend and was greeted by hundreds of Greek Orthodox faithful who came to see their new spiritual leader. Events included the Great Vesper service at Annunciation Cathedral in Boston with more than 60 diocesan clergy participating.

Following the service, over 750 people attended a dinner in honor of His Eminence at the Westin Hotel at Copley Place in Boston.

Bishop Methodios of Boston, in welcoming the Archbishop stated, "This dinner is given in your honor to commemorate your first visit to our Diocese since you assumed the awesome responsibilities of your office. The clergy and laity that comprise our 62 communities in new England open their embrace to welcome you and to express to you their love and respect. We wish to assure you that we share your vision for the future growth of our Archdiocese. May our Church be a beacon of salvation, radiantly shining the light of Orthodoxy in this land."

JOY CAMPERS at the Boston Ca- thedral sing a new song they learned for His Eminence.

Peter J. Bassett, an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, served as the master of ceremonies.

Head-table guests who offered greetings included the Rev. Dr. Alkiviadis C. Calivas, president of Hellenic College and Holy Cross Seminary; Demetrios M. Moschos, past president of the Archdiocesan Council; Estelle Zagaris, member of the Diocesan Youth Ministries team; Gregory G. Demetrakas, commander of the Archons of New England; and Bessie Papigiotis, Diocesan Philoptochos Board president.

A musical interlude was offered by the Hellenic College-Holy Cross Choir, directed by professor Photios Kesetzis.

ESTELLE ZAGARIS presents Archbishop Spyridon with a Boston Diocese Camp sweat- shirt during the banquet.

Other dignitaries offering greetings included the Rev. George Economou, president of the New England Clergy Brotherhood; the Rev. Diane Ressler, executive director of the Massachusetts Council of Churches; Consul General of Greece Ioannis Economides, and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino.

His Eminence celebrated the Sunday Divine Liturgy at St. Spyridon Cathedral in Worcester. A luncheon followed that drew hundreds who came to personally welcome our new Archbishop.

The faithful of the Diocese of Boston left the weekend's events enthused and hopeful about the future of Orthodoxy in America.

[ Orthodox Observer - Vol. 62, No. 1125 - March 20, 1997 - p. 2 ]