ΙΕΡΑ ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΗ

ΑΜΕΡΙΚΗΣ

MEDIA ADVISORY

For Immediate Release                                  Contact:  V. Rev. Archimandrite George Nikas,

September 23, 2006                                                      Chief Secretary of the Metropolis of NJ

Kenilworth, NJ                                                                                                  Tel.:  908-686-0003

HIS EMINENCE METROPOLITAN EVANGELOS OF NEW JERSEY

ESTABLISHES NEW PARISH IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA

            His Eminence, Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey traveled to Ashburn, Virginia, on September 22, 2006, to preside over the 1^st Organizational Meeting of the Greek Orthodox Parish of Loudoun County, Virginia, thus establishing it as the 56^th Parish of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey and the 3^rd newly established Parish within the last 2 years.

            The meeting which was attended by over 225 people representing over 70 families, is the culmination of two previous meetings held over the summer in which these families have pledged their support and expressed their fervent interest in forming a Greek Orthodox Community in Northern Virginia. Upon the request of the Faithful gathered and the unanimous and resounding applause to His Eminence’s question, “do you want a Parish,” His Eminence declared the Greek Orthodox Parish of Loudoun County, Virginia, officially established.

            In his highly emotional and inspirational remarks to all present, the Metropolitan thanked Almighty God for the new Parish, reminding everyone of the importance of establishing “a spiritual home for the nourishing of one’s soul,” and that the Divine Liturgy as the pre-eminent expression of the Church, is the chief manner in which the Faithful may “cultivate their soul and spirit.” His Eminence then exhorted and commissioned the enthusiastic and visibly moved Stewards to “help this Parish grow so that it may become a permanent legacy for all future generations.”

            Upon the request and approval of the Stewards present, His Eminence appointed the following dedicated individuals to the Interim Parish Council: Michael Koutsourais, Marina Blair, Katherine Kendrat, William Aubin, Nicholas Ramfos, Dimitrios Kesari, Susan Dorn, Aristos Dimitriou, Lia Economou, Christos Panagides and Demetrios Koutris. Furthermore, His Eminence assigned the Rev. Economos Patrick Viscuso as the Interim Pastor, who will officiate at the first Divine Liturgy in the Parish’s Temporary Worship Facility in Sterling, VA.

            In his closing remarks, His Eminence thanked all who came forward to support this new Parish and challenged all present to become disciples of Christ, proclaiming the Good News of salvation through Him. His Eminence also acknowledged the presence and moral support of several Clergy who were in attendance from neighboring Parishes.

            A suburb of Washington, DC and home to Washington Dulles International Airport, Loudoun County has a population of 255,000 (July 2005) and is considered the fastest growing and wealthiest county in the United States. Census Bureau statistics indicate that there are over 1,100 individuals of Greek ancestry in the county and over 7,000 in neighboring Fairfax County.    

For more information or to offer your financial support and gift of love to the newly established Parish, please contact:  The Greek Orthodox Parish of Loudoun County, Virginia P.O. Box 1639, Ashburn, VA 20146-1639    Tel:703-669-6857        www.greekorthodoxloudon.org

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