ΙΕΡΑ ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΗ

ΑΜΕΡΙΚΗΣ

MEDIA ADVISORY

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

September 28, 2006                                          Chief Secretary of the Metropolis of NJ

Kenilworth, NJ                                                 

Tel.:  908-686-0003

 HIS EMINENCE METROPOLITAN EVANGELOS OF NEW JERSEY

OFFICIATES AT GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR NEW

SS. NICHOLAS, CONSTANTINE AND HELEN GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

            His Eminence, Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey presided over the historic and much anticipated Groundbreaking ceremony of the new SS. Nicholas, Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church of Roseland, NJ, this past Sunday, September 24, 2006. The new Community is the result of the merging of the “Mother Church of New Jersey,” St. Nicholas of Newark, NJ, with SS. Constantine and Helen of Orange, NJ.

            The day began with His Eminence concelebrating the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy with His Grace, Bishop Damaskinos of Diavleia, Auxillary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Athens, at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Newark, NJ, the first Divine Liturgy celebrated since the merger of the two Communities. They were assisted by Frs. Peter Souritzidis and Constantine Makrinos as well as Deacon Michael Diamond.

            Following the beautiful Eucharistic Celebration, all present proceeded to the new Roseland site for the Groundbreaking Ceremony and Agiasmos Service, again presided by His Eminence. Joining His Eminence were the V. Rev. Archimandrite George Nikas, Chief Secretary of the Holy Metropolis of NJ, Archons Nicholas Bouras, Vice Commander of the Order of St. Andrew, John Halecky Jr. and Socrates Kyritsis, Fundraising Committee Chairman, Presidents James Sumas and Constantine Theodos, Chris Tsetsekas, Building Committee Chairman, and over 400 enthusiastic Faithful.

            Noticeably optimistic, His Eminence, Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey congratulated the Clergy, Parish Councils, Merger and Host Committees, and all of the Orthodox Faithful of both Parishes for their sacrificial effort to unite as one stronger Community, laying the foundation for the next generation. Furthermore, His Eminence gave glory to Almighty God for bringing this noble and divine endeavor to fruition and for blessing the works of his servants’ hands. His Eminence also exhorted all present to continue in their financial support of the new Community so that the new Church may be completed by 2007 as anticipated.

            The Chairman of the event, Theoharis Pappas, assisted by Vice Chairs Demetra Gautieri, Mary Kakos, Socrates Kyritsis and Peter Sergiou, worked diligently for many weeks prior to the grand celebration, ensuring its overwhelming success and organization. Parish Council member and Communications Committee Chairman James Dalianis served as Master of Ceremonies for the elegant and inspirational event, frequently recalling fond memories of both Parishes. A luncheon followed the Groundbreaking in which Parishioners were afforded the opportunity to come forward with donations toward the task at hand.

            The New Church and Community Complex is a $13 million undertaking, promising to be one of the polished gems of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey. Over 40,000 sq. ft. will occupy the 12 acres of land on Laurel Road, which will include an 8,000 sq. ft. Byzantine style Church seating about 600, 2 Banquet rooms adjacent to a modern gymnasium, a state-of-the-art kitchen, administrative offices, library, and 10 classrooms for Catechetical and Greek Schools.

            Originally scheduled for completion in 2008, the strength and commitment of the pious Faithful has pushed the projected completion date to 2007. The new Church and Community Complex will indeed serve the needs of many as a spiritual oasis and center for dissemination of our Hellenic Heritage and Culture as well serve as a stellar reminder of what can be accomplished when we are united and work for the glory of God. 

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