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On Tuesday afternoon, hierarchs and clergy gathered once again during the Clergy-Laity Congress for an All Clergy Meeting, convened by the Archdiocesan Presbyters Council (APC).

The gathering opened with a solemn Trisagion Service, presided over by Patriarchal Representative His Eminence Metropolitan Arsenios of Austria, in remembrance of hierarchs and clergy who have fallen asleep in the Lord since the 2024 Congress (listed below.)

Following, President of the APC Fr. Peter Orfanakos welcomed the clergy and introduced Archdiocesan Benefits Committee (APC) Chairman Fr. John Touloumas to recognize Director of the Benefits Office Mrs. Anna Vrettos as she retires after serving 28 years in the Benefits Office.

In a moment of particular distinction, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, presented Mrs. Vrettos with Archdiocese Medal of St. Paul, stating, “Axia! Anna, this Medal is in appreciation for your dedicated service to our Church and to our Clergy of the Archdiocese.”

On behalf of the APC, Fr. Orfanakos paid tribute to Miss Paulette Poulos, who is retiring after 60 years of service to the Church, most recently as Executive Director of Leadership 100. Fr. Orfanakos commended her unwavering support of clergy and their families, noting her lifelong dedication to the Church.

Following the presentations, Fr. Orfanakos provided an update on the Council’s ongoing work and initiatives aimed at supporting clergy in both their ministry and personal lives. He also announced the newly appointed APC Board, introducing members of the Executive Committee: President Fr. Peter Orfanakos, Vice President Rick Demetrius Andrews, Treasurer Mario Giannopoulos, and Secretary Michael Ellis.

The session continued with additional reports by Interim President of Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology Fr. Michael Lambakis and Fr. Touloumas.

Memory Eternal!

The Hierarchs:

Metropolitan Athenagoras of Vize

Metropolitan Demetrios of Xanthos

Bishop Timotheos of Hexamilion

The Priests:

Fr. Emmanuel Lillios

Fr. Robert Stephanopoulos

Fr. Soterios Alexopoulos

Fr. James Karagas

Fr. George Kaloudis

Fr. Arthur Athans

Fr. Thomas Fitzgerald

Fr. Dennis Strouzas

Fr. George Pallas

Fr. George Papademetriou

Fr. Panagiotis Malamis

Fr. Peter Atsales

Fr. Theodore Tsitsilianos

Fr. John Angel

Fr. John Karabatsos

Fr. Constantine Eliades

Fr. Constantine Mathews

Fr. Anthony Demetri

Fr. Gregory Wigenbach

Fr. Constantine Makrinos

Fr. Anthony Tzortzis

Fr. John Ketchum

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