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As faithful gathered at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Norwalk, Connecticut, the first three rows were filled with children leaning over the pews to catch a glimpse of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America’s arrival. This parish, young and old, have been waiting for this moment for 50 years.
The Archbishop arrived at St. George Church on Friday, Oct. 30 for the Vespers of Consecration, where he processed the relics of the New Martyrs of the island of Samothraki. In his homily, the Archbishop remarked:
“From Chora on the Island of Samothrace, come the relics of Her New Martyrs: Michael, George, Emmanuel, Theodoros, and a second George. Is it not auspicious that two of these five bear the Holy Name of your Patronal Saint? A triad of Georges now surrounds you, in imitation and homage of the Holy Trinity Itself!”
During the Vespers, Chancellor of the Archdiocesan District Fr. Elias Villis, Vicar of the Archdiocesan District Fr. Peter Orfanakos, and local area clergy served alongside parish priest Fr. Nicholas Dassouras. National Chancellor His Grace Bishop Nektarios of Diokleia was also in attendance. Through tear-filled eyes, Fr. Dassouras was bestowed the high Offikion of Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne. His family looked on with love and his parish was filled with joy as they pronounced AXIOS!
The following morning, Oct. 31, the parish finally beheld the sight of their Church consecrated after decades of anticipation.
Archbishop Elpidophoros presided over the Service of Consecration. Serving alongside him were His Grace Bishop Nektarios of Dikolea, His Grace Antonios of Phasiane, Fr. Nicholas Dassouras, Fr. Elias Villis, Fr. Peter Orfanakos, and additional local clergy.
The chanting of Fr. Cherubim Tsinoglou and the Doxologia Choir, from Greece, filled the air, and the delight amongst the parishioners was tangible. Over 200 people prayed together as the Consecration of the Holy Altar took place.
“Your Eminence, on behalf of the entire family of St. George, I would like to express our deepest gratitude for the extraordinary blessing you have bestowed upon us today,” Fr. Dassouras said. “Today is truly a historic and sacred moment in the life of our community. After so many years, 50 years, of prayers, sacrifices and dedication our beloved church has been consecrated for the glory of God.”
At the end of the service, Presvytera Penelope Dassouras happily exclaimed, “We did it!” Echoing the emotions of all those present, this phrase honored the history of the parish and how far the faithful have come as a community. Many parishioners were brought to tears as the hierarchs anointed the walls of the Church with Holy Chrism; the altar boys were especially struck by the enormity of the day and the liturgical rite they witnessed.
Archbishop Elpidophoros admired the parish, saying that it was a “Wonderful, magnificent Byzantine church … Look at this community, the church is full after such a long service, with men, women, seniors, youth, children, babies–that is a vibrant, living community.”
Following the service, a banquet was held in the church hall, where arish Council President John Aslanidis and others offered remarks reflection on the historic commemoration.
“Our community has been blessed with great spiritual leadership from the past presiding priests to our current beloved Fr. Nicholas,” Alsanidis said. “We continue to flourish and grow. But this [consecration] is not the end. This is a new beginning, a new phase. A phase of growth, opportunity and flourishment.”
The parish’s Greek school sang and the Greek Pontiako youth dancers performed while the parish continued their celebration and thanksgiving to God. The community of Saint George Greek Orthodox Church looks forward to the future of the parish now having a spiritual uplifting. The walls of the Church were anointed along with the hearts and souls of those present.
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