WEIRTON, WA –On the weekend of May 13-14, the historic parish of All Saints in Weirton, WV, whichMichael Psaros, one of its most beloved and successful sons called “a beacon of Orthodoxy in the Ohio valley” in his interview with The National Herald, celebrated its 100-year anniversary.His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios Geron of America presided over the ecclesial and social activities assisted by the local Metropolitan, Savas of Pittsburgh. The weekend was a time of celebration of faith, full of joy and love by everyone for everyone.
The journey started with the arrival of Archbishop Demetrios at the Pittsburgh airport, where he was warmly welcomed by Metropolitan Savas, Archon Psaros, who is also and Archdiocesan Council Treasurer, All Saints Presiding Priest Rev. Fr. Frank Milanese, Parish Council President Archon Nick Latousakis, Vice President Nick Tranto, and other members of the community.
Latousakis hosted a luncheon at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Demetrios officiated at the Archieratical Great vespers. The Centennial Gala was also held at the Embassy Suites, with about 350 parishioners and other supporters in attendance. Psaros delivered a dynamic and meaningful speech.
Among other things, he said “tonight we celebrate and rejoice in the Centennial…Tonight we celebrate our family.
“I am honored and humbled to speak on such a historic moment in the life of our Church.I am overcome with emotion for what this Centennial means for our past, and excited about what it means for our present and future.All Saints is a beacon of Orthodoxy in the Ohio Valley and an inspiration to all of the Churches in the Holy Archdiocese. Our Parishioners are exemplars of philotimo, devotion, humility, respect, hard work, tenacity, optimism and above all, faith.Against all odds, our Parish continues to prosper and inspire.”
Psaros praised Demetrios, saying he honored the attendees with his presence, and that he has “enjoyed the blessing and privilege of serving his Eminence personally and our Archdiocese as Treasurer. Our archbishop is extraordinary person. He is the hardest working man I know. He travels the country and world tirelessly to advance our faith. He is a world class theologian, a leader, a visionary, and above all, a teacher – he is always teaching. His intellect is staggering, and I have never met anyone with such a comprehensive mastery of the English or Greek language, or with the ability to use language with such precision. He is our spiritual father, and we are always in his prayers. He is someone I love like a grandfather. Your Eminence, All Saints extends its love, respect and appreciation for officiating this seminal event in the history of the All Saints Church.”
Psaros said “I sought inspiration for my remarksthis evening from the master, my Yiayia. When I was 12 or 13 years old, his Eminence Archbishop Iakovos of blessed memory came to All Saints for an official visit on Father’s Day. Everyone over the age of 50 remembers that his visit was an event of state.Despite my age, I was selected to give the keynote speech. Back then, all of our Parishioners spoke Greek. My Yiayia, the poet, Evyenia Loufakis, wrote a speech, where she combined extraordinary observations on what it means to be a father, while specifically recognizing “oi metanastes pateres, pou eithran etho hores glossa, horesxpimata, horesspouthase, ma me pisteos, agape, kai elpitha. – the immigrant fathers, who came here without language, without money, without an education, but with faith, love and hope. My Yiayia’s words are as true today, as they were almost 40 years ago. Her words capture who we were, who we are, and who we will always be.” Psaros received a standing ovation and enduring applause.
Archbishop Demetrios praised All Saints for its achievements during its hundred years of life and service. He conveyed the greetings and prayers of His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to all in the community and recounted his first visit to the All Saint’sparish in 1966 when he was still a priest.
Metropolitan Savas expressed his pride for this community and spoke of his experiences during his six years as metropolitan. He said that during this time he celebrated centennials in twelve parishes of the Pittsburgh Metropolis. He also made a respectful reference to his predecessor Metropolitan Maximos, who served for 32 years.
The Gala was well planned and executed by a dedicated committee chaired by Lamone Glyptis. Fotis John Frangakis served as master of ceremonies for the evening.
The next morning, May 14, Demetrios presided at the Divine Liturgy, assisted by Savas, Milanese, ProtopresbyterAlexander Karloutsos,Fr.Nicholas Halkias from the neighboring parish of the Holy Trinity in Steubenville, OH, Archdeacon Panteleimon Papadopoulos, and Deacon Elefterios Contantin.
The archbishop praised and congratulated the parish saying that “we are thankful to God, who gives us everything.”He preached from the Gospel of Saint John about the dialogue of Christ with the Samaritan woman. The archbishop said that the coincidence of the centennial celebration and Mother’s Day is an opportunity to remember and celebrate all the mothers of the century that passed since the establishment of the parish in 1917. He said that “the Mother of God is the mother of all mothers.”
Demetrios gifted a cross to the parish with which the priest of blesses the congregation during the Divine Liturgy. He also gave a sacred memento to Psaros, for his office: aspecial icon of Christ.
Psaros told TNH that he was “overcome with emotion. Honestly I am numb. I am turning 50 in two weeks and never thought that I would see a hierarchical Liturgy in Weirton, WV in my lifetime. This is the third time in a century, the last being almost four decades ago. The sun was shining, a spectacular spring day, the sun was flowing through the magnificent stain glass windows to overflow crowd of faithful. It was just a joyous, peaceful, spectacular service.”
Demetrios said “today is a remarkable day. This community went through difficult circumstances because of economic factors related to the area, but in spite of any difficulty not only they survived, but they kept progressing for 100 years. We have this beautiful church and its many vibrant programs, enhancing the life of the community in an amazing way. It is a joy, it is a celebration and it is an achievement. We will depart today for New York with tremendous memories from a vibrant, alive, progressive, very promising community. The Church of All Saints has given magnificent examples for a century and now we enter the second century and we celebrate the beginnings of the second centennial. We pray for an increased offering of the message of Christ, which is a message of peace, love, freedom, and human dignity.”
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