WEST MILFORD, NJ – With the magnificence and splendor of a bygone imperial Byzantine era, the Pontians of America honored and venerated the Virgin Mary at the Panagia Soumela Greek Orthodox Church in West Milford.
Metropolitan Evangelos officiated, and Greek Consul Manos Kambourakis was present.
Though fewer than expected were on hand, Pontians traveled from across the United States for the occasion. What was encouraging, though, was the number of young people on hand, portending that this tradition will endure in future generations.
Indeed, the Sunday morning liturgy on August 16, in the small but very warm and welcoming chapel, resembled something out of Byzantine grandeur, and was enhanced by the presence of Evangelos and cantor Dr. George Bilalis.
The metropolitan advised the congregation to live the word of love by faith, works of love, and support of the Church. “Everyone who was here dancing and having fun last night [at the Panagias’ eve celebration] should be here [at the Liturgy] today,” he added.
The procession of the icon of the Panagia followed, which many Astorian Pontians traveled to see, and also to greet Evangelos, whom they remember well when he served the community there.
More than 30 young Pontian-Americans, dressed in traditional costumes, danced the traditional dances of their ancestral homeland. Greetings were read aloud of various well-wishers, including the Metropolitans of Drama, Veria, and Naoussa, and Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos.
Philadelphia Pontians were on hand, including the President of the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of Philadelphia and Greater Delaware Valley, Efstathios Karadonis, who called for support of The Holy Foundation Panagia Soumela Pontion Amerikis, by Pontians and non-Pontians alike. Evangelos praised the Foundation, and said “it is here all the time,” and so called on the laity to support it throughout the year.
Those sentiments were echoed by Gus Tsiflidis, President of the Pan Pontian Federation of America & Canada.
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