NEW JERSEY – With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos, December 9 marked the decorating and lighting of the Christmas Tree at the Holy Metropolis of New Jersey. Present at the event were the Consul General of Greece in New York Konstantinos Koutras and his wife Popita Pavli, Consul of Greece Lana Zochiou, clergy, members of the parish councils, various Philoptochos associations, and a multitude of the faithful.
The event began with Christmas carols and songs, followed by exchanges of wishes and a festive dinner in the community hall.
In his remarks, Metropolitan Evangelos, warmly thanked the guests who honored the festive event with their presence and wished everyone a blessed Christmas with the love of Christ and love for their fellow man.
Speaking to The National Herald at the event, Consul General Koutras expressed his best wishes to the Greek community and for peace and prosperity for the whole world.
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Sigmapharm Laboratories Dr. Spiros Spireas wished everyone all the best and a prosperous new year to all Greeks and every success and progress to the Publisher-Editor of The National Herald, Antonis H. Diamataris, as well as to all the staff members of the newspaper in the New Year.
Metropolis of New Jersey Philoptochos President Anne Michals noted that Christmas is the celebration of love and called for everyone to give joy to the poor, orphaned, sick, and lonely people this year.
Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of Philadelphia and Greater Delaware Valley President Georgia Halakos wished the Greek community and Hellenism everywhere, health, love, personal and family happiness.
Finally, Hellenic Federation of New Jersey President Elias Iliadis wished on behalf of the Federation a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.
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