By Constantinos Vouzakis
ΝΕΑ ΥΟRΚ – A show equal to a Broadway production, as Archbishop Demetrios said, was what the audience experienced during the spectacular show that fueled the run up to Christmas with love and love and which was presented by the schools of St. Demetrios Cathedral in Astoria in the Petros G. Patridis Cultural Center.
The lucky parents and other Greek-Americans who were present for the Christmas Pageant enjoyed a professional show performed by the children of the elementary, middle and high schools.
It was a spectacular show that had it all: flawless performances, inspiring recitations from the bible and hymns heralding the birth of our Lord, joyous traditional carols, impressive costumes and outfits – comparable to a spectacular Broadway production.
All of that was the holiday offering of Greek-American children, of the first, second, and third generation, with their only resource being a strong desire to outdo themselves to entertain their parents and the audience, stoked by the dedicated work of their teachers who worked with them tirelessly in order to prepare them for the show.
The adults helped the children reach the highest degree of performance quality, once again raising the bar with an unforgettable show enjoyed by all.
That was obvious from the warm and extended applause that followed each performance or recitation or Christmas melody performed by the chorus under the direction of Evangelos Chaziroglou and recorded for posterity by video editor Stavros Tsividakis.
The dignitaries present included Archbishop Demetrios, Bishop Sevastianos of Zela, consul of Greece Manos Koubarakis, and Director of the Direct Archdiocesan District Office of Education, Maria Makedon.
Among the proud parish officials were Archimandrite Nektarios Papazarafiropoulos, the Dean of St. Demetrios Cathedral, Fr. John Antonopoulos, Fr. Anastasios Pourakis, Fr. Vasilios Louros, Fr. Dionysios Koulianos, President of the Parish Council Emmanuel Dritsas, President of the School Board Nick Andriotis, Supervising Director of the schools Dr. Anastasios Koularmanis, Deputy Director of the high school Helen Karagiorgios, Betsy Sideris, assistant director of the elementary School, and PTA President Dr. Maria Asprogerakas.
Following the invocation the Archbishop took the podium and stated enthusiastically, “today we’re going to watch an ‘Off Broadway’ show,” which prompted a torrent of applause before he even finished his sentence.
He also congratulated the schools for the beautiful songs performed by the children during a previous visit to the Cathedral of Holy Trinity in Manhattan and commented: “If the way the children of the chorus recited ‘Our Father who art in Heaven’ is an indication, we’re going to enjoy a really great show.” He was absolutely right.
Koularmanis took the podium and gave an account of the work done at the school during the past year. Through recitations from the bible he extended his warm Christmas wishes to all, and reminded that Christmas is a time for giving to our fellow man.
Koubarakis congratulated the School for the work being done there and pointed out that “The community of St. Demetrios in Astoria is the national capital for Greek-Americans.” He concluded his salutation extending warm Christmas wishes to the audience.
Dritsas spoke with emotion about the program that the children presented and said “the children are worthy of congratulations, as are their teachers. Tonight the children performed equally well as their professional counter-parts. Like actual Thespians.
He spoke about the important mission of the Hellenic education offered by the St. Demetrios school. He concluded his speech wishing all a happy Christmas.
The show began with a re-enactment of the birth of Christ with musical background provided by the angelic voices of the chorus.
The children also performed American Christmas carols and popular and inspiring songs with an intense Christmas spirit that was conveyed to the audience, which responded with thunderous and enthusiastic applause.
The children offered the best of themselves and conveyed the joy and positive spirit of Christmas. When they chanted the Byzantine hymns of Christmas with their sweet voices, waves of emotion passed through the audience.
The show’s finale prompted warm and hearty applause and “bravo” resounded throughout the hall.
Bishop Sevastianos closed the night with a benediction and Christmas and New Year’s wishes, and reminded that the message of Christmas should be celebrated by participating in the Divine Liturgy, which will be offered at different times to fit all schedules of the Greek-American community.
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