On September 23, 2024, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America met with His Grace Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos to bestow his Archpastoral blessing on His Grace’s appointment as Archiepiscopal Vicar of the Hellenic Orthodox Community of Astoria.

 

This new appointment adds to Bishop Athenagoras’s responsibilities within the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, which include serving as Chief Secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod, National Director of the Department of Religious Education (DRE), Spiritual Advisor to the National Ladies Philoptochos Society, and Member of the Board of Trustees of St. Basil Academy. As Archiepiscopal Vicar, His Grace will report directly to His Eminence.

 

The Hellenic Orthodox Community of Astoria stands as one of the oldest and largest Greek Orthodox communities in the United States. It encompasses the Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Saints Catherine and George Greek Orthodox Church, and Saint Demetrios Greek-American School, which serves students from Pre-K to Grade 12.

 

Through the grace of God, the significance, complexities, and potential of the Hellenic Orthodox Community of Astoria inspired the Community to request that Bishop Athenagoras assume the role of Archiepiscopal Vicar. The last appointment of an Archiepiscopal Vicar for the Community of Astoria occurred in 1987 when His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta served as Bishop of Troas.

 

Also in attendance at the meeting were the Chancellor of the Archdiocesan District, Rev. Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne Fr. Elias Villis, and the Cathedral Dean, Rev. Protopresbyter Fr. Anargyros Stavropoulos.

 

Bishop Athenagoras’s official start date as Archiepiscopal Vicar of the Hellenic Orthodox Community of Astoria will be October 1, 2024. His first Divine Liturgy at Saint Demetrios Cathedral of Astoria will take place on October 13, 2024, and his first Divine Liturgy at Saints Catherine and George Greek Orthodox Church will occur on October 20, 2024. This appointment marks a significant moment for this cherished Community of Astoria as it looks forward to His Grace’s spiritual leadership.