NEW YORK – The ordination to the episcopacy of Very Rev. Apostolos Koufallakis filled the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity with friends and well wishers as far away as California on December 20.
Archbishop Demetrios of America addressed the congregation emphasized the importance of the connection of the bishop with the people of God. He likened the work the clergy and laity undertake together to the creation of music by an orchestra. Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Franscisco expressed a variation on that theme developed at the luncheon the St. Demetrios Cathedral held in the new bishop’s honor at the Terrace on the Park.
In 2004-2011 Bishop Apostolos, who was born and raised on Rhodes, was appointed Dean of the Cathedral in Astoria and in 2011 he was transferred to the Metropolis of San Francisco to serve as its chancellor, a position he will continue to hold.
Among the hierarchs were Metropolitans Iakovos of Chicago, Methodios of Boston, Nicholas of Detroit, Savas of Pittsburgh and Evangelos of New Jersey. Bishops Philotheos, who just celebrated his 90th birthday, Bishop Anthimos and Sevastianos were also present along with local clergy and priests from the Metropolis of San Francisco.
The ordination occurred prior to the scriptural readings during the Archieratical Divine Liturgy, the highlight of which was Fr. Koufallakis’ participation in the Dance of Isaiah, reminiscent of the Orthodox wedding service. He was led three times around the altar table, symbolizing the bishop’s marriage to the church.
After receiving his vestments from the Metropolitans on the Cathedral’s marble solea he assumed his formal title Bishop Apostolos of Medeia amid cries of “axios – worthy!” which rang out often during the alter luncheon exuberantly echoed by the children in attendance
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