WHITESTONE – The Elevation of the Holy Cross was celebrated around the world on September 14. At Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Whitestone the celebration began with the vespers service on September 13 with an impressive number of area priests (20) participating along with presiding priest of the community Fr. Dionysios Anagnostopoulos.
Fr. Andreas Vithoulkas, presiding priest at Holy Resurrection in Brookville, carried the cross in the procession during the vespers service. Fr. Anagnostopoulos thanked all in attendance, especially the clergy who participated, and wished everyone all the best, while inviting all to attend the Divine Liturgy and the luncheon the following day. An outdoor reception followed the vespers service.
His Grace Bishop Apostolos of Medeia presided over the Divine Liturgy on September 14 for the celebration of the Elevation of the Holy Cross in Whitestone. He spoke about the meaning of the Holy Cross and encouraged all to make the sign of the cross, properly, with the three fingers for the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, as much as possible every day and not be ashamed to do so in public. His Grace noted that each person has a cross to bear and that cross is their bridge to paradise. He wished all those present all the best, especially those celebrating their name day, Stavros and Stavroula, and also conveyed the best wishes of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros who was in Boston at the Holy Cross School of Theology.
Fr. Anagnostopoulos carried the cross during the procession on September 14 with the church full of the faithful.
At the conclusion of the liturgy, Bishop Apostolos thanked the presiding priest of Holy Cross Whitestone Fr. Anagnostopoulos, as well as Fr. Nicholas Soteropoulos, Fr. George Anastasiou, and Fr. Panagiotis Papazafiropoulos who participated in the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. His Grace also noted the gifted chanters of the community who impressed the congregation with their remarkable voices.
A luncheon, free to all those present, followed the Divine Liturgy.
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