BROOKLYN – His Grace Bishop Apostolos of Medeia, the chief secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod and newly appointed spiritual advisor of the National Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, presided over the traditional cutting of the Vasilopita at Saints Constantine and Helen Cathedral in Brooklyn immediately following the Divine Liturgy on January 13.

In an interview with The National Herald, Bishop Apostolos warmly thanked the presiding priest and Dean of the Cathedral, Fr. Evagoras Constantinides, for the courteous invitation on behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios and wished everyone a productive 2019, rich with health and happiness.

“I pray that this historic community will always be united with the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ so that there is progress, unity, love, peace, with mental and physical development,” he said.

Fr. Constantinides expressed the joy of the entire parish for the presence of His Grace Bishop Apostolos and wished all the best to the Greek community with many blessed years.

Parish Council President Haralambos Paloumbis thanked the faithful who honored with their presence the festive event, as well as the members of Philoptochos for the preparation of the meal.

Philoptochos President, Ismene Speliotis, referred to the spiritual, social and charitable work of the society and urged the faithful to always think of and help their fellow human beings.

Panagiota Vlitas Apostolakis, Director of the Sunday School, wished everyone joy, health, and peace for the New Year.

The choir director and organist, Maria Eleni Zollo, invited the Greek community to the upcoming classical music concert, to be held at the Cathedral on Friday, January 18, at 7:30 PM.