STATEN ISLAND, NY – The faithful of all ages crowded Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Staten Island on June 30 to participate in the celebration of the last Divine Liturgy with their presiding priest and spiritual father, Fr. Nicholas Petropoulakos. On June 28, In an emotional atmosphere, the held a farewell dinner for its priest of 28 years.

Fr. Petropoulakos is retiring after 50 years as a priest, the last 28 of which he served as the presiding priest of the Staten Island community.

Visibly moved during his sermon on June 30, Fr. Petropoulakos said, “I love you all, each and every one of you, and I will always love you. On this important day of my life, you filled our church, the house of Christ, you have touched my heart and I thank you. I will remember the times we shared over the years and will forever hold a special place in my heart for all of you. As I have mentioned, I will continue to serve the church, our Holy Archdiocese, and the Patriarchate. I will pray for all of you daily. Be careful, make smart choices in your life and God bless you.”

Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas assistant priest Fr. Vasilis Apostolidis, addressing Fr. Petropoulakos, said, “I wish with all my heart that this touching moment will be a milestone of memory and joy for you in your priestly career, and that it will be richly filled with happiness, love, and joy. Allow me to lovingly offer you a gold-embroidered ‘Epigonation’ of our patron saint, Saint Nicholas, with the wish that the ‘Gift-Giver’ Lord, will grant you for many years, mental and physical health, and claim you to become a ‘shareholder and heir of His heavenly goods.’ Axios!”

Emotional Farewell Dinner

On June 28, at the packed Grand Oaks Country Club, the parishioners of all the churches he served in his 50 years of priesthood demonstrated their love and respect for him.

Fr. Petropoulakos spoke to The National Herald and warmly thanked all the guests who honored him with their presence and all those who organized his farewell dinner.  He stated that despite his retirement he will continue to faithfully serve the church, the Archdiocese of America, and the Patriarchate.

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, in his written message, praised the wonderful work of Fr. Nicholas in the churches he served with devotion, humility, patience, affection, influencing the lives of countless believers. “I wish and pray that you will have many more years of faithful and fruitful service in the vineyard of the Lord, with blessings and divine inspiration and zeal from above. Many congratulations on this wonderful, golden anniversary,” said His Eminence.

Fr. Vasilis Apostolidis, assistant priest, characterized Fr. Nicholas as a worthy clergyman who for half a century with a sense of responsibility functioned, preached, and shepherded the flock as an able and experienced worker of the Gospel of Christ.

Parish Council President Andreas Economou thanked Fr. Nicholas for his 28 wonderful years in Staten Island and for the great work he leaves behind, such as the establishment of the Hellenic Classical Charter School on the church grounds.

“He has taught us the importance of humility and trust. What he preaches in church every Sunday he maintains at home from Monday to Saturday,” said Presvytera Panagiota. “You are an excellent priest, husband, father, and grandfather.”

U.S. Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis honored Fr. Petropoulakos with the highest award from Congress and spoke about his charitable and social work, especially during the disaster in Staten Island caused by Superstorm Sandy.

New York State Assemblyman Michael Tannousis referred to his personal experiences with Fr. Nicholas when he himself was a small child in the Greek and Sunday Schools of the parish and presented him with an honorary plaque.

Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Merrillville, Indiana, in their message thanked Fr. Petropoulakos for helping to build the church in 1975 together with Fr. Evagoras Constantinides and later, as presiding priest, helping not only with the development of the church but also with the development of the Metropolis of Chicago.

Members of the Choir noted what a blessing it was to chant with him at services. The Sunday School referred to his spiritual education and support over the years. The youth and dance programs thanked him for his support, kindness and guidance. The Hellenic Classical Charter School expressed thanks for the trust shown in the mission of the school and the creation of a wonderful partnership.