PISCATAWAY, NJ – St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Piscataway celebrated Palm Sunday and the start of Holy Week.

The presiding priest of the community, Archimandrite Nektarios Cottros, in his sermon referred to the meaning and significance of the day and urged the faithful to attend the services of Holy Week.

Members of the St. George Piscataway Parish Council, left to right: George Athanasopoulos, Demetrios Arhontoulis, President John Lyssikatos, George Zalokostas, George Psyllos, and Michael Sirimis. Photo: TNH/ Michalis Kakias

As he stated, "from Palm Sunday, the Holy Week or the Week of the Passion actually begins. On this day is celebrated the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem where, according to the authors of the Holy Gospels, the Jews welcomed Him with bows and spread their clothes on the ground cheering 'Hosanna, blessed is the coming Lord. Unfortunately these cries of joy in just a few days turned into cries of rage by shouting 'crucify crucify him.'”

Fr. Cottros continued, “here we see how man changes from one moment to the next, we see the thoughts that the enemy puts in us in order to change us from being spiritual people.”

Palm Sunday at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Piscataway, NJ. Photo: TNH/ Michalis Kakias

“My wish and hope is to spend this Easter together,” he said. “For those who cannot attend, they have the opportunity to watch the services online and participate that way. I wish you a good, blessed Holy Week and good preparation for Pascha and the Resurrection of our Lord.”

Parish Council President John Lyssikatos spoke to The National Herald and shared his best wishes for the Resurrection of Christ to bring health, optimism and strength to all Hellenism.

Palm Sunday at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Piscataway, NJ. Photo: TNH/ Michalis Kakias

Former Parish Council President George Athanasopoulos noted with joy that the parish of St. George is slowly returning to its normal rhythms and invited the Greek community to the annual festival that will be held with only online orders for three days, May 14-16.

George Zalokostas, Parish Council member, sent warm wishes to the Greek community and invited them to visit and worship at the Church of St. George.

Philoptochos Society President Virginia Theokas expressed her joy that this year, after the last difficult year, the churches are open again, albeit with restrictive measures, and referred to the Philoptochos’ effort distributing the tsourekia from Agia Skepi for Easter.

Due to the great numbers of the faithful in attendance on Palm Sunday, many watched the Divine Liturgy on a large screen from the St. George community hall, next to the church. Photo: TNH/ Michalis Kakias

George Psyllos, Parish Council member, wished everyone a beautiful and happy holiday with their loved ones.

It should be noted that due to the great numbers of the faithful in attendance on Palm Sunday, many watched the Divine Liturgy on a large screen from the St. George community hall, next to the church.