BRONX, NY – His Eminence Archbishop of America, Demetrios, celebrated the Divine Liturgy on June 24 at St. Peter the Apostle Church in the Bronx, accompanied by Archdeacon Panteleimon Papadopoulos, Deacon Eleftherios Constantine, and the community’s presiding Pastor V. Rev. Father Maximos Politis.

Archbishop Demetrios expressed his joy at participating in the services before the feast, as he said, of the great Apostle Peter and, by coincidence, on the birth of St. John the Baptist.

Referring to St. Peter’s life, he focused on the human nature and the unmistakable character of the Apostle, as he said, on the one hand, he was ready to risk his life for Jesus Christ, and on the other, he denied him, and eventually was martyred.

Fr. Politis thanked His Eminence for the honor of his presence a few days before the feast of St. Peter, when, he said, the Community holds a pre-celebration and “the Holy Archdiocese shows its unquestionable interest in he feast,” while he wished to His Eminence “many blessed, healthy, honored, years full of grace and blessings” and to those accompanying him.

Then, on behalf of the community of St. Peter, Fr. Politis spoke about the historic course of the church, with the help of benefactors and donors of the Parish, while noting that the work of hagiography continues thanks to the contributions of pious Christians.

Then he invited Archbishop Demetrios to honor and present the benefactor of the St. Peter the Apostle Church, Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Stylianos (Steve) Zervoudis, with a mosaic icon as a symbol of gratitude from Community for his contributions. Archbishop Demetrios said that Steve Zervoudis contributes where he can and honors the title of benefactor. On behalf of his family, Zervoudis thanked the Archbishop for the honor and wished God to gives His Eminence strength and health to continue his work.

A meal followed in the community’s Steve Zervoudis Hall. Among those present were members of Steve Zervoudis’ family including his wife Angeliki, son Aristotle, grandchildren Angeliki and Steve, Evangelos Zervoudis, and Maria Skinakis. Also present were the Director of Education of the Archdiocese Dr. Ioannis Efthimiopoulos, the Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate Stavros Haviaras, Efstathios Valiotis, the president of the newly established Hellenic Congress of America and the former president of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York Petros Galatoulas, and St. Peter the Apostle Church architect George Kitsios.

His Eminence Archbishop of America, Demetrios, celebrated the Divine Liturgy on June 24 at St. Peter the Apostle Church in the Bronx, June 24, 2018. (Photo by TNH/Costas Bej)

His Eminence Geron Archbishop Demetrios of America and Archdeacon Panteleimon Papadopoulos. (Photo by TNH/Costas Bej)

His Eminence Archbishop of America, Demetrios, celebrated the Divine Liturgy on June 24 at St. Peter the Apostle Church in the Bronx, June 24, 2018. (Photo by TNH/Costas Bej)

His Eminence Archbishop of America, Demetrios, celebrated the Divine Liturgy on June 24 at St. Peter the Apostle Church in the Bronx, June 24, 2018. (Photo by TNH/Costas Bej)

His Eminence Archbishop of America, Demetrios (Photo by TNH/Costas Bej, FILE)