On Sunday, May 20th, St. Demetrios celebrated the graduation of all our Sunday School youth for this past year. Students graduating academically were recognized, alter boys were acknowledged for their commitment and hard work, Sunday School teachers were appreciated for their dedication, and Philoptochos and Memorial awards were given to high school graduates. A big thank you to Helen Horan, our Sunday School Director, for her dedication and commitment to the entire community of St. Demetrios.
Two of our GOYA members represented St. Demetrios in this year’s St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival/Metropolis of New Jersey Finals on Saturday, May 19th. Kali Simatos won second place in the Junior Division speakers, and Julia Parsenios won Honorable Mention in the Senior Division Speakers. Congratulations to both for not only representing our church but for doing an excellent speaking job.
The St. Demetrios Philoptochos honored Mary Simatos as ‘Mother of the Year” on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 13th. Mary was recognized for her commitment and dedication to our St. Demetrios community as well as for her role as loving matriarch to her family.
On Saturday, May 12th, St. Demetrios hosted the annual New Jersey Metropolis GOYA Indoor Olympics. A big thank you to everyone who worked hard to make it a huge success, especially organizer Callie Vosinas as well as Irene Dimitratos, Mary Lou Rivera, George and Afroula Kane, Michael Koudis, Jim and Larayne Panayi, Marietta Khalil, Demos and Jennifer Simatos, Demetra and Stavroula Wagner, Fr. George and Presbytera Maureen, Helen Horan, Froso and Ruben Morales and GOYA advisors Nick and Cindy Giannakopoulos.
Congratulations to all that helped make this year’s Oratorical Festival a huge success! St. Demetrios hosted the St. John Chrysostom District Oratorical Festival on Saturday, April 28th and was spear-headed by Maria Mantoudakis. Julia Parsenios was a finalist for the Senior Division and Kalli Simatos was a finalist for the Junior Division. Both will advance to the Metropolis Level Oratorical Festival being held on Saturday, May 19th.
We had a pleasant surprise yesterday morning at the Clergy Laity Conference to have Father George as one of the special presenters speaking on “From Paschal to Pentecost with the Gospel of John.” He was commended on an inspiring message by His Eminence Evangelos which made us very proud! Congratulations, Father George!
