Archbishop Elpidophoros joins celebrations of service by Protopresbyter Elias and Presvytera Melanie Villis

Parishioners of the Church of Our Savior in Rye, New York gathered with family and friends to celebrate 25 years of devoted service by Protopresbyter Elias G. Villis, Archdiocesan District Chancellor, and Presvytera Melanie Villis. Hundreds joined in fellowship and gratitude for their dedication.

Archbishop Elpidophoros of America joined the celebration, praising the couple and highlighting their ministry as a testament to the Church’s vitality. “The sweet and genuine emotion that fills this room says everything we need to know about the evening’s tribute to this priestly pair – Protopresbyter and Presvytera – a spiritual power couple if ever there was one! Their twenty-five years of pastoral ministry in Rye, and throughout the Archdiocese District in many capacities, is a sign of the health of our Church, and most certainly, a sign of the health of the Parish of our Saviour,” Archbishop Elpidophoros stated.

Photos: Orthodox Observer/Dimitrios Panagos