On Sunday, February 9, 2025, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America celebrated Divine Liturgy at St. Nicholas Shrine Church of Flushing, NY, and installed Fr. Aristidis Garinis as the Proistamenos of the parish, presenting him with a cross.
Fr. Garinis is the fifth head priest of the parish and succeeds Fr. Paul Palesty who retired after many years of service.
In his Homily, the Archbishop remarked, “Beloved Sisters and Brothers in Christ, what a joyous Liturgy this is for you – the faithful of our wonderful Parish in Flushing, the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Shrine Church – when you embrace the ministry of Father Aristidis Garinis as your Proïstamenos for the first time! You have benefited from Father Paul’s guiding hands for over a quarter of a century, and he has proved to be a pastor’s pastor. And with Father Aristidis, who has been trained and reared in his Priesthood under Father Paul, you are moving in the same direction of faith and tradition, but with an enthusiastic and energetic leader who is more than ready, and more than capable, to lead you.”
Following the service, Archbishop Elpidophoros also elevated several acolytes to the rank of Reader of the Church. Axios!
Photos: Orthodox Observer/Dimitrios Panagos
