The Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church in Port Washington was filled with joy, reverence, and love on Sunday, November 2, 2025, as the faithful gathered to welcome Archbishop Elpidophoros of America for Orthros, the Divine Liturgy, and the Ordination of Gregory Gatanas to the Holy Diaconate.
Joining His Eminence in this blessed celebration were Archbishop Demetrios, former of America; Metropolitan Iosif of Buenos Aires and Exarch of All South America; Metropolitan Neofitos of Eldoret and Northern Kenya; Metropolitan Sevastianos of Atlanta; Bishops Joachim of Amissos, Athenagoras of Nazianzos, and Nektarios of Diokleia; as well as Archdiocesan District Chancellor Fr. Elias Villis; Proistamenos of Archangel Michael, Fr. John Lardas; Fr. Pandeleimon Papadopoulos, Deacon Gregory’s father-in-law; Archdeacon Dionysios Papiris; Deacon Jeremiah Mandouros; and many other devoted clergy who filled the altar with prayer and thanksgiving.
The service was a profound expression of faith and joy, as family, friends, and parishioners witnessed the sacred moment when Gregory Gatanas offered his life in service to Christ and His Holy Church.
In his touching homily, Archbishop Elpidophoros addressed the newly ordained deacon with words filled with pastoral love and guidance:
“Today, beloved Sub-Deacon Gregory, you take up that very special cross of serving your fellow Christians. It will not always be easy, for we serve not on account of their worthiness, but on account of the Lord’s. Whether we receive praise or condemnation, we still serve. Our Lord Jesus expressed it best when, after the Mystical Supper, He washed the feet of His Disciples and said:
‘You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say rightly, for so I am. Therefore, if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, should you not also wash one another’s feet? Truly, I have given you an example, that just as I have done for you, you should do for one another as well. Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master, nor are apostles greater than the one who sends them. If you understand these things, blessed are you if you do them.’
And truly, beloved Gregory, you shall be happy and blessed in what I pray will be a lifetime of ministry—if you live and serve as the Lord Himself has taught.”
The day was one of heartfelt joy for the Archangel Michael community, as prayers of gratitude and celebration filled the church for Deacon Gregory and for Diakonissa Eleftheria. The ordination of Deacon Gregory marked not only a milestone in his spiritual journey but also a reminder to all present of the beauty and humility of service in Christ’s name.
Photos: Orthodox Observer/Dimitrios Panagos
