The parish of Holy Trinity Church in Hicksville, NY, was filled to capacity as parishioners gathered to witness the ordination of Sub-Deacon Christopher Arnadopoulos to the diaconate on Sunday, March 15.
The emotional and symbolic service was presided over by Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, assisted by parish priest Fr. Theofanis Papantonis, Archdeacon Dionysios Papiris, and Deacon Jeremiah Mandoras. Also in attendance were Diakonissa Vasiliki Arnadopoulos and their daughters, Katerina and Anastasia, along with many family members and friends.
In his remarks to the newly-ordained Dn. Christopher, Archbishop Elpidophoros said, “You now stand before the Holy Altar in this wonderful Parish dedicated to the Holy Trinity in Hicksville, where you have been inspired by your priest, and where you first encountered the reality of the Living God. You have the support of Father Theofanis, and indeed, the entire community in this – your aspiration to service at the Holy Altar.”
“For to be a Deacon is to serve in an office that is complete in itself, and is part of the three-fold Holy Priesthood of Melchizedek, which our Lord Jesus Christ has apportioned as Bishop, Presbyter, and Deacon. The ministry of a Deacon is comprehensive because it has been Apostolically ordained by God. The original Deacons served the communal tables of the Faithful. Now, you serve the Communion Table of the Holy Altar. Yet, when you stand with the Faithful and intone the petitions, you are representing them before God, and your mindfulness of this reality will enhance your service. Think of it, each member of the congregation is included in your voice before the Lord of Glory. This is an awesome task to fulfill, and requires more than a melodious sound and the proper tones. It requires a consciousness that embraces in love all the Faithful, and offers them to God with knowledge and with understanding.”
Read the full remarks here.
Photos: Orthodox Observer/Dimitrios Panagos
