Amid an atmosphere of reverence and spiritual joy, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated on the Sunday after the Epiphany, January 12, at the Church of the Apostle Luke in Birmingham. Bishop Maximos of Melitene presided over the service.
Concelebrating with him were the Protopresbyter Christos Stefanou, the parish priest of the church, and Father George Tsiapourdis.
Following the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the congregation proceeded to a nearby lake, where the Great Blessing of the Waters was conducted with splendor, according to the traditional custom.
Afterward, a festive meal was held in the community hall. During the event, Bishop Maximos blessed the Vasilopita, and the attendees sang traditional carols.
As part of the celebration, a presentation was given featuring images from the missionary work of the Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa in Sierra Leone. This served to inform and spiritually edify the faithful about the significant missionary efforts of the Church on the African continent.
