Yesterday, March 1, 2025, faithful gathered at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Brooklyn, New York, for the ordination of Fr. Gregory Gounardes to the priesthood by Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.
Witnessing this important moment were members of Fr. Gregory’s family including his wife Presvytera Andrea Gounardes, his parents Dr. Steven and Dianne Gounardes, his brother NY State Senator Andrew Gounardes and his family, his sister Patricia and her family, National Chancellor His Grace Bishop Nektarios of Diokleia; Archdiocesan District Chancellor Fr. Elias Villis; proistamenos of Sts. Constantine & Helen Cathedral Fr. Evagoras Constantinides, and attendees representing the Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting, for which Fr. Gregory serves as a board member and many other family and friends.
Encouraging Fr. Gregory in his clerical service, the Archbishop reminded him,
“If you are to be a shepherd to the flock of Christ, then you must act like a shepherd…You are to nourish His little lambs with the pure and unalloyed teachings of His Orthodox Church.
You are to nourish them with His Most Holy Body and Precious Blood in the Divine Liturgy. And you are to sustain them with love and compassion, forgiveness and mercy…to bring them to green and verdant pastures where they can be nurtured in mind, body, and soul.”
Addressing the ordination attendees and sharing his journey to the priesthood, Fr. Gregory expressed gratitude to his wife, family, godparents, spiritual father, and other clergy before reflecting, “When the incense is placed on the burning coal, it exudes a beautiful aroma meant for all to experience.
In the same way, the role of the priest, if done with prayer and humility, is to be placed on the burning coal of God’s love, and to spread that love to the flock that has been entrusted to me.”
After the liturgy, Archbishop Elpidophoros offered a blessing for the community’s readers and altar boys, and ordination attendees celebrated the occasion with a reception.
Photos: Orthodox Observer/Dimitrios Panagos
© PHOTOS: GOA/Dimitrios Panagos
