On June 24, 2025, at the Invitation of Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey presided over the Festal Divine Liturgy of the Nativity of the St. John the Forerunner at the Monastery of St. John the Forerunner in Goldendale, Washington. The feast was a tremendous milestone as it marked the 30th anniversary of the monastery’s founding. The weekend proved to be another cause for celebration as it marked the 20th anniversary of Metropolitan Gerasimos’ Enthronement as Metropolitan of San Fransisco, Eἰς Πολλὰ Ἔτη Δέσποτα!
The Metropolitan, welcomed by Gerondissa Evpraxia and the sisterhood celebrated the Divine Liturgy alongside Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, Bishop John of Phocaea. Also present was Archon Isidoros Garifalakis with his wife Maria, grand benefactors of the monastery. In his festal sermon, the Metropolitan spoke on the life and virtues of St. John the Forerunner. His epithet “forerunner” described his ministry as the last of the prophets. St. John prepared the way of the Lord by preaching repentance and remitting the sins of the repentant through baptism. Repentance is the first step in receiving the Lord in our lives as we take our hearts, which are hardened through sin and passions and soften them, allowing Christ to enter. Following the Divine Liturgy, Metropolitan Gerasimos, joined by Metropolitan Apostolos presided over the Agiasmos and blessing for the new Monastery Trapeza building.
