Firstly, we wish to express our most heartfelt thanks to Father Gabriel and Presbytera Samantha Galifianakis for their ministry to Saint Sophia Cathedral these past couple years, and wish them both congratulations and Godspeed as they move on to their next assignment. Together with their precious daughter, Athena, we pray God grant them every blessing as they move on to this next exciting phase of their family life and ministry, which begins December 1.

Secondly, on December 1, we look forward to welcoming Gregory Gatanas and Eleftheria Papadopoulos. Gregory received his undergraduate degree from Binghamton University (SUNY) and attended Saint Vladimir’s Seminary for one year before transferring to Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, where he received his Master of Divinity degree. For the last four years he has served as Youth Director, Catechist, Chanter and Homilist at the Church of the Holy Resurrection, Brookville, NY.

Eleftheria is a graduate of Mary Mount Manhattan College. She also happens to be the daughter of a very dear and longtime friend of our Community, the Reverend Protopresbyter Panteleimon Papadopoulos (former Archdeacon to Archbishop Demetrios), forever enshrined in the history of Saint Sophia not only because of his frequent visits during his 18 years as Archdeacon, but most especially because of his essential role in the Consecration of our beloved Cathedral on May 10, 2015.

Gregory will be ordained to the Holy Diaconate at the Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church of Port Washington on Sunday, November 2, the Feast Day of the Holy Martyrs Acindynos, Pegasios, Apthonios, Elpidophoros and Anempodistos. He will then be ordained to the Holy Priesthood at the Church of the Holy Resurrection the following Sunday, November 9, the Feast Day of Saint Nektarios of Pentapolis.

And so, upon their arrival date of December 1, we will welcome them as Father Gregory and Presbytera Eleftheria Gatanas. There is much more information to follow. Please look for further announcements. Most importantly, when the time comes, please join us in welcoming with open arms and, most importantly, open hearts, soon-to-be Father Gregory and Presbytera Eleftheria.

With profound love and gratitude for Father Gabriel and Presbytera Samantha (and Athenoula) Galifianakis,

Father Steve and the Parish Council