Sts. Anargyroi of Washington Heights Holds Christmas Celebration in Astoria

Representatives of Greek Orthodox parishes and societies gathered at St. Demetrios Cathedral in Astoria, New York to enjoy a Christmas celebration for Sts. Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church of Washington Heights on Sunday evening, December 13, 2015. Over three hundred persons attended. A lavish Greek cuisine dinner was organized by the ladies Philoptohos Society. Traditional live Greek music entertained all. Archimandrite Ierotheos Markopoulos is the parish priest. Sts. Anargyroi Church is located at 1547 St Nicholas Ave, New York City.

“Every year the Hellenic Paideia of America Organization has a presence at the Sts. Anargyroi Christmas social,” said President Vasiliki Filiotis. “The Hellenic Paideia of America Organization aims to promote Greek language, literature, history, art and science.A joint cooperation has been created with Greek-American organizations. Our goal is to encourage Greek-Americans and their friends to speak the Greek language.” Educator Vasiliki Filiotis was President of the Prometheus Greek Teachers Association for five years from 2009-20013. The Hellenic Paideia of America Organization is a member of the Federation of Hellenic American Teachers. Members who attended included: Adriana Filiotis: Georgia Filiotis; Angie Vlahos; Deme Savopoulos, President of the UFT Hellenic American Educators Association (HAEA); Angie Yanas; Dr. John G. Siolas; Dr. George Melikokis and Dimitra Hrisikos.  All interested persons can contact President Filiotis at vfiliotis@aol.com.

Father Ierotheos has inspired the community to create unique iconography. The interior was completed with the assistance of parish council president Lazaros Zotos who contacted architect Steve Papadatos to design the interior. The interior was finished with Byzantine murals by icongrapher George Filipakis. Father Ierotheos low key personality has energized the parish council and community to bring about a revival. Architect Papadatos calls the interior a “Byzantine jewel”. Sts. Anargyri Church is located at 1547 St. Nicholas Ave, NYC, and phone: (212) 568-0367.