To the Christ-loving faithful and stewards, friends and supporters, parishioners and benefactors, of the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George & Saint Demetrios in New York City:

I am filled with much delight in communicating with you for the first time as the Presiding Priest of this much beloved and deeply cherished parish in Upper Manhattan. Having assumed my priestly duties and pastoral responsibilities at this historic community only one month ago, I am eager to meet each and every one of you personally. Kindly know that I will always be at your disposal, ready and willing to provide any assistance that I possibly can. Therefore, you are most welcome to contact me directly at any time if I can be of service to you personally.

Of course, I am deeply committed to the preservation, upbuilding and growth of this parish, and look forward to working together with all of you for the overall development and beautification of our church, as well as for the continued spiritual progress and wellbeing of its faithful. In collaborating with one another as fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord — who are united in a common bond of Christian solidarity and a mutual spirit of fraternity — I am certain that we can expand the footprint of our Orthodox presence within the greater community. Please be assured that you have my steadfast devotion and unwavering support, which, coupled with our collective, communal dedication and commitment, will most certainly constitute a God-pleasing Christian witness to the community-at-large.

And so, throughout the entire New Year of 2023, I invite you to join our beloved community in worship and prayer, so that we may offer up glory and gratitude to the Almighty as one body, as one family and as one community with a single, resounding voice. Let our prayers of thanksgiving be fused with those of the holy angels, who sang hymns of wonder and praise, as they marveled at the birth of the newborn Christ-child and King. And let us give thanks to our Creator as well for the divine gift of His Incarnate Son and Word, who brought forth redemption into the world and saved the entire human race.

Together with your vital, tangible assistance, we are able to sustain the ongoing work and renovation projects of our church. Thus, I welcome you to give freely out of your heart’s abundance, as we rely on your gracious contributions for the continued function and maintenance of our parish. Your offering of love and support for our community and its ministries will be acknowledged appropriately. Of course, any and all amounts are welcome, and you may even include names of beloved family members, friends and loved ones — both living and deceased — in order to be commemorated at the divine services. Join our parish family today for the new year that lies ahead and become an esteemed supporting member or even a parishioner.

May you and your loved ones enjoy a very happy and healthy new year, filled with every good and perfect gift from above!

With much love in the Incarnate Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,

+ Archimandrite Michael Giavris