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Metropolitan Philip Visits St. Stephens

Church Pics 2008 229 His Eminence, Metropolitan PHILIP visited St. Stephen the Protomartyr Chuch in South Plainfield, NJ on Sunday, July 6. His Eminence presided over the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of St. Stephen's and to elevate Fr. Stephen Tewfik, to the dignity of Archpriest. His Eminence also ordained David Alexander to the Holy Order of Diaconate.  Fr. Joseph Allen, Fr. Stephen Tewfik, Archdeacon Hans El Hayek and Dn. Peter Boloukos assisted His Eminence during the service. The congregation then gathered in their newly-built parish hall to celebrate with a home cooked luncheon. CIMG0707-web The event was co-chaired by Brian and Christeen Scarpa. Ted Mandalakis, Parish Council chairman, gave an overview of the recent achievements of St. Stephen’s and presented Fr. Stephen with new vestments. Parishioner Lou Kattas spoke about the history of St. Stephen's from its founding 30 years ago by Orthodox converts. The newly elevated Archpriest, the Very Reverend Father Stephen Tewfik, delivered a moving speech which recounted the many “miracles” that led to the founding of St. Stephen’s and thanked all who were a part of it, especially Kh. Beba and their two sons, George and Paul. The event concluded with an inspirational challenge by Metropolitan PHILIP to continue on the path of growth in Christ and His Church.

Submitted by Rosemary Kattas, Church Secretary