By Sophia Carafotes /Photos by Harry Agritha

From Mount Athos, Greece, to Somerville, from ancient history to the path towards the future. The Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church fulfilled their vision of bringing the Holy Icon of Panagia Axion Estin from Mount Athos, Greece this past Saturday evening on November 23, at 7:00 p.m.

Over 500 were in attendance to witness this historical event for the church that used this as the kick-off event for the celebration of The Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church’s 100th Anniversary Celebration coming up in 2016. This spiritual treasure will serve as a token, to Heaven and earth alike, of the Dormitions’ love and veneration of the Most Holy Mother of God.

We would like to express our gratitude to our Bishop, His Eminence Methodios, Metropolitan  of Boston, who blessed our community with his leadership in the church service along with V. Rev. Fr. C. Strongylis from the Boston Cathedral, V. Rev. Fr. P. Manoussakis from the Holy Cross, Fr V. Bebis from Roslindale, Fr Nick Kastanas from Arlington, Fr P. Klostris from Longmeadow, Fr C. Foustouks from Peabody, Hieromonk Fr. I. Simonopetritis from Holy Mountain, and Fr K. Manetas from Somerville. The Boston Byzantine Choir under the direction of Dr. Grammenos Karanos, Assistant Professor of Byzantine Liturgical Music at the Hellenic College Holy Cross.

Parish Council President, Vangelis Kechris, who worked diligently, exhibiting great zeal and dedication to this momentous task along with the 100th Anniversary Committee lead by Evelyn Galatis and Hope August, Sophia Carafotes, Evelyn Czaja, Anastasios Dres, William Galatis, Helen Gogolos, Angela Good, Diane Karavitis, Evangelos Kechris, Mary Limberakis, Estelle McDonough, Theodore Menounos, Anthoula Rozakis, Carol Salvo, Pamela Toulopoulos, Peter Tsourianis  and Michael Ververis worked hard in bringing this dream to fruition.

This truly was an act of love and dedication from all the organizations at the church including the Parish Council, Philoptochos, GOYA and many more parishioners who came together as one, offering to organize and assist during our Great Feast on the 23rd and the 24th of November.  After the service, all who were in attendance were given a smaller copy of the icon and then were invited to an elegant reception.

Rest assured that the Most Holy Mother of God, who accepts as a spiritual fragrance the zeal of our community and its people, will be openly exhibiting from now on her love and protection, not only for the parishioners of Somerville but for all the people of New England.