Summertime in a Greek Orthodox parish in the United States is often a time of scant attendance, as parishioners are away visiting with family and friends, both at home and in Greece.
However, in Cherry Hill, New Jersey this past Sunday the church swelled with well-wishers for its outgoing Proistamenos, the V. Rev. Father Avgoustinos, who is assigned effective September 1 to Kimisis tis Theotokou in Holmdel, NJ. On Sunday, August 24, 2025, the parish of Saint Thomas Greek Orthodox Church came out in large numbers to honor its current Proistamenos. On September 1, 2025, Father Georgios Oikonomou will begin his assignment at this proud and historic parish.
After a heartfelt tribute to the congregation, Father Avgoustinos thanked first and foremost His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey for his stewardship of the parish.
He stated that the Metropolis has many needs and that the accomplishments of the parish in the past four years are a continuation of its rich past and an invitation to pray for and support its incoming priest, the Rev. Georgios Oikonomou.
He also thanked His Eminence for his new assignment at Kimisis in Holmdel and said he looks forward to further advancing the Church’s sacred mission in his new parish.
In the Danielle Kousoulis Community Center Hall, more than 400 well-wishers attended the luncheon in honor of Father Avgoustinos. The Master of Ceremonies, Archon George Horiates, introduced Philoptochos President Rania Pappas;
Kali Parea representative Louie Kaliamouris; Varah Kapatos on behalf of all the youth organizations; Tasso Malapetsas of the parish AHEPA chapter; Hellenic School Principal Margarita Vrettos; Leo Malo on behalf of the acolytes; and many more. The Sergianni Band performed for the parish in honor of Father’s departure.
The Parish Council, led by Archon Anastasios Efstratiades, presented Father with a gold cross and a picture frame filled with photographs of his years at Saint Thomas, and then offered remarks.
He continued by recalling Father’s first message, one of unity, and how he taught that no parish ministry or organization acts alone but that all must work together as one Church.
Quoting Saint Paul, he reminded the faithful: “We are all the body of Christ and each one of us is part of that same body” (Romans 12:27), and again: “There is no Jew or Greek, master or servant, male or female, because you are all one in Christ” (Galatians 3:28-29).
In recent years, as differences sometimes pulled the parish apart, Father Avgoustinos urged the faithful to remember that they are one body.
The result was increased harmony. Senior Housing was brought back under the care of the parish. Organizations began working together through the newly created Ministries Council.
Catechumens and newly enlightened Orthodox became part of the parish family alongside longtime members.
Father also challenged the parish to continue its work with excellence. Under his guidance, Saint Thomas embarked on the most comprehensive iconography project in its history, which is expected to be completed by 2026.
That effort was followed by extensive woodwork in the church and preliminary plans to renovate the Danielle Kousoulis Cultural Center.
He also expanded youth ministries. The Orthodox Faith Sunday School saw an increase in attendance. GOYA, JOY, and HOPE flourished. He reached out to young adults, many not Orthodox, who came to learn about the faith. Father guided them on the road to Orthodoxy, and today catechumens and newly enlightened Orthodox are a vibrant part of the parish.
“Father Avgoustinos accomplished much more, but I have given you only a sampling of his work,” the council remarked. “We are thankful for all he did and are saddened to see him leave.
The Church belongs to God, and her ministers are sent by the Almighty to guide us. Their work is important. One priest plants new seeds, another waters the plant, but the plant grows because of God, as Saint Paul said in his letter to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 3:6).
The Orthodox Christian faith will continue at Saint Thomas. Father Avgoustinos will always be welcome back. We wish him that Christ, through the intercessions of Saint Thomas, grant him many years.”
At the close of the luncheon Father Avgoustinos was brought forward for a standing ovation. He spoke with emotion, reminding everyone that clergy pledge obedience to the Mother Church, who discerns what is best for priests and parishes alike.
Cosmosphilly.com
