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Tenafly Cathedral Dedicates Peace Memorial Gymnasium October, 2002 Orthodox Observer 
TENAFLY, N.J. - Archbishop Demetrios celebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of Saint John the Theologian in Tenafly, Sept. 29. His visit marked several occasions of significance both for the parish and the Tenafly community at large, among which included the dedication of the Peace Memorial Gymnasium, established in memory of Alexia Tsairis, a victim of the terrorist bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. Upon the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence led a full congregation in a memorial service for the repose of the soul of Alexia Tsairis, who tragically lost her life on Dec. 21, 1988. Only 20 years of age at the time of her passing away, Ms Tsairis was an honor student at the S.I. Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse University. A dedicated Orthodox Christian and supporter of Amnesty International and Greenpeace, she was deeply admired by her peers for her idealism and commitment to world peace. Established by her family, the Alexia Foundation for World Peace aims to provide students and professionals with the means to shape and advance peace in our time. The Peace Memorial Gymnasium, a joint project of the Alexia Foundation and the St. John the Theologian Gymnasium Charitable Trust Fund, was formally dedicated by His Eminence with the service of the Blessing of Holy Water (Aghiasmo) followed by a luncheon in the new gymnasium where speakers offered remarks on the topic of world peace. "Our Orthodox Church has been heavily involved in the work of peace in the international arena," remarked the Archbishop as he highlighted several recent conferences and dialogues on the topic of world peace convened in locations such as Bucharest and Brussels following the terrorist attacks of September 11. The Peace Memorial Gymnasium, an ongoing project since the mid-1990's, plans to provide a forum for future such gatherings, promoting understanding among all peoples of all faiths. In addition to the gymnasium dedication, His Eminence also marked his visit to Tenafly by bestowing the Medal of St. Paul, the highest medal of recognition awarded by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, to Mrs. Sophia Altin, an active member of Philoptochos for over 50 years. Mrs. Altin, the recipient of numerous awards and citations for her work with her local Tennafly parish, the National Philoptochos, the New Jersey Diocese, the Archdiocesan Council, and UNICEF, received the Medal of St. Paul from Archbishop Demetrios immediately following the Divine Liturgy. Noting her work, the Archbishop commented, "Sophia Altin represents in her person all those in her parish who labor for the work of the Church." In presiding over these two significant occasions, His Eminence's visit to the Cathedral served to reinforce the tremendous impact which individuals and local parish communities have upon society at large as they contribute to the work of peace and promote philanthropic causes. Related Stories
Archbishop Dedicates Peace Memorial Gymnasium at Tenafly Cathedral, SEPTEMBER 29, 2002 His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios celebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of St. John the Theologian in Tenafly, New Jersey this past Sunday, September 29, 2002. The Archbishop’s visit marked several occasions of significance both for the parish and the Tenafly community at large, among which included the dedication of the Peace Memorial Gymnasium, established in memory of Alexia Tsairis, a victim of the terrorist bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. |