BROOKLINE, MA — October 10, 2026 — In an extraordinary and historic moment in the life of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, hundreds of faithful, together with the entire student body of Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, gathered in prayer and profound reverence for the solemn translation of the sacred relics of our Venerable Father Gerasimos, Bishop of Abydos. More than three decades after his blessed repose on June 12, 1995, the Feast of the Holy Spirit, the beloved hierarch, teacher, and spiritual father was brought from his place of burial into Holy Cross Chapel, where his sacred relics were offered for public veneration for the first time. Presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, joined by His Eminence Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh, this momentous occasion marked a new chapter in the spiritual history of the School and a profound expression of the Church’s recognition of the holiness and enduring spiritual legacy of a shepherd whose light continues to illuminate generations of Orthodox Christians.

The historic observance represents a local recognition of the holiness and saintly character of the Venerable Bishop Gerasimos, whose life of prayer, humility, pastoral love, and dedication to theological education continues to inspire generations of clergy and faithful. This recognition does not constitute a formal canonization or universal proclamation of sainthood, which remains the sacred prerogative of the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Mother Church of Constantinople.

The commemorative observances began on Friday evening with a special panel discussion dedicated to the life, ministry, and enduring spiritual legacy of Bishop Gerasimos.

The panel brought together clergy who had served as his teaching assistants, former students who had lived alongside him on the campus of Hellenic College Holy Cross, and members of a younger generation of seminarians who never knew him personally but whose priestly formation and theological education have nevertheless been profoundly shaped by his example.

Through personal recollections and moving testimonies, participants reflected upon a hierarch whose influence extended far beyond the classroom. For those who knew him, Bishop Gerasimos was not simply a professor of Holy Scripture, but a living example of the Gospel he taught, particularly the Gospel according to Saint John, which occupied a special place in his teaching and spiritual life.

The participation of students who never encountered him during his earthly life offered a particularly powerful testimony: more than three decades after his repose, his spiritual legacy remains a living presence within the School and continues to form those preparing to serve the Church.

Saturday morning’s sacred observances began at the gravesite of Bishop Gerasimos, where Archbishop Elpidophoros and Metropolitan Savas and the entire community offered a Trisagion, the memorial prayers, or the repose of the venerable hierarch.

The presence of Metropolitan Savas carried particular personal and spiritual significance. His Eminence was the priest who administered Holy Communion to Bishop Gerasimos shortly before his blessed repose in 1995, and now, more than thirty years later, stood alongside the Archbishop to honor his memory and participate in the translation of his sacred relic.

Following the Trisagion, the incorrupt relic was reverently transferred into Holy Cross Chapel, the spiritual heart of the campus to which Bishop Gerasimos had devoted so much of his life and ministry. Adding to the profound significance of this historic occasion, the translation of the sacred relic took place on what would have been the 116th birthday of the venerable Elder, lending an especially poignant and providential dimension to a day.

In the Holy Cross Chapel, the intact sacred relic was cared for and vested in new hierarchical vestments by Archbishop Elpidophoros and Metropolitan Savas, assisted by clergy who had been Bishop Gerasimos’ colleagues, spiritual children, and close acquaintances, including the Reverend Protopresbyters Nicholas Triantafilou, Alkiviadis Calivas, Theodore Stephanopoulos, and Peter Chamberas.

The vesting was an especially poignant expression of reverence and gratitude, as those who had known and loved the venerable hierarch personally were afforded the blessing of participating in this sacred moment.

The relic was then carried in solemn yet panegyric procession around Holy Cross Chapel, amid the prayers and hymns of the Church and in the presence of hundreds of faithful and the entire student body.

At the conclusion of the procession, the sacred relic was presented for public veneration for the first time, allowing clergy, seminarians, and faithful to approach with reverence and prayer.

In his remarks reflecting upon the significance of the occasion, Archbishop Elpidophoros drew upon the words of Christ in the Sermon on the Mount:

“No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bushel; but on a lampstand, to shine its light on everyone in the house.”

His Eminence compared the translation of the relic to the unveiling of a light that had never ceased to shine, even while hidden beneath the earth.

“Today the lamp comes out from beneath the bushel – in this case, the very earth itself,” the Archbishop proclaimed. “For the light that shined in life as Bishop Gerasimos of Abydos, has never been extinguished, because it partakes of the light of Christ, Who is Himself the Light of the world.”

Reflecting upon the spiritual significance of the day, His Eminence continued: “Today is surely the Day which the Lord has made, and the Visitation by our venerable father Gerasimos, Bishop of Abydos, is a clear and clarion call for us to follow in his footsteps, for they followed Christ.”

The Archbishop recalled Bishop Gerasimos as a shepherd whose ministry was characterized by peace, patience, and pastoral tenderness, and whose love for Hellenic College Holy Cross was expressed not only through his teaching but through the daily witness of his life.

“Our saintly Bishop was not only a Shepherd of flocks within this Archdiocese, but he was a pastoral, peaceful, and patient presence on this Campus, which he loved with all his heart,” His Eminence observed.

The Archbishop also reflected upon the recognition of holiness within the life of the Church, emphasizing that such moments unfold according to God’s providence and in His appointed time.

Concluding his remarks, His Eminence declared:

“Therefore, beloved Brethren in the Lord, we have taken away the covering of the earthen bushel which housed and protected this Sacred Relic. It is time for it to shine.”

The Archbishop then invited the assembled faithful to chant, for the first time, the Apolytikion honoring the Venerable Gerasimos, Bishop of Abydos.

The translation of the sacred relic marks a new chapter in the spiritual history of Hellenic College Holy Cross, where Bishop Gerasimos spent so many years teaching, mentoring, and guiding future priests and servants of the Church.

His presence within Holy Cross Chapel now offers a visible and enduring reminder that theological education is not merely the acquisition of knowledge, but the formation of lives dedicated to Christ, His Church, and the service of others.

For the generations who knew Bishop Gerasimos, the occasion was one of profound gratitude and remembrance. For the students who know him only through his legacy, it was an invitation to encounter the same spirit of humility, compassion, and holiness that distinguished his earthly ministry.

Above all, this historic day bore witness to the Church’s conviction that the lives of those who have faithfully followed Christ continue to illuminate and inspire the faithful long after their earthly repose.

As Archbishop Elpidophoros concluded in prayer: “Through his fervent intercessions, may we all attain to the perfections of love and compassion, and fulfill the purpose and meaning of our own lives.”

Through the prayers of our Venerable Father Gerasimos, Bishop of Abydos, may the Lord have mercy upon us and save us. Amen.

Apolytikion – Mode pl. 1
God-inspired professor and teacher of the Faith and the spiritual life to the Orthodox who live in America, O grace-filled Gerasimos, we salute you as a Christ-centered, humble hierarch who loved the all-holy Gospel. We pray, implore Christ our Savior to have mercy and to save us all.

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In March 2027, communities across Florida’s First Coast will commemorate one of the state’s most dramatic—and least known—stories of survival, perseverance, faith and freedom. This program is Journey to Freedom: Florida’s Untold Minorcan Story.

This 8-day program is a commemoration of the end of the Turnbull settlement in New Smyrna Beach when over 600 Minorcan, Greek, Italian, and Corsican indentured laborers walked to freedom in St. Augustine. The 250th anniversary program is brought to the public through a unique collaboration of organizations dedicated to preserving and sharing this important history. These organizations include the New Smyrna Museum of History, St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine, The Minorcan Experience, and the Menorcan Cultural Society, along with additional regional partners.

The eight-day event will begin in New Smyrna Beach, and end in the historic town of St. Augustine, through programs, services, educational opportunities, commemorative experiences and activities. The commemoration will explore the lives, struggles, sacrifices, faith and legacy of the Mediterranean people who became part of Britain’s largest agricultural settlement in Colonial Florida.

More than simply a historical commemoration, Journey to Freedom will offer visitors a chance to travel through Florida’s history while experiencing two of the state’s most beautiful, distinctive and historic coastal communities.   

For Updates Visit Our Website: JourneyToFreedom250.com

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NEW YORK, NY — The Hellenic Film Society will present a special retrospective celebrating legendary Greek-Cypriot filmmaker Michael Cacoyannis as part of the 2026 New York Greek Film Expo, a Greek film festival, taking place October 8–18 throughout the New York metropolitan area and New Jersey.

The Michael Cacoyannis Retrospective will take place October 16–18 at the Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI), 36-01 35th Avenue (at 37th Street), Astoria, NY 11106, and will feature four of the filmmaker’s acclaimed classic films.

Widely regarded as one of the most important Greek filmmakers of the 20th century, Cacoyannis brought Greek stories and characters to international audiences through a distinguished career spanning film, theater and television. His work earned international acclaim and numerous awards, including multiple Academy Award nominations. The retrospective offers audiences an opportunity to experience four landmark films on the big screen and to revisit the work of a filmmaker whose influence continues to resonate in Greek and international cinema.

The Michael Cacoyannis Retrospective includes:

A GIRL IN BLACK

ΤΟ ΚΟΡΙΤΣΙ ΜΕ ΤΑ ΜΑΥΡΑ

• Directed and written by Michael Cacoyannis
• 1956 | 140 minutes | Greek with English subtitles
• Friday, October 16 at 7 pm

Set on the Greek island of Hydra, Cacoyannis’ acclaimed drama follows a young woman whose troubled family life and relationship with an outsider lead to jealousy, conflict and tragedy.

• The film received a Golden Globe for Best Foreign Film.

ZORBA THE GREEK

• Directed and written by Michael Cacoyannis
• Based on the novel by Nikos Kazantzakis
• 1964 | 142 minutes | English and Greek
• Saturday, October 17 at 6:30 pm

One of Cacoyannis’ most celebrated films, Zorba the Greek stars Anthony Quinn as the exuberant Alexis Zorba and Alan Bates as an English writer who travels to Crete.

• The film received seven Academy Award nominations and won three Oscars, including Best Supporting Actress for Lila Kedrova, Best Cinematography and Best Art Direction.

STELLA

ΣΤΕΛΛΑ

• Directed and Written by Michael Cacoyannis (based on a play by J. Cambanellis)
• 1955 | 90 mins | Greek with English subtitles
• Sunday, October 18 at 3 pm

Starring Melina Mercouri in one of her most iconic performances, Stella follows a fiercely independent nightclub singer who refuses to surrender her freedom for love.

• The film was selected for competition at the 1955 Cannes Film Festival and received the 1956 Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Film.

WINDFALL IN ATHENS

ΚΥΡΙΑΚΑΤΙΚΟ ΞΥΠΝΗΜΑ

• Directed and written by Michael Cacoyannis
• 1954 | 91 minutes | Greek with English subtitles
• Sunday, October 18 at 6 pm

A young saleswoman loses her clothes and the lottery ticket she is convinced will be a winner, when two boys steal them while she swims. All is not lost, however, when she meets a handsome young musician who becomes the new owner of the ticket.

• Winner of a Diploma of Merit at the Edinburgh Festival.

“Michael Cacoyannis was a groundbreaking filmmaker writing, directing and editing his films giving each one his singular vision and style. He brought his commentary of Greek culture and society to the global stage where his films transcended and resonated with audiences garnering worldwide critical praise. The retrospective also allows the Hellenic Film Society to highlight film preservation and restoration. By screening Stella, a film that has not yet been restored, we can magnify the importance of preserving the rich cultural heritage of Greek film and protecting it for generations to come.”

— Maria (Mary) Miles, President, Hellenic Film Society

The Michael Cacoyannis Retrospective is one of the special programs featured during the 2026 New York Greek Film Expo, which presents 12 films from Greece and Cyprus at venues throughout New York City and the metropolitan area from October 8–18.

Tickets and additional information about the retrospective and the complete New York Greek Film Expo schedule are available at HellenicFilmSociety.org.

About the Hellenic Film Society

The Hellenic Film Society USA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization rooted in the belief that Greek cinema should be an integral part of the American cultural landscape. HFS promotes feature films, documentaries, and shorts made by Greek filmmakers and filmmakers of Greek descent, as well as films that celebrate the cultures of Greece and Cyprus.

In addition to its annual New York Greek Film Expo, HFS presents Always on Sunday, a monthly Greek film series at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, often to sell-out crowds. HFS also helps organize Greek film screenings in a growing number of cities across the United States.

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