Archbishop Demetrios and Metropolitan Gerasimos Consecrate Assumption Greek Orthodox Church

Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Scottsdale, AZ, a community with 275 stewards, consecrated their beautiful Byzantine Church on October 30, 2011, ten years after Metropolitan Anthony of blessed memory opened the doors. Presiding over the Consecration was His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, assisted by His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. Since the Door Opening, the community retired their $800,000 mortgage, remedied major construction defects and adorned the church with 81 icons and various church furnishings.

The Consecration Service began at vespers on Saturday, October 29 with the Procession of the Relics and Great Vespers. His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios brought with him relics from three martyrs to be sealed in the altar table: St. Panteleimon the Healer and Great Martyr (July 27), St. Kyrikos a child martyr (July 15) and the Holy Fathers martyred in the monastery of St Savas in Jerusalem (March 20). The Archbishop was accompanied by Archdeacon Panteleimon Papadopoulos and Deacon Aristidis Garinis. His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco also participated in the Consecration as well as nine priests, three additional deacons, twenty acolytes, twenty myrrh-bearers and three retired Greek Orthodox priests. Among the visiting clergy participating were: Deacon Dr. Paul Kalina, the first parishioner from Assumption to be ordained; and Fr. Gabriel Boyd, the first Assumption parishioner to graduate from Hellenic College/Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology.

On Sunday, October 30, the services began with Orthros at 7:30 a.m., followed by the Consecration and Archieratical Divine Liturgy. Archbishop Demetrios and Metropolitan Gerasimos explained many details of the service as they were happening. Video cameras in the altar allowed for parishioners to see on screens in the Nave and in an overflow tent what was taking place inside the altar during the Consecration. The Consecration Services were attended by over 650 parishioners. At the conclusion of the Divine Services, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios honored two outstanding stewards and leaders from the parish by presenting to them the Medal of St. Paul – Mr. Rocky Sisson, Parish Council President; and Mrs. Michele Genetos, Philoptochos President. Both of these individuals have demonstrated tremendous leadership and were intricately involved the planning many of the details for the Consecration.

While the focus of the weekend was on prayer, there were also several opportunities for the faithful to enjoy fellowship with Archbishop Demetrios and Metropolitan Gerasimos. Following Great Vespers on Saturday evening was a Grand Banquet to celebrate the many blessings and accomplishments of the community. A family-style celebratory luncheon followed the Consecration on Sunday, attended by over 600 people. Over 70 children from the parish’s Greek folk dance groups performed to an enthusiastic crowd of family and friends.

Since March 1995, the Assumption Church has been led by Father Andrew Barakos, whose vision and leadership has shaped the tremendous progress of this parish. He is currently assisted by Deacon Drew Maxwell, administrative and pastoral assistant. The Assumption community has had many non-Greek Orthodox spouses join the church because the services are conducted predominately in English. Worship is led by a 25-member choir along with congregational singing. Children’s sermons, youth activities, philanthropy, adult religious education, evangelism and outreach are all part of Church life. There are a wide variety of converts from Catholics, Lutherans, Episcopalians, Hindu, and Muslims. There are also a substantial number of Greek Orthodox parishioners, from immigrants to second through fourth generation Greek-Americans. The Church is dedicated to honoring the Virgin Mary who is considered the Protector of the community being that the Door Opening took place on the Feast Day of Agia Skepi (Holy Protection) on October 28, 2001. Future plans for Assumption include the “building out” of the campus so that a Community Center, proper Sunday School classrooms, and updated office space will be available to the community in coming years.

Photos courtesy of Assumption Church, Scottsdale, AZ