Greek Orthodox Church honors retiring Metropolitan

Metropolitan Maximos, the Metropolitan of Pittsburgh, was recognized at a reception held to honor his retirement, at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh.

Archbishop Demetrios, primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, and Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit, were among the honored guests.

As people passed through the receiving line, several church groups presented short musical programs which were a reflection of his ministry to the Metropolis.

Metropolitan Maximos was a frequent visitor to the St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in Monessen. He enjoyed visiting with his many friends who were descendants of his home Island of Chios and often celebrated the feast day of St. Spyridon held in December.

Recently he was honored at a dinner banquet held at St. Spyridon, celebrating his 50th anniversary as a clergyman.

Host priest of St. Nicholas Cathedral, Father Demetrios Gardiakos, previously served as pastor of St. Spyridon Church in Monessen.

The Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople elected His Grace Bishop Savas of Troas as Metropolitan of Pittsburgh to succeed the retiring Metropolitan Maximos.

Guests from Monessen who attended the ceremonies included the pastor of St. Spyridon, Father Joseph DiStefano, Presbytera Melanie DiStefano, and Lola and William Manus of Monessen.

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