Orthodox Leader Visits Local Cathedral
Western Queens Gazette July 18, 1990
BY TOM PADOVANO T
Thousands of jubilant Astorians and Long Island City residents

jammed the streets and

sidewalks of a Greek Cathedral- stopping traffic and bringing part of Astoria to a virtual standstill as they strained to see and hear the spiritual leader of more than 250 million Greek Orthodox Christians.

With Greek flags waving and the crowd cheering, His All Holiness Dimitrios, Archbishop of Constantinople, mounted a platform erected in front of St. Demetrios Cathedral, 31st St. and 30th Dr., in Astoria and waved to his followers.

Many in the crowd had waited for hours to get a glimpse of His All Holiness, who surprisingly showed up about 10 minutes before his scheduled 5:30 p.m. arrival. Men, women and children stood on rooftops, balconies, and stairs to try to get to see him. One ecstatic observer exclaimed: "This was a memorable day, a day which will be etched in Astorian Greek history. A day to tell your grandchildren about." The vast crowd started straining their necks when the band started playing, signifying that His All Holiness had arrived. As he walked onto the platform, the crowd broke into spontaneous applause, and then started waving their flags and cheering.

With the elevated N train roaring by, a choir started singing, and the audience became quiet. The gentle breeze added reverence to the moment.

As part of the ceremony, a plaque was dedicated by His All Holiness to the cathedral. The plaque read: "Whereas Astoria was the first see (1922-1942) of the Archdiocese of North and South America and was the site of the First Seminary of Saint Athanasios, this plaque is dedicated on July 17, 1990 by His All Holiness Dimitrios I, Archbishop of Constantinople, and Ecumenical patriarch."

Among the people on the platform with His All Holiness were City Council Speaker Peter Vallone and Queens Borough President Claire Shulman.

The people of St. Demetrios Church feel a special honor has been bestowed upon them because His All Holiness Dimitrios, the spiritual leader of World Greek Orthodox Christianity, has come to their 63-year-old cathedral, which bears his name.

"We feel proud that His All Holiness is giving the faithful the opportunity to meet him and receive his blessings," said James Costaras, president of the Parish Council. "This is a most significant event for the Greek Orthodox of North and South America."

Mr. Costaras is also very pleased at the way His All Holiness has been treated so far. "Our whole community is grateful to the American government for the way they have received him. It was wonderful that President [George H.W.] and Mrs. Bush gave a dinner in his honor."

Pastor John Antonopoulos of St. Demetrios was very excited and thrilled with the visit of His All Holiness to the cathedral.

"This is a very special day because it gives us all a feeling of belonging," said the father. "By His All Holiness coming here it gives everyone assurance that the church here truly is blessed and we truly belong."

As an insight into the background of this world religious leader, he was born in Constantinople on Sept. 8, 1914, and received his early education at the Greek schools in Therapia. He was ordained to the priesthood on Mar. 29, 1942.

His All Holiness, former Metropolitan of Imvros and Tenedos, was elected the 269th Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople.

Dimitrios was enthroned on Tuesday, July 18, 1972 at the Patriarchal Church of St. George.

After his triumphant visit to Astoria, His All Holiness will go to St. Paul's Cathedral in Hempstead, Long Island to say vespers.

After leaving the New York area, the schedule for His All Holiness stays just as hectic. He will travel to Allentown and Johnstown, Pennsylvania, San Francisco, California, Chicago, Illinois and Buffalo, New York before departing from Boston [Massachusetts] on July 29 after meeting with Governor Michael Dukakis, who is a member of the Greek Orthodox faith.