ΝΕΑ ΙΕΡΣΕΗ. Κατανυκτική και άκρως συγκινητική ήταν η καθιερωμένη γιορτή για την φωταγώγηση του χριστουγεννιάτικου δέντρου της Μητροπόλεως της Νέας Ιερσέης, η οποία έλαβε χώρα το βράδυ της Πέμπτης, 18ης Δεκεμβρίου 2025 στην έδρα της Μητροπόλεως στο Westfield, New Jersey.
Η γιορτή ήταν η πρώτη στην οποία παραβρέθηκε ο νέος γενικός Πρόξενος της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας, κ. Κυριάκος Πογιατζής, ο οποίος είχε μια επί πλέον ευκαιρία να συνομιλήσει με τον Μητροπολίτη της Νέας Ιερσέης, κ. Απόστολο και τους ηγέτες των κοινοτήτων, τους ιερείς, τα μέλη του Τάγματος των Αρχόντων του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου, της AHEPA και του Παν Γκριγκόριαν της Νέας Ιερσέης και τους εξέφρασε την ευγνωμοσύνη για τους αδιάλειπτους αγώνες τους για μισό και πλέον αιώνα για την επίλυση του Κυπριακού.
Οι παριστάμενοι ένωσαν τις φωνές τους με τον Μητροπολίτη και τους ιερείς και έψαλλαν τα Κάλαντα των Χριστουγέννων και στην κυριολεξία έφεραν πιο κοντά την εορτή της Γεννήσεως.
Εξ ίσου συγκινητικός ήταν και ο συμβολικός στολισμός του δέντρου.
Μετά το πέρας της τελετής παρατέθηκε δείπνο, στο πλαίσιο του οποίοι αντάλλαξαν ευχές και δώρα.
Παραθέτουμε το πλήρες κείμενο της ανακοίνωσης της Μητροπόλεως της Νέας Ιερσέης.
On the evening of Thursday, December 18, 2025, The Metropolis of New Jersey held its annual Christmas Tree Lighting at the Metropolis Headquarters in Westfield, New Jersey. His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey welcomed faithful from across the Metropolis along with Members of the Metropolis Council, Metropolis Philoptochos, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and guest of Honor Consul General of the Republic of Cyprus in New York, The Hon. Mr. Kyriakos Pogiatzis.
After the celebration and chanting of a Doxology prayed in celebration of the Nativity season, his Eminence addressed all present, thanking them for coming to celebrate the Nativity of the Lord and their fellowship.
His Eminence then welcomed Mr. Pogiatzis, who shared his address and wished all in attendance a Merry Christmas. His Eminence then lit the Christmas tree and led the singing of traditional carols in Greek and English. Following the caroling, His Eminence invited all to join for a dinner reception.
At the dinner His Eminence recognized Metropolis Office Director, Georgia Vlitas and presented her with a small gift for her years of volunteering her time and effort managing the day to day business of the Metropolis office.
Additionally, Metropolis Philoptochos Vice President, Diane Saphos presented His Eminence and the Metropolis a donation on behalf of the Metropolis Philoptochos. The night was a beautiful display of Christmas Spirit. His Eminence thanks all those who came and shared their fellowship and love.
Below is His Eminence’s Address for the Evening:
Beloved Rev. Fathers, presvyteres , Philoptochos ladies, dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
With joy and gratitude to God, we gather this evening to light the Christmas Tree of our Metropolis and to prepare our hearts for the beautiful Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The light we see shining before us reminds us of Christ, “the true Light which enlightens every person coming into the world” (John 1:9). He comes quietly, in humility and love, to warm our hearts and to bring hope to a world often burdened by worry and uncertainty. As Saint Athanasius teaches us, the Son of God became man so that we might share in His life and love.
The Gospel assures us that “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1:5). No matter the difficulties we face, the light of Christ is stronger than every fear. Saint John Chrysostom reminds us that this light cannot be extinguished, because it comes from God Himself.
Our Lord invites each of us: “Let your light so shine before others” (Matthew 5:16). This happens especially in our homes, when parents teach their children to pray, to love, to forgive, and to care for one another. As Saint Basil the Great reminds us, our faith is shown most clearly through lives shaped by kindness and mercy.
As we draw near to Bethlehem, let us hear the joyful call of Saint Gregory the Theologian: “Christ is born—glorify Him!” May the angelic hymn of peace—“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace” (Luke 2:14)—fill every home with warmth and hope.
My beloved, Let us pray, especially for our families, that the Lord may bless them with unity, patience, and mutual love. May our homes become small churches, filled with prayer, forgiveness, and warmth. For our children, let’s ask God-Emanuel to surround them with His protection, to guide their steps, and to fill their lives with joy, faith, and hope.
May the newborn Christ bring peace to your homes, comfort to your hearts, and light to your lives.
Blessed and joyful Nativity to you all!
