GOARCH Priest Announces Second Marriage with Patriarchal Blessing

Protopresbyter Athanasios Nenes. Photo: The National Herald

BOSTON — Protopresbyter Athanasios Nenes, longtime presiding priest of the Taxiarchae Greek Orthodox parish in Watertown, Massachusetts, has formally announced his intention to enter into a second marriage with the approval of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

As reported by The National Herald, Fr. Athanasios has adult children and his first marriage ended in divorce several years ago.

In a letter addressed to parish council members and the broader parish community, Fr. Athanasios shared details of the ecclesiastical process and spiritual guidance he followed, culminating in the blessing of both the Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

“This decision by me has not been made in isolation; it is very much inspired by each of you, my beloved parishioners,” he wrote, expressing gratitude for the support he has received during his decade of ministry at Taxiarchae. “... Your kindness and encouragement have served as a reminder of the profound connection we share as a family in Christ.”

"Fr. Nenes’ future spouse is a member of the Greek-American community in Boston," prior reporting from The National Herald states. "She attends services in two parishes in the Greater Boston area. Both her late parents and she herself have had strong ties to the Church. She has two teenage children. According to information available to The National Herald, a date has not yet been set for the wedding, which is expected to take place quietly in a small, private circle."

The announced remarriage has drawn international attention across Orthodox jurisdictions.

In his letter, Fr. Athanasios also extended thanks to Metropolitan Methodios for his pastoral support, to Archbishop Elpidophoros, and to His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for their guidance throughout the process.

Previously, Metropolitan Methodios wrote to the parish to make them aware that their priest's request to remarry had been accepted, and that the "decision reflects the profound compassion and understanding of our Mother Church for her devoted clergy."

Looking ahead, Fr. Athanasios wrote, “I look forward to introducing her to our community and welcoming her to the Taxiarchae-Archangels family.”

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