Atlanta Metropolis Honors Met. Alexios for Nearly 30 Years of Archpastoral Service

The retired Met. Alexios presided over the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday. Photo: Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta

ATLANTA — More than 350 faithful from the U.S. and Greece gathered at Annunciation Cathedral in Atlanta for a celebratory banquet honoring His Eminence Met. Alexios, the first Metropolitan of Atlanta, recognizing nearly three decades of devoted service to the Church and faithful. He had resigned due to health reasons last year.

According to a release written by Fr. George Tsahakis, the event, hosted by His Eminence Met. Sevastianos, brought together clergy and parish families in a spirit of gratitude and unity. Family members of Met. Alexios, including brothers and nieces who traveled from Greece, expressed heartfelt thanks “to their U.S. family for uniting together through Met. Alexios’ love for them and the faithful of his Metropolis.”

Program highlights included a special message from His Holiness Pat. Bartholomew of Constantinople, a video greeting from Abp. Elpidophoros, and reflections from clergy and lay leaders celebrating Met. Alexios’ enduring impact. A pictorial tribute showcased decades of ministry, while cathedral youth dancers offered a special performance honoring him for championing the Hellenic Dance Festival as a vital part of youth ministry.

Distinguished guests included Konstantinos Adamopoulos, Consul of Greece in Atlanta; The Most Reverend Gregory Hartmayer, Catholic Archbishop of Atlanta; and Dr. Demetrios Katos, President of Hellenic College–Holy Cross School of Theology.

The weekend continued with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Saturday morning in the Archangel Michael Chapel, celebrated by Met. Sevastianos with clergy from across the Metropolis. In his homily, he praised the faithful for their “stewardship as our Lord’s angels” and recognized those celebrating their name day.

That evening, more than 360 guests attended the Archangel Michael Feast and Honors Banquet, representing 75 parishes across the Southeast. In anticipation of Veterans Day, veterans were recognized for their service, and nearly 80 parish honorees received medals from Metropolitans Sevastianos and Alexios, with others to be awarded in their home parishes.

On Sunday, Met. Alexios presided at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Annunciation Cathedral at the invitation of Met. Sevastianos. Joined by clergy from throughout the Metropolis, this concluded a weekend marked by love, remembrance, and thanksgiving for his faithful archpastoral leadership.

Previously, UOJ reported that the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta hosted its third annual catechist conference this past August.

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