St. Demetrios Cathedral Agrees to 'Partnership' with GOARCH
"Both institutions look forward with optimism to this new chapter in preserving faith, education, and tradition in Astoria," a joint statement said.
NEW YORK — The Hellenic Orthodox Community of St. Demetrios in Astoria and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America have forged a collaborative agreement to bolster the historic parish and its school.
According to a joint statement:
Through this partnership, the Archdiocese will provide continued support and oversight, ensuring the school and community are well-positioned for future growth, long-term stability, and success. Both institutions look forward with optimism to this new chapter in preserving faith, education, and tradition in Astoria.
As the UOJ previously reported, tensions have run high in Astoria since the Greek Archdiocese threatened to bring St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Cathedral under direct Archdiocesan management. Concerns stemmed from plans to demolish buildings near Ss. Catherine and George Greek Orthodox Church, part of the St. Demetrios community, to construct a residential center. The second church, consecrated in 1975 to serve Astoria’s growing Greek population, is located ten minutes from the main cathedral.
The adjacent Saint Demetrios Greek American School, with steady enrollment of 400 students, including 45 new additions, faces potential logistical challenges if students from Ss. Catherine and George are relocated. While the school’s finances remain strong, the parish struggles financially. An extraordinary parish assembly is set for Tuesday, with resistance to the Archdiocese expected as the district attorney deliberates on building ownership.
