The 48th Clergy-Laity Congress and concurrent National Philoptochos Convention concluded July 2 with a closing Grand Banquet in the Grand Ballroom of the Hotel Cleveland, Autograph Collection. Delegates, participants, and guests gathered for a final evening of faith, community, and shared vision as the weeklong Congress came to a close.
Archon Mike Emanuel introduced the event and served as Master of Ceremonies. The evening began with a Presentation of Colors by the James A. Garfield Civil War Round Table, followed by the Greek National Anthem, sung by Fr. Dean Kokanos of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Akron, Ohio, and the American National Anthem, sung by soprano Emilia Aceto. His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America offered the invocation before dinner was served.
Congress Co-Chairs John and Effie Trihas thanked guests for their participation throughout the Congress. Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh, host hierarch of the Congress, also addressed guests. Anna Vedouras, Chair of the National Philoptochos Convention, thanked the National Philoptochos board for their tireless work year-round as the Philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Church.
His Eminence Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh, host Metropolitan, also expressed his utmost gratitude for everyone present, referencing Thessalonians: “We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Patriarchal representatives Metropolitan Arsenios of Austria and Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki also addressed guests, conveying greetings from His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
The evening also featured guest speaker Para M. Jones, Ph.D. Dr. Jones has served as President of Stark State College since 2012 and is widely recognized as a leader in higher education, workforce development, and economic growth throughout the Northeast. She attends Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Canton, Ohio. Dr. Jones discussed her background, with Greek and Lebanese second-generation parents, and grandparents who were all refugees fleeing war and genocide in Asia Minor.
“As I look around this room I know you can relate,” Dr. Jones said. “Our ancestors did not just build church buildings—they built spiritual homes, which would preserve our faith, culture, and values for generations.” She discussed the importance of maintaining faith and culture, as well as the importance for Greek Americans to recognize our roots and honor where we came from.
Archbishop Elpidophoros offered an Archpastoral Exhortation.
“As we leave Cleveland and return to our homes and parishes, may we go not simply having attended a Congress, but renewed in our calling,” Archbishop Elpidophoros said. “May we build communities that welcome, inspire, and transform. May every parish become a place where Christ is encountered, where every person is known and loved, and where the joy of the Gospel shines brightly.”
The Archbishop honored clergy chaplains who serve in the United States military. Archbishop Elpidophoros elevated Fr. Ioan Dumitrașcu to Economos, Fr. David Hostetler to Economos, and Fr. Andre Kearns to Economos. Archbishop Elpidophoros concluded his remarks with the announcement of the 49th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress, to be hosted in Dallas, Texas by the Metropolis of Denver.
The evening concluded with a Benediction from Archbishop Elpidophoros and a performance of “God Bless America” from soprano Emilia Aceto.
The dinner brought together delegates from both the Congress and the Philoptochos Convention following a week of meetings, workshops, and discussions.
