“Yo, the name is James, and I play no games.

Later down the line, they be callin’ me St. James.

Wrote the Protoevangelion, lit with divine flame,

Told the tale of a girl who would rise to fame.”

            These are the opening lines from a special play “MARY, MY STORY”.

It began not on a stage, but in a quiet moment during the Clergy-Laity Assembly of the Metropolis of Atlanta, held that summer in the heart of Charleston, South Carolina. In the midst of cultural celebration and conversations at a historical home, Monica Gjerde, the Youth, Education & Hellenic Culture Coordinator of the Metropolis, approached me with an idea—an invitation, really.

She knew my love for theatre, or as has been noted, the sparkle of drama in my pastoral calling. "Father," she said, "could you write and direct a play for camp this year? Something different. Something meaningful. The theme is The Panagia."

And just like that, a project was born.

Diving into the work, my inspiration came from the Protoevangelion of James, a treasured early Christian text recounting the story of the Virgin Mary’s life. But this would not be a traditional telling. No velvet curtains or slow-moving monologues. This had to be something bold, unforgettable—crafted for youth, by youth. So, I reimagined it. Not as a play, but a play in rap.

I reached out to Monica again—how many girls? How many boys? Everyone needed a part. No one left behind.

Remembered the costumes from my former parish’s Christmas program—beautifully crafted, period-specific pieces, I called and asked if he could borrow them. “Yes,” came the answer. It was all coming together.

When I arrived at the Diakonia Retreat Center that Monday, the air was thick with excitement. The middle group—St. Katherine girls and St. Mark boys—were ready to begin. The challenge? They had until Thursday to pull it off.

Time was tight, but spirits were high.

I met with the group and cast the roles right away. Everyone had a part. We read the lines together—rap-style dialogue that bounced with rhythm and joy. A few teens picked up the flow immediately, especially the young man portraying Joseph, their voices strong and confident.

Memorization was out of the question with so little time, so it would be an “open-book” performance, but it didn’t matter. They had heart!

Tuesday brought the blocking—the movement, the placement, the entrances and exits. Then another rehearsal with action and lines. It was coming together like a miracle on the lake.

By Wednesday, the run-throughs were smoother. Energy buzzed in the group like electricity. I could feel it—they were ready.

Thursday arrived. The day of the show. Costumes were fitted and adjusted. Three costumes were still needed, but I was prepared. With large black garbage bags, a white bag for an angel, ribbon from home, and rolls of various sizes of colored tape, I transformed ordinary materials into theater magic. The Town Crier, the Innkeeper, even an angel, with wings—now fully costumed, ready for their moment.

Donning my own robe, I become St. James, (type-casting), stepping into the play as its solemn guide. I opened with the introduction and would close it too, bookending the story like a sacred scroll.

Then the narrators took over—three voices, seated in the back middle of the stage, dressed in black robes, echoing like a Greek chorus, setting the rhythm and mood.

The play unfolded before an eager audience. Young actors stepped into ancient roles—Mary, Joseph, Joachim, Anna, Gabriel, Elizabeth, Herod, the shepherds, and the wisemen. Each line, each rhyme, was offered with heart and humility.

They performed like seasoned actors. The audience of campers and staff responded with joy, laughter, and even tears. Time had been short, but the memory would be lasting.

It was more than a play. It was a prayer, a tribute, a living icon brought to life by the youth of the Metropolis. This was a special, unique event for the camp.

And as the final beat dropped, and the curtain fell—there was no doubt. The story of Mary, their story, had been told with faith, fire, and unforgettable flair.  

Special thanks to the cast, who brought the story to life:

• Joachim: George Kapralos
• Anna: Frankie Tsakonis
• Angel: Victoria Amgos
• Mary (child): Elle Panagos
• Joseph: Aydan Atticks
• Mary: Lena Gumby
• Archangel Gabriel: Nektarios Messer
• Elizabeth: Aspasia Panos
• Town Crier: Robert Dombalis
• Innkeeper: Nathan Moran
• Midwife: Stacie Nikolakakos
• Shepherds: Lucas Karapelas, Leo Bruce, Lillian Garcia & Julianna Bouzuto
• Herod: Vasilios Panos
• Wisemen: Anthony Zervoudakis, Teddy Kafantaris & Panagiotis Bousatukos
• Zacharias: Constantine Ameris
• Simeon: Demetri Samaras
• A Woman: Alexandra Demestihas
• John, the Disciple: Kris Christopher
• Narrators: Andrey Joita, Seth Demnetroulis & Kat Leitourgis

And special thanks to Monica Gjerde for asking me to do this project.  It was fun!

“Now I’m James, I wrote this tale,
 Of Mary’s love that won’t grow pale.
 With wisdom God placed in my soul,
 I penned the life that made us whole.

Glory to the Lord above,
 For Mary’s faith, her boundless love.”

 

+FJR