The faithful of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Winston-Salem were blessed to receive His Eminence Metropolitan Sevastianos for an Archpastoral Visit from September 25 through 27. The three-day visit provided an opportunity for prayer, pastoral fellowship, dialogue, and the strengthening of the spiritual bond between His Eminence and the faithful entrusted to his pastoral care.

Upon his arrival in Winston-Salem, His Eminence was warmly received by the Proistamenos, the Reverend Father Minas, and the Reverend Father Nicholas, Ephemerios of the parish.
His Eminence subsequently gathered with the clergy of Annunciation, as well as with the Reverend Father Vasileios Riley, Proistamenos of Saint Porphyrios Greek Orthodox Church in Jacksonville, North Carolina, and the Reverend Father Constantine Shepherd, Proistamenos of Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Burlington, North Carolina.

During this gathering, His Eminence bestowed upon Father Vasileios Riley the ecclesiastical Offikion of Confessor, recognizing his faithful priestly ministry and service to the Holy Church.
Later that evening, His Eminence met with members of the Parish Council and representatives of the various ministries of Annunciation at Three Bulls Restaurant. The gathering provided a meaningful opportunity for His Eminence to hear directly from those engaged in the parish’s ministries and to discuss the present life and work of the community.

A fruitful and cordial dialogue followed concerning the various ministries of the parish, their ongoing work, and their service to the faithful. His Eminence offered his archpastoral guidance and blessings while expressing his gratitude and congratulations to those who generously dedicate their time, talents, and resources to the building up of the parish and the ministries of the Holy Church.

On Saturday, His Eminence, accompanied by Father Minas, made a pilgrimage to Panagia Pamakaristos Monastery, marking his first Archpastoral Visit to the monastery.
His Eminence was received with great joy and Christian hospitality by the Abbot, the Very Reverend Archimandrite Nektarios, and the monastic brotherhood. During his visit, he was given a tour of the monastery grounds and spent time in prayer and fellowship with the brotherhood. The pilgrimage was a blessed occasion of communion and spiritual renewal.
Following his visit to the monastery, His Eminence met with members of the Kotsionis family. He was warmly received by the daughters of the late Jane Kotsionis, whose generosity and love for the Annunciation community left a lasting legacy through her generous donation of the Agape Playground.

His Eminence expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the family for the generosity of their beloved mother and grandmother and for the enduring gift she offered to the children and families of the parish. The Agape Playground stands as a meaningful testament to her love for the Church and the Annunciation community, providing a place of joy, fellowship, and community for generations of children. He conveyed his prayers and gratitude to the family, recognizing the lasting impact of Mrs. Kotsionis’ generosity and her continued presence in the life of the parish through this cherished gift.

Later that evening, His Eminence joined the Annunciation community at the Hellenic Center for a special parish gathering hosted by the Ladies Philoptochos Society and the Parish Council. The evening featured the acclaimed comedian Angelo Tsarouhas and offered the community an occasion for joyful fellowship, laughter, and celebration. The gathering reflected the spirit of love and unity that characterizes the life of the Annunciation parish.
The culmination of His Eminence’s Archpastoral Visit took place on Sunday, September 27, with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. The church was filled with the faithful, who gathered in prayer to welcome their Hierarch and to receive his archpastoral blessing.

In his remarks following the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence expressed his sincere gratitude to the faithful of Annunciation for their continued support of the ministries of the Holy Metropolis. In particular, he acknowledged the parish’s generous support of the Alexios Retreat Center, emphasizing the importance of such ministries in the spiritual life and formation of the faithful.
He also offered words of encouragement to the community and expressed his appreciation for the dedication of the clergy, Parish Council, ministry leaders, and faithful who continually offer themselves in service to the Church.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence bestowed upon Mr. Petros (Nolan) Coords the blessing and office of Reader, marking a joyful and solemn occasion for Mr. Coords, his family, and the entire Annunciation community.

The Archpastoral Visit of His Eminence Metropolitan Sevastianos was a profound blessing for the parish, bringing together clergy and faithful in prayer, fellowship, and service. His Eminence’s presence offered spiritual encouragement and pastoral guidance while strengthening the bonds of love and communion within the parish and throughout the Holy Metropolis.

The clergy and faithful of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church extend their heartfelt gratitude to His Eminence for his visit and look forward with great joy to welcoming him again to Winston-Salem in the near future.

Photo Credits: Kristen Welch