Dear Friends,
At this moment, I would call forward the President of the Parish Council, Lydia Vagelos-Callimanis.
As all of you know, Lydia has been and continues to be a true pillar of the Saint Spyridon Parish, and has overseen its return to former glories. Lydia has been proven vindicated in her efforts for this community, and she is a person who is like those described in the Book of Revelation:
… a pillar in the temple of God, fixed and immovable, one upon whom is inscribed the Name of My God …1
Lydia, your devotion to Saint Spyridon is truly beautiful in every way. You love this community, and have manifested your agape tangibly and visibly through your actions and contributions. You served as the Parish Council President and supervised the restoration project which has revealed the true beauty of this Church, and you have never ceased to give freely of your time, talents and treasure.
Your stayed the course and sustained this Parish; when many were ready to give up, you held fast to the traditions of Saint Spyridon.
In addition, you have been a faithful member of both the Archdiocesan and District Councils, bringing wise counsel and energy to the causes of both.
Lydia, you embody what is best in our Church, and for this reason, I am happy and honored to bestow upon you the highest award of our Sacred Archdiocese of America, the Medal of Saint Paul.
I warmly congratulate you on this blesséd feast of your Heavenly Patron, Spyridon the Wonderworker.
Ἄξια!
1 Cf. Revelation 3:11.