My Beloved,

The liturgical life of the Orthodox Church and our cultural heritage as Greek-Americans revolves around the art of music as an expression of our devotion to God and an expression of our cultural ethos. St. Gregory of Nyssa notes that the human body is made for music and, consequently, music is the divine language in which we speak with God. Therefore, music shows itself to be a driving force spiritually, socially, and culturally. The treasuring and preservation of these traditions and gifts, especially amongst the youth, is of paramount importance to our Orthodox faith and our Greek culture. Therefore, it is with particular enthusiasm and joy that I invite all of the parish youth of the Holy Metropolis of New Jersey to participate in the 1st Annual Metropolis of New Jersey Young Artists’ Showcase to be held on Saturday, September 16th, 2017 at Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church in Holmdel, NJ. Further communication concerning this event will be distributed by the Chairman of the Hellenic Culture Committee, Mr. Demetrios Fousteris. This showcase is a part of the Metropolis’ effort to provide a more vibrant performing arts experience for our youth in an Orthodox setting. This Showcase will provide another reason for our children to come together in a spiritually and socially Orthodox setting. It is my sincerest hope and prayer that as many Orthodox youths as possible will participate so that they may demonstrate their talents which they have amplified through God’s grace.

With Paternal Love and Blessings,

† E V A N G E L O S Metropolitan of New Jersey