Tenafly, New Jersey, November 9, 2026
Photo: orthodoxobserver.org
Hundreds of faithful packed the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John the Theologian in Tenafly on Nov. 7 as Metropolitan Athenagoras was enthroned as the new head of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey.
Metropolitan Athenagoras was greeted on the cathedral’s front steps by community leaders, children, and parish council members. He was then escorted inside by Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden and All Scandinavia, reports the Orthodox Observer.
Clergy and faithful proclaimed “Axios!” as he ascended the episcopal throne. The cathedral was filled to standing-room-only. His mother, Fotini, and his brother, Yiannis, sat in the front row.
After the ascent, chanters from the Metropolis sang the doxology, and Archdeacon Dionysios Papiris read the Patriarchal and Synodical Letter announcing Metropolitan Athenagoras’s election. The Metropolis includes 55 parishes across New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia.
In his Archpastoral Exhortation, Archbishop Elpidophoros spoke of his decades-long friendship with Metropolitan Athenagoras and their journeys to the United States. He told him his life as shepherd of the Metropolis would be one of giving and sharing, and that the faithful would support and encourage him. He then presented him with his pastoral staff.
Metropolitan Cleopas spoke about a bishop’s responsibilities, including unity, youth ministry, and pastoral presence. He urged Metropolitan Athenagoras to give particular attention to young people seeking meaning and direction. He prayed that the new Metropolitan’s ministry would help every person feel welcomed in the Church.
In his enthronement address, Metropolitan Athenagoras thanked those who’ve accompanied him with their prayers and guidance. He said he first met Archbishop Elpidophoros when he was 12 and the future Archbishop was 15. He also remembered his late father, Demetrios, and thanked his mother and brother for their encouragement. He pledged to guard and build on the foundation laid by those who shepherded the Metropolis before him.
Addressing the faithful, Metropolitan Athenagoras said, “I want to meet you exactly where you are.” He said he wants to hear their stories in churches, parish halls, classrooms, and homes. He also asked for their prayers as he takes his first steps as Metropolitan.
Metropolitan Athenagoras also announced the creation of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Scholarship, marking the 35th anniversary of the Patriarch’s election, to support priestly vocations and higher education. It currently stands at $500,000.
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