1906-2006

Celebrating 100 years of Orthodoxy in Maryland




As General Chairman of the Centennial, I want to invite everyone in our community, and throughout the region, to join with me as we celebrate one hundred years of Orthodoxy in the State of Maryland.

On Sunday, March 18, 1906, one hundred fifty of our early Greek immigrants attended the first official Divine Liturgy in the City of Baltimore. The Very Reverend Joakim Alexopoulos, visiting from Washington, D.C., conducted the service. Nearly ten decades have passed since that historic occasion.

As you peruse the calendar of events planned for the Centennial Celebration, you will notice cultural, religious, and social events scheduled throughout the year. As Chairman, I felt it necessary that in addition to celebrating our Orthodox religion, we also focus on our heritage as Greek Americans. Most Greek Orthodox Christians were raised in a relatively strict environment by parents who had a strong belief that religion and Church was the center of our lives. Because of this, many of our rich traditions are still with us today.

There are numerous events scheduled throughout the year that should be of interest to Orthodox Christians of every age group. The celebration officially begins on Friday, March 18, 2005 (our 99th anniversary), with a salutation service and reception, and will conclude on Sunday, March 19, 2006 with a grand banquet to mark 100 Years of Orthodoxy in Maryland. We look forward to your participation in the Centennial Celebration.

Yours in Christ,

Gary T. Padussis
Centennial Chairman
Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation

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