Metropolitan Joseph Presides at One Year Memorial for Metropolitan Philip
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
Thursday, March 19, 2015, marked the one year anniversary of the repose of His Eminence Metropolitan Philip of thrice-blessed memory. On Sunday, March 22, His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph celebrated the Divine Liturgy and one year memorial for Metropolitan Philip at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Brooklyn. In his eulogy, Metropolitan Joseph spoke about the many accomplishments of Sayidna Philip over 48 years, but in the end reminded the faithful that ultimately his desire to build up the Archdiocese and its institutions was driven by his desire to bring people closer to Christ so that the Orthodox faith could manifest itself on this continent.
His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America also attended and, after concelebrating the memorial, gave a wonderful homily recalling his many years of working with our late Metropolitan in both SCOBA and the Assembly of Bishops. He remembered both his strong convictions and beliefs as well as his love and ability to cooperate.
His Grace Bishop John of the Diocese of Worcester also concelebrated the liturgy and memorial. His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon and His Eminence Archbishop Michael of New York, both of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) were scheduled to be present but could not due to the funeral of Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko. Likewise, His Grace Bishop John of the Russian Orthodox Church was scheduled to be at the memorial liturgy but was ill. All sent their regrets for not being able to attend.
His Excellency Bashar Ja’afari, Syrian Ambassador to the United Nations and Mr. Madji Ramadan, Counsel General of Lebanon in New York, also were present and extended their condolences to Metropolitan Joseph. A memorial lunch was served in the cathedral hall following the liturgy and memorial at which time, Metropolitan Philip’s niece, Leslie Saliba Nasr spoke on behalf of the family. (Read her moving reflection.)
Our hierarchs and clergy throughout the archdiocese held similar memorials in every church. May his memory be eternal and may his soul rest with the saints!
+ Read Metropolitan Joseph’s letter on the occasion of the one year anniversary
+ Read Metropolitan Joseph’s Memorial address
+ Visit the Metropolitan Philip memorial section
+ Read “On the First Anniversary of the Falling Asleep of Metropolitan Philip,” by Fr. Joseph Antypas
