Saint Philip Parish in Nashua, NH Celebrates Its Feast Day

Metropolitan Methodios of Boston officiates at the Matins service and Divine Liturgy for the parish of Saint Philip in Nashua, NH. Photos “TNH”/Theodore Kalmoukos

The parish of Saint Philip in the city of Nashua, NH officially celebrated its feast day November 17. The celebration included the presence of Metropolitan Methodios of Boston who officiated during the Orthros (Matins) and Divine Liturgy. The pastor is Fr. Paul Bebis.

At the end of the Liturgy, the Community, through its parish Council President, George Efthimiou, honored Marianna Doulamis with an icon of Saint Philip. She is one of the most faithful and dedicated members of the Community, offering invaluable voluntary services tirelessly and selflessly. Doulamis actively participates in the church’s liturgical life, theological discussions held twice a month, and prepares ‘prosphora’ (offertory bread) for the Divine Liturgy.

Metropolitan Methodios spoke warmly about the Community and its members, saying, among other things, “I came today to pray with you and to admire you, the good people who make up the body of this church.”

Panagiotis and Marianna Doulamis stand with Metropolitan Methodios of Boston during the award presented to Mrs. Doulamis. Fr. Paul Bebis is also pictured. Photos “TNH”/Theodore Kalmoukos

At another point, he emphasized that “a bishop oversees what happens in the local church and its parishes.” Addressing the parishioners, he wished them good health and said, “I wish you a blessed Christmas season. May Christ be born in your hearts, granting you health, joy, and all heavenly blessings, and may He always reign in your good souls.”

A reception followed in the community hall for everyone. Doulamis, the honoree, told The National Herald: It is a special blessing and deeply moving for my husband, Panagiotis, and me to receive this honor from our Saint Philip community.”

At the end of the reception, an active member of the U.S. military, who is soon departing for a mission in Japan, approached Metropolitan Methodios. He has been attending Saint Philip’s for some time and expressed his desire to convert to Orthodoxy. The Metropolitan congratulated and blessed him, explaining that his catechism in the Orthodox faith should precede his formal entry into the Orthodox Church through the sacrament of Chrismation. It is noteworthy that in recent times, about eight to ten people, including an entire family, have converted to Orthodoxy in this Community.

From the reception held in honor of Metropolitan Methodios of Boston. Pictured from left are the president of the parish council, George Efthimiou, Deacon Andreas, Stella Bloom, a parish council member and Community leader, Metropolitan Methodios, Father Paul Bebis, and Panagiotis Doulamis. Photos “TNH”/Theodore Kalmoukos

Present at the celebration of Saint Philip was the Greek-American state representative of New Hampshire, Efstathia Booras.

In the early 20th century, two communities were established in Nashua: The Annunciation of the Virgin Mary and Saint Nicholas. This division reflected the broader schism between the Royalist and Venizelist political factions, which had unfortunately been transplanted from Greece to the Greek-American diaspora. The two churches were located in the same neighborhood, not far from one another.

Some parishioners of the Saint Philip Community during the reception, who have been longtime readers of The National Herald. Photos “TNH”/Theodore Kalmoukos

However, in 1972, the two communities were unified. A plot of land in a prominent location near Highway 3 was purchased, and the current beautiful church was constructed during the tenure of the late Archbishop Iakovos. To ensure no feelings of favoritism, the names of both former communities – Annunciation and Saint Nicholas – were abandoned. The new church and unified community were named after the Apostle Philip. The first priest of the newly established Saint Philip parish was Fr. Sotirios Alexopoulos, who served for 25 years.

The city of Nashua, located approximately 45 miles from Boston, has a strong economy due to its high-tech industries. It is also home to one of New England’s largest shopping centers, the Pheasant Lane Mall.

Finally, this writer offers his voluntary chanting services to the Community on Sundays and major feast days.