Metropolitan Methodios Celebrates Great Vespers for the Dormition and Installs Fr. Demetri Costarakis as Parish Priest in Dracut  

Sunday, August 16, 2026

On Friday, August 14, Metropolitan Methodios visited the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Dracut, Massachusetts, where he presided at Great Vespers and formally installed the Rev. Fr. Demetri Costarakis as the new parish priest.

The occasion marked an important new chapter in the life of the Dracut community, particularly following its merger with St. George Church in Lowell. Clergy from throughout the Metropolis joined His Eminence for the service, together with faithful from both the Dracut parish and St. George in Lowell, who gathered in prayer and fellowship to support Fr. Demetri as he began his new ministry.

During the service, Metropolitan Methodios formally installed Fr. Demetri and offered words of encouragement as he assumed his pastoral responsibilities. His Eminence spoke warmly of Fr. Demetri's father, the late Rev. Fr. Peter Costarakis, recalling his many years of dedicated priestly service and the example he offered throughout his ministry. Metropolitan Methodios also reminded Fr. Demetri of the many priests who faithfully served the Dracut community before him, encouraging him to honor their legacy and to carry forward the sacred responsibilities of the priesthood with faith, humility, and dignity.

His Eminence also administered the oath of office to the members of the newly formed Parish Council, all of whom were present for this significant moment in the life of the community. Their installation, together with that of Fr. Demetri, reflected the beginning of a new phase of growth and ministry for the united parish community.

The evening brought together clergy, parish leaders, and faithful from both Dracut and Lowell in a spirit of unity and hope for the future. Metropolitan Methodios offered his prayers and paternal blessings to Fr. Demetri, the Parish Council, and the entire community as they begin this new chapter together, encouraging them to work in unity for the continued growth and strengthening of the parish.