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Aίνος τω ευκλεεί Πολυεύκτω



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“The soup kitchen of Agia Triada of Stavrodromi in Constantinople was created in October 1935 at the initiative of the clergy head of the Greek Orthodox Community of Stavrodromi at the time, Metropolitan Konstantinos of Eirinoupoli, and of the preacher of the church of Agia Triada, deacon Polyefktos Finfinis and of the Church committee. The purpose of the soup kitchen was to provide "adequate and substantial food" every day to needy pupils of the schools of the Greek Orthodox Community of Stavrodromi, namely of the Zografeio, the Zappeio, the Agia Triada School, the Agios Konstantinos School, the Central Girls' School, the Nane school and the Aynali Cesme school. A significant factor for the successful operation of soup kitchens were - and still are - the volunteering directresses. Most of them were members of prominent families of the Greek-“Rum” Community. They had been raised to honour the values of offering and helping their fellowpersons. Their offering through the soup kitchen was the essence of charity in practice, since they - despite their high social status - set an example of simplicity and giving.”
 
-       From the archives of the community of Stavrodromi, Constantinople.
 
These were the beginnings of Polyefktos (Finfinis), a humble preacher – servant of the people, not only the Greeks, but also the Muslims of the area. Polyefktos’ story remains untold. A story of his diakonia (service) from Stavrodromi, to America, to Germany, and ultimately to Sweden. A tireless, Christocentric humble servant who led by example and initiative, carving pathways especially for the younger generations.
 
This is a story that has not been told, and will be a work in progress, beginning on Pentecost Sunday, 2023. But it must be told. And so, as we facilitate and co-celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Byzantine Choir of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh, a historic milestone for any group of its kind in America, we also celebrate Polyefktos Finfinis of Tropaiou, the first prelate of the Sixth Archdiocesan District, with its See in Pittsburgh, upon its consecration and founding and upon the memory of his birthdate, 100 years ago.

CLICK HERE FOR A COMPREHENSIVE BIOGRAPHY

CLICK HERE FOR THE DIGITAL EXHIBIT  



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Events Schedule:

Sunday June 4th 2023
8 PM
"POLYEFKTOS THE ARCHPRIEST: A DIGITAL EXHIBIT"

The inauguration of a digital exhibit of the intellectual, educational and cultural activity Polyefktos cultivated in his lifetime.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE EVENT


Monday June 5th 2023
8 PM
"THE TETRAODION OF THE HIEROMARTYR POLYEFKTOS"


A musical celebration on account of the 25th Anniversary of the Byzantine Choir of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh in memory and in honor of the life and work of Polyefktos the Archpriest, his contribution to Greek learning and Christian education of young people and its awareness as inspired by the Mother Church.


CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE EVENT


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For more information, please contact us at
contact@pahellenicfoundation.org