Greek Orthodox Leader Presides at Liturgy on Holy Cross Campus

The Orthodox Christian Fellowship, a recognized student organization on campus, organized an evening of prayer, communal worship, and fellowship in St. Joseph Memorial Chapel at Holy Cross on April 11.

The event was the celebration of the solemn liturgy of the pre-sanctified gifts — a work attributed to Pope Gregory the Great that is reserved exclusively for the somber period of Lent. His Eminence Methodios, Metropolitan of Boston, served the liturgy which was attended by Orthodox students and staff, as well as a many non-Orthodox members of the College community.

The ancient rite unfolded through clouds of incense and the chanting of psalms in English and Greek, exemplifying the beauty and the glory of the Byzantine liturgy.

This is the first official visit of His Eminence to the Holy Cross campus. Metropolitan Methodios is the spiritual leader of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston that encompasses some 70 communities spread throughout the six states of New England, and is a pioneer of ecumenical relationships between the Orthodox and Catholic churches.