Honor Father Makris’ Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 914 BY: Senator GOLDEN COMMENDING The Very Reverend Father Gerasimos Makris upon the occasion of his 10th Anniversary to be celebrated on March 19, 2017 WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life in this noble Empire State are nourished and fulfilled through the faithful concern and selfless devotion of those who commit their energies and purpose to the ministry of others; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to bring full recognition and just tribute to individuals who distinguish themselves and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and preeminence of service; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend The Very Reverend Father Gerasimos Makris upon the occasion of his 10th Anniversary to be celebrated at a Luncheon on Sunday, March 19, 2017, in The Dr. Stavroula Angelakos-Gabriel Auditorium, at The Dimitrios & Georgia Kaloidis Parochial School in Brooklyn, New York; and WHEREAS, Gerasimos Makris was born on June 6, 1967, in New York City to Spirandreas and Stella Pagoulatos Makris; he was raised in Jackson Heights, Queens, where he attended parochial school and served as an altar boy at St. Demetrios Church in Astoria; and WHEREAS, Upon completion of elementary school, Gerasimos Makris attended the Bronx High School of Science from 1981-1985; during his senior year, he felt the calling of becoming a priest; and WHEREAS, After high school, Gerasimos Makris earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology at the Bronx, Rose Hill Campus of Fordham University; he furthered his education by graduating Magna Cum Laude with degrees in both psychology and philosophy, while, simultaneously acquiring a certificate in Peace and Social Justice and working full-time at Singas Famous Pizza, to pay for school expenses; and WHEREAS, In 1992, Gerasimos Makris graduated with a Masters of Divinity degree with Highest Distinction from the seminary school at the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Massachusetts, while continuing to work multiple campus jobs; during this time, he was assigned as the chapel's ecclesiarch, coordinating chapel services and activities; and WHEREAS, For the next 6 ¢ years, Gerasimos Makris lived in Thessaloniki, Greece, where he enrolled in the Aristotelean University of Thessaloniki, eventually acquiring a Doctorate in Theology with the grade of Arista; his thesis was entitled "Monasticism according to St. Symeon, Archbishop of Thessaloniki"; and WHEREAS, Gerasimos Makris also attended the School of Byzantine Music of the Holy Metropolis of Thessaloniki where he graduated again with the grade of Arista; and WHEREAS, During his years in Thessaloniki, Gerasimos Makris resided at the Royal, Patriarchal and Stavropegic Monastery of Vlatadon where he was tonsured a small schema monk on February 1, 1994, maintaining his baptismal name of Gerasimos; during his stay at the monastery, he assumed multiple positions and responsibilities such as secretary, ecclesiarch, economos, and dormitory supervisor; and WHEREAS, On July 10, 1994, Gerasimos Makris was ordained a deacon back at his home parish of St. Demetrios by the now Metropolitan of Atlanta, Alexios; on March 24, 1996, he was ordained a priest; and WHEREAS, After returning to the United States in 1999, Father Gerasimos Makris was assigned to the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Massachusetts, as both the Director of Student Life and Chaplain to the Students; in this capacity, he mentored many future priest and theologians as they studied theology; and WHEREAS, In 2006, Father Gerasimos Makris was assigned to his first parish, Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn; throughout his tenure, he has conducted daily morning and evening services (Orthros and Vespers) and multiple Divine Liturgies for almost all important feasts of our Church; and WHEREAS, Father Gerasimos Makris also teaches religion at the Dimitrios and Georgia Kaloidis Parochial School and ministers to the needs of the parish; in addition, he has worked on various renovation projects at the church; and WHEREAS, Father Gerasimos Makris has brought to his ministry an overwhelming spirit of charity and compassion, acting from vision and enlightenment in conducting his administrative and spiritual duties, while always displaying the highest standards of personal and professional integrity and dedication; and WHEREAS, This distinguished man of God has always given enlightenment, guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to his care and has administered abundantly and unstintingly to the spiritual and corporal needs of all; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when a person of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our attention it is appropriate to publicly and jubilantly proclaim and commend that individual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend The Very Reverend Father Gerasimos Makris upon the occasion of celebrating his 10th Anniversary, noting his unremitting and compassionate faith and his exemplary service to God, man, and his community, and extending to him heartfelt best wishes for a future of continued purposeful success and well-being; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Very Reverend Father Gerasimos Makris.