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.