Blakeman, D’Esposito, Rhoads Help Cut Ribbon On Saint Demetrios Cultural Center

MERRICK, NY. — The parish at Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church of Merrick cut the ribbon and blessed its new cultural center this fall after a donation effort that brought in almost 350 donors including the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. The ribbon was cut in a ceremony led by Reverend Protopresbyter Father Nikiforos Fakinos, attended by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, U.S. Department of Labor Inspector General and former congressman Anthony D’Esposito and New York State Senator Steve Rhoads.

In a Dec. 24 announcement of the ribbon cutting, Rhoads’ office said the Cassis Center, “reflects the community’s commitment to preserving Greek culture and Orthodox faith while investing in future generations, serving as a hub for education, fellowship, and connection.”

That new cultural space will feature the “Stavros Niarchos Foundation” Gymnasium, which parish officials said was named for, “one of the most well-known businessmen and philanthropists in modern Greek history.”

In addition to the gym, the Cassis center will feature a church school, donated by David and Georgia Pereira. The educational space will be complete with classrooms, an audiovisual room, conference rooms and an administrative center. The cultural center will also feature auxiliary rooms, storage areas and the Philoptochos Garden of Giving, named after the philanthropic organization.

“The achievement highlights the collaborative spirit that makes Nassau County a vibrant, culturally rich place to live,” Rhoads’ office said.