On June 29, 2006 o.s., the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul His Eminence Metropolitan Pavlos returned to the Cathedral of St. Markella in Astoria, NY for the first time since he suffered a massive stroke on Feb. 28, 2006 n.s. He entered the Cathedral at about 11:00 am during the Koinonikon of the Divine Liturgy to the ringing of bells and the vigorous applause, tears and shouts of Άξιος! After blessing the congregation, he was lead into the sanctuary where he received the Immaculate Mysteries and remained in the altar until the completion of the Divine Liturgy, the Artoklasia and the annual Memorial service for Metropolitan Petros of Astoria at which time he spoke in Greek wishing love and the Lord's Peace on the entire congregation. He then was lead to the hall of the church where he blessed the food and received the many who had come to honor His Eminence on his Name Day.
