On Friday, December 13, 2024, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America attended the Pan-Orthodox Christmas Concert organized by the Standing Conference of Oriental Orthodox Churches. The event was hosted at Our Lady of Zeitoun Coptic Orthodox Church in Staten Island and celebrated in a spirit of joy and unity. The concert featured a rich variety of Eastern and Oriental Orthodox traditions (Malankara, Eritrean, Antiochian, Greek, Syriac, Ethiopian and Coptic) showcasing their shared heritage and unique cultural expressions.
The School of Byzantine Music of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, under the direction of Archon Mousikodidaskalos Georgios Theodoridis, performed exquisite pieces dedicated to the Christmas season, adding a profound spiritual dimension to the evening.
In his message during the concert, Archbishop Elpidophoros reflected on the significance of unity and compassion, particularly in light of global challenges. He remarked:
“Especially at this moment, when Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza find themselves in zones of unspeakable conflict, violence, and massive change, we are standing shoulder to shoulder and heart to heart. We stand as well with the Coptic People of Egypt, and with the Faithful of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Around the globe, all of our ancient and rich liturgical traditions are being recognized as the essential manifestations of the Teaching of the Apostles, and celebrating them together is a unique occasion.”
Reflecting on the meaning of the Christmas season, he concluded with an inspiring message:
“This, my beloved brothers and sisters, is what made this coming Feast possible. The self-emptying – the kenosis of the Word of God. And in doing so, He has manifested for us how we are to perfect our own unique human personhoods. By humility, by honesty, by mercy, and above all, by love.”
The event was also attended by other Orthodox hierarchs, including Archbishop Mor Titus Yeldho of the Malankara Archdiocese of the Syrian Orthodox Church in North America, Bishop David of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of New York and New England and president of the Standing Conference of Oriental Orthodox Churches, and Archbishop Petros of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Archdiocese of New York and its Affiliated Regions.
Photo: GOARCH
