Archbishop Elpidophoros of America marked the beginning of the Ecclesiastical New Year, on September 1, with a celebration alongside Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Phanar. In a post on social media, the Archbishop reflected on the spiritual and environmental significance of the day, as well as the upcoming U.S. visit of the Ecumenical Patriarch.
“Today, we welcome the Ecclesiastical New Year, which I was blessed to celebrate alongside His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Phanar,” Archbishop Elpidophoros wrote. “This feast-day also marks the Day for the Protection of the Environment, and 28 years since our Ecumenical Patriarch declared that ‘damage to the environment bears consequences not only for nature but also for humanity, rendering human life less tolerable and beautiful.’”
He noted that September 1 is annually observed as both the start of the Church year and a day of ecological awareness, but said this year’s celebration holds additional meaning.
“While we mark these occasions every September 1, this new year carries special significance,” the Archbishop added. “In just a few days, we will welcome His All-Holiness to the United States, where he will be honored with the prestigious Templeton Prize for proclaiming that the destruction of the environment is a sin, and that humanity’s bond with creation is a sacred responsibility.”
