Archbishop Elpidophoros of America spoke to a room filled with Leadership 100 members at their annual Conference, which is being held this year in Orlando from February 19-23, 2025.
In his remarks the Archbishop invited the members to offer their questions and concerns so that he could offer some clarification to them saying, “Today, as I am speaking to you – and with you – I want all of you to know that I am deeply interested in your thoughts, your opinions, your considerations. I may not agree with you in everything, just as you may not agree with me. But the point is we are together as the People of God in conversation, which binds us more closely together than any mere agreement might ever do.”
Some specific topics he addressed include Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology emphasizing that it is the number one priority, as it has been to Leadership 100 for decades.
He stated that we must establish a system that will assist our school to grow and present itself as strong, visible, and thriving.
His Eminence also explained his goal to complete the iconography of the Holy Cross Chapel, which currently consists of blank white walls. Prior to His Eminence’s remarks, Archdeacon Dionysios Papiris offered a report on this new initiative.
His Eminence also discussed the success of a number of programs across the Archdiocese. A few of those mentioned include dance festivals around the country hosting thousands of children, summer camps including the Metropolis camps and Ionian Village, which develop both spirituality and strong friendship for our children, and Greek festivals which are flourishing across our country.
His Eminence also addressed the importance of Greek Education stating that “People say that running a parochial school is expensive. Yes, having a future is expensive.” However, we must recognize that many of the leaders of our Church in America have been educated in our Greek American Schools across the country.
Photo credit: Orthodox Observer/ Dimitrios Panagos
