On Wednesday, March 1, while visiting Northern California, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America attended a Luncheon and Meeting hosted by Holy Trinity Church in San Francisco for the bay area clergy and their families.
In addressing those gathered, the Archbishop of America remarked, “Yesterday, I was with the brothers in Sacramento, and was very impressed by their dedication and enthusiasm for our season of preparation for Holy Pascha. Today, I have the pleasure to be here with you – the Bay Area clergy. But allow me to say this about your beloved Metropolitan Gerasimos. The Archbishop is a pastor’s pastor. His love for all of you, his devotion to serving your needs, and his constant desire to be of help to his clergy, is very moving for me to behold. Thank you, my good brother, for the ministry of Christ that you have brought to this vibrant Metropolis all these years. Your arch-pastoral care for the flock of Christ here in the Western States is an example for us all.” (Read full remarks)
Following the meeting, with the blessing and permission of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Archbishop Elpidophoros elevated parish priest Fr. Aris Metrakos to Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne.
Photos: Kostas Petrakos
Source: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
