Archbishop Elpidophoros of America in the beginning of his speech expressed his gratitude and respect to the Metropolitans and all members of the Holy Eparchial Synod who have worked synergistically to ensure that the liturgical life and pastoral needs of the Faithful have been addressed so comprehensively through the dedicated work of the clergy of the Archdiocese from coast to coast. Their contribution, as Archbishop Elpidophoros stressed, had been instrumental especially through this year of 2020, due to the difficulties and unprecedented challenges that the Archdiocese of America faced.
After welcoming the new members to the Archdiocesan Council along with those who continue in this noble work and the newly established Senators for Orthodoxy and Hellenism, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America referred to the great challenges that Orthodoxy faced this year, mainly due to the pandemic but also the opportunities that open next year.
Particularly the Archbishop said, “Let us not forget that in the midst of this pandemic, Hellenic College and Holy Cross are on a more stable footing than they have been in decades. Yes, sacrifices have been made, but the School is functioning and not failing, and we have brought our accreditation back from the brink and maintained it through the crisis. President George Cantonis along with the Board of Trustees, the Administration and the Faculty have truly turned the tide at the School, and they deserve our gratitude and our appreciation.
Let us not forget that, in the midst of a pandemic that has had such extreme effects on the financial condition of society as a whole, and all religious and non-profit institutions, the Archdiocese has finally faced up to the condition of the Clergy Pension. We have become fully engaged in order to find solutions to this decades-old wound in the very heart of our clergy.
Let us not forget that, through the use of technology on a scale never before seen in our Church, we have found ways to communicate the Gospel to our faithful and bring the liturgical life into their homes. We were forced to miss Lent, Holy Week, and Pascha. And the challenges facing us for Christmas and the New Year and Theophany are looming heavy. We have to make decisions in accord with the surge in the virus that we are currently facing. But we are pulling through, and though we have lost many lives to COVID-19, we have not lost our faith and the commitment in the Church. And finally, let us not forget that just as we are gathered today through virtual means, a mere three months ago we held the highest delegate attended Clergy Laity Congress in the history of the Archdiocese.”
Observing these successes of the Archdiocese in the midst of the pandemic, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America said, “we have much to be thankful for, and much to be proud of in this year of 2020. And we can look forward to relief from the pandemic in the coming new year of 2021.”
The Archbishop of America referred to the opening of Saint Nicholas National Shrine which will take place the coming year and the celebration of the Centennial of the Archdiocese of America in 2022.
Archbishop Elpidophoros of America ended his speech noting that “This Archdiocesan Council is both a repository of knowledge from the past, and a vital means for envisioning the future. I have no doubt that the service of all of you will be exemplary.”