Wednesday, December 4, 2024, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church in Orange, Connecticut, ordaining Deacon Anastasios Halas to the priesthood during the service.
Addressing Fr. Anastasios, Archbishop Elpidophoros stressed the special role of the presbyter, sharing: “You are to be a gatherer, one who brings people together. You are called to gather together that which has been separated: for what is separated by harsh language, can be joined by gentle speech; and what is separated by wrongdoing, can be brought together by forgiveness; what is separated by suffering, can be healed by compassion; and what is separated by animosity, can be bridged by love.”
Archbishop Elpidophoros also recognized the roles of Fr. Anastasios’s wife Sofia, his children Effie and George, and the parish community of Bridgeport Parish of the Holy Trinity, where Fr. Anastasios was raised and has served, in his journey to the priesthood.
Concluding his remarks, Archbishop Elpidophoros called for the intercessions of Sts. Barbara, Savas, and Nicholas in Fr. Anastasios’s life and in his “high priestly ministry of reconciliation and peace.”
Read the speech of the Archbishop here: Archbishop of America to Deacon Anastasios Halas: You are called to be a gatherer
© PHOTOS: GOA/Dimitrios Panagos
