Archbishop Elpidophoros of America attended the Archdiocesan District Clergy Syndesmos on October 2, 2023, at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, in Hicksville, New York.
In his speech, Archbishop Elpidophoros stressed that “As you all know, the Greek, “σύνδεσμος,” means “a bond of union.” It not only affirms that we are one in heart and mind, but that there is also an active connection that establishes such a union. And that active connection is our love for one another. It is our brotherly care and concern, our support and mutuality, which is reciprocal and restorative” and then he continued “There can be no competition between us as spiritual brothers, even though some of us may have experienced such rivalries with our siblings in our families of birth. The only rivalry that should exist among us is the rivalry of love – outdoing one another in our regard and esteem for one another”.
Read below the speech of Archbishop Elpidophoros of America
My beloved Fathers and Brothers in Christ,
Just yesterday, we celebrated the Consecration of the Assumption Church in Danbury, a truly wonderful moment of prayer, dedication, and of sanctification. Many of you made the effort to come after your own services so that you could share in this sacred day.
As I think about our clergy fellowship, I am encouraged by the response of the brothers to this once-in-a-lifetime event for the Danbury Parish. You showed your love and support, your spiritual solidarity, with Protopresbyter Nikolas and especially his father, Protopresbyter Peter, who had shepherded the community for half of its existence. This kind of brotherhood is precisely what this Syndesmos is about.
As you all know, the Greek, “σύνδεσμος,” means “a bond of union.” It not only affirms that we are one in heart and mind, but that there is also an active connection that establishes such a union.
And that active connection is our love for one another. It is our brotherly care and concern, our support and mutuality, which is reciprocal and restorative.
There can be no competition between us as spiritual brothers, even though some of us may have experienced such rivalries with our siblings in our families of birth. The only rivalry that should exist among us is the rivalry of love – outdoing one another in our regard and esteem for one another.
Saint Paul has a wonderful exhortation in his Epistle to the Romans, which should be the motto for every Clergy Brotherhood the whole world over: let your brotherly love for one another be marked by tender affection. Outdo each other in respect and honor …*
My beloved brothers in Christ:
Let this be the hallmark of our fellowship as clergy. Let this be our daily meditation when we think of our brothers.
And may our Gracious God, Who has forged us into this Syndesmos of brotherly love, keep and prosper you, your families, and your ministries.
* Romans 12:10.
Photos: GOARCH/Dimitrios Panagos
Source: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America