“With a group of expats, clergy, and laity, who were with us as pilgrims on Mount Athos, we were officially, very cordially, according to the Athonite rite, received by five Athonite monasteries, without any problem,” replied Archbishop Elpidoforos, when asked by journalists about reports about his visit to Athos.
“I think that the relationship between the Greek diaspora and Mount Athos is very close, very cordial, and there is no reason for it to be disturbed, nor was it disturbed,” Archbishop Elpidophoros said.
Asked about the decision of the hierarchy of the Church of Greece on the marriage of same-sex couples, Archbishop Elpidophoros said: “Greece has its ecclesiastical authority, its ecclesiastical administration, the hierarchy of the Church of Greece decided yesterday, I don’t think it is right for me to express any other opinion.”
He noted that it is not right, in his capacity, to comment on the decisions of the Church of Greece and added: “We are in America, we have different facts, different situations, different ecclesiastical authority.”
Asked if he would perform same-sex marriages, the Archbishop of America replied, “Of course not. No, of course not. That is the teaching of our Church.”
“Positive on absentee ballot measure by expatriates”
Regarding the question of absentee ballot, Archbishop Elpidophoros, in response to a question, noted: “All the expatriates are positive on the measure of absentee ballot, just as we were positive on the possibility given to expatriates abroad, who are citizens of the Hellenic Republic, to be able to vote.”
“Any action, any initiative of the Greek state that gives more attention and the opportunity for Greeks abroad to participate in the events of Greece, we agree with, we support, because it brings the Greek Diaspora closer to the motherland,” he stressed.
“In this sense and for this reason”, he added, “we fully support any such action and in particular the absentee ballot. We think it is a right move, in the right direction.”
Meetings of Archbishop of America in Thessaloniki – Strengthening Ties with Greek Diaspora
The ongoing visit of Archbishop Elpidophoros of America to Thessaloniki is marked by a series of meaningful contacts and meetings. In the morning, Deputy Minister of Interior Stathis Konstantinidis warmly welcomed the Archbishop of America at the Government House, home to the Ministry of Macedonia and Thrace.
Expressing great honor and joy, Deputy Minister Konstantinidis acknowledged Archbishop Elpidophoros as a hierarch of ecumenical Hellenism, whose impactful work and speeches instill hope. He highlighted the Archbishop’s close ties with Thessaloniki since his early years, praising the remarkable contributions of the Archdiocese of America, which he said make them proud by promoting Hellenic values and bolstering Greece’s international standing.
Archbishop Elpidophoros, in turn, spoke of his personal and familial connections with Thessaloniki, spanning from his school years to the completion of his studies. He expressed happiness witnessing the city’s progress and improvements. Notably, he emphasized the importance of strengthening ties, particularly in Northern Greece, given its significant geostrategic role. The Archbishop highlighted the need for Greek Americans and all Americans to familiarize themselves with this region, encouraging visits to enhance their connection with history and roots, fostering a deeper love and understanding for the country.
Following his meeting at the Government House, Archbishop Elpidophoros visited the Consulate of Turkey in Thessaloniki. Consul General Serkan Gedik welcomed him with Turkish hospitality, inviting him to enter the consulate premises.
Archbishop Elpidophoros Discusses Greek Diaspora Issues with Regional Governor
A significant dialogue unfolded between Archbishop Elpidophoros and Regional Governor Apostolos Tzitzikostas, centering on crucial matters related to the Greek diaspora, particularly in America and the Region of Central Macedonia.
During the meeting, Archbishop Elpidophoros emphasized the sentimental connection of the Greek diaspora, especially in the USA, to issues concerning Greece, particularly Northern Greece, where strong ties are deeply rooted. He expressed unwavering support for the region, spanning development, investment, and broader national and social concerns.
In a gesture of unity and shared heritage, Archbishop Elpidophoros extended an invitation to Archbishop Tzitzikostas for the 5th Avenue parade in New York. Additionally, he presented a special icon of Christ “The Sower” commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Archdiocese of America, along with a book chronicling the hierarchs who contributed to the Archdiocese’s legacy. He envisaged the first century as a period of “taking roots” and anticipated the second century to be one of substantial development.
In response, Archbishop Tzitzikostas acknowledged Archbishop Elpidophoros as a guiding light of Orthodoxy across the Atlantic, considering him a pivotal force unifying Greek expatriates in America. As a reciprocal gesture, he offered a book detailing the churches of Thessaloniki and the broader region. This exchange underscored the mutual commitment to fostering stronger bonds and understanding between Greece and its diaspora.
Archbishop Elpidophoros Meets with Mayor – Strengthening Thessaloniki’s Ties with the Greek Diaspora
Archbishop Elpidophoros engaged in a meeting with Thessaloniki’s Mayor, Stelios Angeloudis, focusing on the objective of promoting Thessaloniki to the Greek diaspora, specifically targeting the development of religious tourism.
The mayor characterized the discussion as “comprehensive and substantive,” highlighting Archbishop Elpidophoros’s profound knowledge and supportive approach. Mayor Angeloudis expressed admiration for the Archbishop’s readiness to endorse initiatives aimed at boosting Thessaloniki through religious tourism.
Religious tourism in Thessaloniki is intrinsically linked to numerous Byzantine churches, monuments, and the significant presence of Mount Athos and Meteora in the surrounding region.
Archbishop Elpidophoros conveyed his delight at being in Thessaloniki and congratulated Mayor Angeloudis on his election. Recognizing Thessaloniki’s rich religious and Byzantine heritage, the Archbishop affirmed its enduring significance in both historical and contemporary contexts.
Emphasizing collaboration with local entities, the Archbishop highlighted the Church’s dual role as a spiritual institution and a catalyst for economic prosperity. He expressed the Church’s readiness to contribute to the city’s economic well-being.
As a symbol of goodwill, Archbishop Elpidophoros presented the mayor with an icon of Jesus, titled “The Sower,” while Mayor Angeloudis reciprocated with a ceramic plate. This exchange exemplifies the shared commitment to fostering connections between the Greek diaspora and the vibrant city of Thessaloniki.
Article translated by: Ioanna Georgakopoulou, Konstantinos Menyktas