Today, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America paid a courtesy visit to Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, to offer his warm congratulations and best wishes upon the beginning of his new diplomatic mission.
During their cordial meeting, Archbishop Elpidophoros expressed his prayers for the Nuncio’s fruitful ministry in fostering the longstanding relations between the Holy See and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Both hierarchs reaffirmed the spirit of mutual respect and fraternal cooperation that continues to characterize Orthodox–Catholic relations, particularly through their shared commitment to Christian witness in the contemporary world.
Their conversation reflected on the recent Feast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, an occasion that once again highlighted the deep bonds between the Churches. Archbishop Elpidophoros noted with appreciation the participation of the official delegation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate at the Vatican for the patronal feast of the Church of Rome, a longstanding tradition that embodies the commitment to theological dialogue and the desire for the restoration of Christian unity.
The discussion also turned to the historic visit of Pope Leo XIV to Turkey and Nicaea last November for the commemoration of the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council. The Council of Nicaea remains a foundational event in the life of the early Church, whose confession of faith and enduring theological significance are held in common by both Orthodox and Catholics.
The meeting concluded with an exchange of good wishes and a renewed commitment to strengthening the bonds of friendship and collaboration between the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the Roman Catholic Church.
