Archbishop Elpidophoros of America made a courtesy visit to the Ambassador of Greece to the United States, Mr. Antonios Alexandridis, reciprocating the Ambassador’s official visit to the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
Archbishop Elpidophoros was received with particular warmth and joy, and the meeting was conducted in an atmosphere of mutual esteem, and commitment to the enduring bonds of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and Greece
During the course of their discussion, Archbishop Elpidophoros informed the Ambassador of the successful conclusion of the 48th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, held recently in Cleveland, Ohio. Archbishop Elpidophoros reflected upon the spirit of unity, renewal, and common purpose that characterized the deliberations and proceedings of the Congress, expressing gratitude for the broad participation and enthusiastic engagement of clergy and laity from throughout the United States.
The Archbishop and the Ambassador also exchanged views regarding the continuing efforts and encouraging developments surrounding the reopening of the Theological School of Halki. In a spirit of hope they acknowledged the enduring significance of the historic institution for the life and witness of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Orthodox Church throughout the world.
Particular attention was likewise given to the promotion and strengthening of Greek language education. Archbishop Elpidophoros shared with the Ambassador the recent decisions of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America concerning the enhancement and renewal of Greek language formation in the education and preparation of future clergy of the Sacred Archdiocese, emphasizing the inseparable relationship between Orthodox faith, Hellenic culture, and the transmission of the Church’s sacred inheritance to future generations.
Archbishop Elpidophoros expressed his gratitude to the Ambassador for the warm reception and for the opportunity to continue the close and constructive dialogue that has long characterized the relationship between the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the diplomatic representatives of Greece in the United States.
