On Saturday, March 22, 2025, the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate hosted a religious freedom symposium at the University of South Carolina, under the theme “God Created Us To Live In Harmony.”
Featured speakers included Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Cardinal Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Holy See and Reverend Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, Executive Director of Churches for Middle East Peace, Ordained Pastor in the Evangelical Covenant Church. Moderators were Dr. Elizabeth H. Prodromou and Archon Dr. Aristotle “Telly” Papanikolaou.
In his address, Archbishop Elpidophoros considered “faith and difference,” suggesting that Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant Christians “may well have different lenses, ground over time and circumstances to varying strengths and magnifications, sharpness and contrast, but we are all united by the fundamental truth of the Gospel…we are all called to face the issues of our world with the same compassion and mercy that we would offer to members of our own family.”
Photos: John Mindala
