Archbishop Elpidophoros of America sent a letter to the clergy of the Metropolis of New Jersey, after his appointment by the Ecumenical Patriarchate as a Patriarchal Vicar in the Metropolis of New Jersey.
In his letter, published in the newspaper “The National Herald,” Archbishop Elpidophoros emphasizes: “With heartfelt feelings of paternal care and love, I wish to inform you about the decision which the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate made today at its meeting in Constantinople, chaired by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, to transfer Metropolitan Evangelos from your Metropolis to the Holy Diocese of Sardes, with immediate implementation of the decision.
To this end, you should know that in view of this decision the Holy Synod has appointed me as Patriarchal Vicar in the vacancy of your Metropolis of New Jersey and I promise to faithfully serve both you and the Metropolis the best I can to meet the pastoral needs and to ensure spiritual well-being and prosperity.
Also, according to the canonical order, starting today, please do commemorate my name during the services as the local pastor of your Holy Metropolis.”
