“I see our task as a mission to bear the name of God before nations and rulers, to preach His Gospel to those near and far, to place the lamp securely on the lampstand, and to amplify Orthodox Christianity on the national and ecumenical scene in the proper manner and to the fullest degree, so that the Church may present a powerful and far-reaching witness of her spiritual authority and strength.”
Archbishop Iakovos of North and South America said in his enthronement address 63 years ago at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New York City.
He would go on to serve as Archbishop of North and South America for 37 years. At the time of his retirement on July 31, 1996, he had been Archbishop of the Archdiocese for more than half of its existence.
