On February 3, 2021, the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Sacred Archdiocese of America convened at the invitation of Archbishop Elpidophoros of America for a regularly scheduled videoconference in order to review pending issues concerning the life of the Church.
Following the customary exchange of wishes for the New Year, the Synod highlighted the significance of its present gathering, which constitutes its 100th such meeting since the inception of the Eparchial Synod’s institution in the Archdiocese of America.
Moreover, the Archbishop and all the hierarchs expressed their gratitude to the Mother Church – the Ecumenical Patriarchate – for its blessings and the great level of trust that it has placed in its children residing in America.
Among other things:
- A letter of appreciation from Metropolitan Elias of Beirut was read, conveying his gratitude to the Archdiocese for the financial support extended to all those affected by the recent explosion at the port of Beirut.
- Following the pertinent appeal of Metropolitan Ambrosios of Korea – and with the support of the Archbishop – the Ladies Philoptochos Society of the Archdiocese decided to financially support the God-pleasing work of this missionary and venerable hierarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
- The Archbishop, in his capacity as Patriarchal Vicar, announced that he accepted the voluntary resignation of the Archimandrite Constantine Moralis from his position as Chancellor of the Holy Metropolis of New Jersey. Thereafter, Archbishop Elpidophoros assigned Bishop Apostolos of Medeia to assume responsibility of the eparchy’s liturgical and pastoral needs, for which he will shortly move to Philadelphia to fulfill.
and - Following the Archbishop’s proposal, it was unanimously decided that Athenagoras Ziliaskopoulos, Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne, would be appointed to fill the vacated position of Chief Secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod.
