On June 22, 2023, marks the fourth anniversary of the Enthronement of Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, a day filled with emotion and hope for the future of the Archdiocese of America.
Having long admired the Archdiocese of America since his childhood and his years of ministry at the Phanar, the Archbishop arrived in the United States “ready and steadfast” to serve the Church, honoring the ground it has broken over the course of its rich history and confronting the unique challenges it faces.
“I am here…to listen to you, to dialogue with you, and to work with you,” the Archbishop said in his Enthronement Address in 2019. “My prayerful aspiration is to stand before you and beside you, to lead by example and exhortation, and to minister through service and sacrifice. Let us advance together as the Body of Christ and body of believers, as a united Archdiocese and Church, and as a cherished Eparchy of our venerable Ecumenical Patriarchate.” (Full Text here)
Enlisting the advice and collaboration of experts, the Archbishop has made significant progress on issues central to the life and health of the Church, such as the stabilization of Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, the revival of the Clergy and Lay Staff Pension Plan, and the completion of construction of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at Ground Zero, at which he presided over the Thiranoixia and Consecration ceremonies in 2021 and 2022, respectively.
Under the Archbishop’s leadership, the Holy Eparchial Synod confronted the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic head-on, issuing clear and timely directives aimed at supporting the spiritual, physical, liturgical, and emotional health of our communities. Nearly $700,000 in relief aid were distributed by the Archdiocese during this time to those adversely affected by the pandemic.
The Archbishop has also served as a committed advocate for justice and reconciliation, joining current NYC Mayor Eric Adams in a march honoring the life of Breonna Taylor in 2020 and speaking out against the brutal invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Through his direction, GOA has teamed with trusted partners like International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) to raise and implement over $1 Million in aid for those impacted in Ukraine, as well as over $1 Million in short- and long-term relief for victims of the 2021 wildfires in Evia, Greece, among other ongoing fundraising initiatives.