On the occasion of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America’s name-day, November 2, 2024, hierarchs and clergy, Archdiocese staff, parish faithful, and Holy Cross seminarians gathered to celebrate the Divine Liturgy at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New York City.
His Grace Bishop Nektarios of Diokleia offered well wishes to His Eminence on his name-day, thanking him for his work at the Archdiocese: “As all the Hierarchs and Clergy have come to honor you today on your Nameday we see you as a true spiritual Shepherd who is always there for us, to teach and guide us in the ministry of the Church. As our Archbishop we are appreciative of your ever-tiring schedule to be present wherever you are called to serve, across the United States and abroad.”
During the service, Archbishop Elpidophoros ordained to the diaconate Gregory Gounardes, who serves as Administrative Assistant in the Archdiocesan Office of the Chancellor.
His Eminence expressed his gratitude to Fr. Gregory for “serving the Chancellery with distinction,” remarking that “in all [his] duties, responsibilities, and service to the Church,” he always brings “a smile, a good word for everyone else, and a truly Christian attitude of empathy.”
Additionally, His Eminence offered words of advice to the new clergyman, exhorting him to “never to leave off spiritual enhancement and education…to be empty of pride and the self-serving attitude, and to be receptive to the movements of the Holy Spirit in our lives and ministries.”
Fr. Gregory also addressed the hierarchs and other guests, sharing his journey to the diaconate and thanking those who have guided him thus far, including his wife Diakonissa Andrea.
