At the historic Patriarchal Divine Liturgy at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Manhattan, the 2022 Class of Archons were installed in the presence of Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria by Archbishop Elpidophoros.
Metropolitan Methodios of Boston, Metropolitans George of Guinea and Nikodimos of Memphis, Bishop Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Bishop Joachim of Amissos, Bishop Ierotheos of Evkarpia, and Bishop Timothy of Hexamilion also concelebrated the liturgy. Former Archbishop of America Demetrios was present, as well.
“His Beatitude, by His very presence with us, and by the example of His deeds and witness, gives to each and every one of you the “North Star,” by which your conduct as brothers of the Order of Saint Andrew will be measured,” said Archbishop Elpidophoros, addressing the new class of Archons.
In his homily, Patriarch Theodore said, “Truly, we are in awe not only of the skyscrapers of the American dream but also of the great work and multi-faceted activities of our brilliant Omogeneia, and the depth of its faith to God and devotion to our national traditions.
“Your Beatitude – You fill our hearts with courage from the example of your bravery in the face of those who oppose the canonical traditions of the Church,” said the Archbishop. “You give us hope and optimism because You manifest the true fraternity of the Elder Patriarchates – with your love and respect for the Mother Church of Constantinople, and the sacred person of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.”
Source: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America