Archbishop Elpidophoros sent a congratulatory letter to the newly elected first hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR), Metropolitan-Elect Nicholas.
In his letter, Archbishop Elpidophoros writes,
“With heartfelt joy for the high honour bestowed upon you by the Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, I convey to you my most sincere congratulations on your recent election as first hierarch and say: Ἄξιος! А́ксиос!
“May the wisdom and discernment that have characterized your spiritual leadership continue to guide you in this new and sacred role entrusted to you by the Almighty God. It is my prayer that our Lord helps you in your ministry to proclaim the Word of God so that it may be lived and celebrated with devotion, in accordance with the rich spiritual and liturgical tradition of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. May your flock find comfort in the fatherly solicitude of their new first hierarch!
“Despite the challenges of recent years, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia have had a very positive and edifying relationship. It is my sincere prayer that under your leadership we will be able to overcome any difficulties that prevent us to bear a common witness to the salvific message of Christ’s sacrifice for the life of the world, within the work of the Assembly of Bishops and beyond.“
The headquarters of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia is based in New York, and many of the Church’s bishops are part of the Assembly Of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America, of which the Greek Orthodox Archbishop of America also serves as Chairman.
Source: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
