During the yesterday’s meeting of the Holy Eparchial Synod via teleconference, the Metropolitans of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America decided that they would offer a part of their salary for the next three months towards the financial support of the Church at these difficult times of pandemic.
Specifically, on March 31, 2020, the Holy Eparchial Synod convened via teleconference, in order to be informed and to discuss significant matters that affect the Archdiocese of America.
Following detailed presentations on the financial effects of the spread of coronavirus and taking into account the ongoing efforts to minimize expenses, the Hierarchs of the Holy Eparchial Synod will offer 20% of their wages for the next three months towards the financial support of the Holy Archdiocese.
At the request of Archbishop Elpidophoros, the Synod also approved the sacred service of Holy Supplication (Paraklesis) for the protection, health and salvation of the people from the dangerous pandemic, which was recently compiled with by Metropolitan Kyrillos of Rhodes. Additionally, the Synod commissioned the Archimandrite Spyridon Kezios with the task to complete an English translation of the service. Consequently, it is decided that this sacred service will also be made available in a video format and posted on the internet for the spiritual benefit of the people.
It was decided to include the following two petitions in “The Litany of Peace” of the Divine Liturgy and the other sacred services:
“For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger and distress, and from the peril of the coronavirus against us, let us pray to the Lord.”
“For our brethren, those who lead the fight against the coronavirus, the doctors, the medical workers and the scientists, let us pray to the Lord.”
It was decided that the National Clergy-Laity Congress be postponed for one year, and that it will be rescheduled to a date and place to be announced in the near future.
