As the November elections approach on the other side of the Atlantic, things immediately get very heated and both sides will count enemies and allies.
In these elections, the confrontation has gone further. From the candidates and political ideologies of the two great political camps to the rights of the communities and the interests surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Archdiocese of America has decided to scrupulously follow the equidistance line. However, the presence of Archbishop Elpidophoros at the 2020 Democratic National Convention has given rise to much comment.
According to sources from the USA, the presence of the Archbishop does not mean endorsement. He was invited as a religious leader (among others) and a representative of the Greek community to address a greeting.
Various circles in the Greek community complained because Archbishop Elpidophoros seemed to “wink” at Joe Biden. Other “groups” of expatriates claim that critics express themselves only.
The truth is that often the predecessors of Archbishop Elpidophoros attended and sent a greeting at similar presidential nominating convention, either Republican or Democratic, always keeping a neutral stance until the elections. Former Archbishop Demetrios, for example, had offered a prayer at a Republican convention.
People close to Archbishop Elpidophoros claim that his only interest is the election of this candidate who will promote the rights of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Especially at a time when Erdogan in Turkey is tightening the noose and converting the Hagia Sophia and the Chora Church into mosques to break out of his own political impasse.
They also note that the Archbishop did not attend the Republican National Convention that is being held these days, not because he endorses the Democrats but because he was not invited.
However, he maintains a good relationship with the White House. He has met President Trump twice and the last time was a few days ago at the Oval Office. So, as reported by the same sources, he maintains an equal distance in practice.
