Speeches and Addresses - 2022 Clergy-Laity Congress

Remarks By His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America At the Grand Banquet, Centennial Clergy-Laity Congress

We are gathered together tonight in order to rejoice in the culmination of this 46th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress, celebrating the One Hundredth Anniversary of our Sacred Archdiocese of America. We came together from every corner of our Church to remember how our Archdiocese was established, to refresh and reinitialize our shared ministries to the People of God, and to bind ourselves into the One Body of Christ that is united in purpose and principle for the next Hundred Years.

His Eminence Metropolitan Emmanuel, Geron of Chalcedon Remarks for the Grand Banquet Centennial Clergy Laity Congress

Tonight’s closing celebrations of this 46th Biennial Clergy Laity Congress is truly a cause for our collective joy and the joy of the Mother Church of Constantinople. His Eminence, Metropolitan Prodromos of Rethymnon, the Grand Ecclesiarch, Archimandrite Aetios, and I have not only cherished our time with you, but have been moved by the dynamism and zeal of this First Eparchy of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the Western Hemisphere.

Closing Remarks by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America at the Plenary Session Closing

That is why unity in Christ, unity in Faith, unity in tradition and unity under the apostolic authority of our Mother Church of Constantinople is the only way forward to a successful and prosperous spiritual future.

Opening Remarks by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America at the Plenary Session

As we open our Plenary Session of this 46th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress – the centennial celebration of our Sacred Archdiocese of America – I would like to express my profound gratitude to all those who have made this gathering possible.

Remarks by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America at the Cultural Reception: From Byzantium to America

The Metropolitan Museum of Art speaks to our community both as a premier home of Greek Classical Art, and because of its commitment to Byzantine Art, highlighted by the Jaharis Lectionary. This is such a wonderful setting for our program tonight, From Byzantium to America, a presentation worthy of our Centennial Celebration.

Archimandrite Bartholomew Mercado, The Vision of the Second Centennial: The Charter of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

Each of these Charters, having been carefully crafted to address specific issues according to the nature of the times, demonstrate the changing needs of our God-saved Eparchy. Therefore, I will give you some basic and brief facts regarding the administrative structure envisioned within each of these Charters and how these administrative structures developed over the past century.

His Eminence Metropolitan Emmanuel, Geron of Chalcedon The Vision of the Second Centennial: The Charter of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

Today’s conversation on a Vision of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese for the next hundred years is crucial and the presence of a delegation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate affirms the Mother Church’s commitment to listen and hear what all of you have to say about that vision. The Charter is only one vehicle to allow this vision to unfold and take shape by strengthening the unity of the Church.

Remarks by Archbishop Elpidophoros at the Special Session on the Charter

As all of us know, the charter is a text that is constantly changing over time in order to meet the contemporary needs of our faithful. With shifting eras and conditions, there comes a need to adapt to the present conditions and challenges that arise.

Remarks by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America at the Meeting with Military Chaplains

I am so very proud of all our Military Chaplains, who have made the conscious decision to go into harm’s way, to give spiritual solace to all our serving men and women.

Remarks by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America at the Philoptochos Agape Breakfast

The AGAPE Awards are an inspirational and motivational challenge for all the Chapters around this great Nation. The fact that one chapter from each Metropolis was chosen, does not exclude anyone from this joyful celebration.

Remarks by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America at the Meeting with the National Sisterhood of Presvyteres

The Presvyteres of our Church are the heart and soul of our Parishes, and though you might feel underappreciated from time to time, know that your Chief Pastors – myself and your Metropolitans, value you above all measure.

Address by His Eminence Metropolitan Emmanuel, Geron of Chalcedon at the Philoptochos Agape Breakfast

Charity and the support of the poor can be understood as an act of selflessly helping others without receiving anything in return. In this sense, philanthropy is applied to every aspect of life through solidarity actions that provide support to those who need it most. This is a fundamental Christian characteristic that identified and shaped the Christian Communities from the early life of the Church.

Remarks by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America at the Clergy Family Dinner

To be with the clergy is always joyful for any hierarch, but to see your families – your Presvyteres and children – well, that is excessive joy! Thank you all for joining in this evening’s fellowship. Being with all of you is a very powerful reminder to me – and I think for any hierarch – of our responsibility to you, as your spiritual fathers.

Remarks by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America at the National Choir Federation Reception

To be here with our National Choir Federation is a central pleasure of the Clergy-Laity Congress. For nearly half of the life of our Archdiocese, you have given our Church wondrous contributions of music and fellowship, as well as concrete support for active participation in the Divine Services. Your legacy is pervasive throughout the Church, and you continue to provide opportunities for thousands of parishioners to make a joyful hymn of praise unto the Lord.

Remarks by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America at the Retired Clergy Association General Assembly

I am so very glad to be with all of you today, for you – the Retired Clergy of our Sacred Archdiocese – are strong and unshaken pillars of our Church. You bring such a wealth of experience, devotion, wisdom and practical knowledge to the younger generation of clergy. And you continue to serve and support the work of Christ from coast to coast to the very best of your seasoned abilities.

Remarks by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America at the Chancellors Meeting Centennial Clergy-Laity Congress

I am so grateful for this opportunity to meet with you and to listen to your ideas and concerns. As Father Nektarios has outlined in his remarks, your communication and cooperation are key to the Archdiocese functioning in optimal form.

Remarks by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America at the Archons Reception

The foundation that the Order of Archons has built – especially over the last three decades – is rooted deeply in the pursuit of freedom for the Mother Church, in order for Her to exercise her ministry of the Gospel and lead the Orthodox Church around the world.

Remarks by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America at the Philoptochos Opening

Philoptochos is the single greatest Church Organization that exists in our Archdiocese, and you are all so very special and important to our Church.

Remarks by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America at the Clergy Breakfast

You are clergy of a unified Archdiocese, under the Mother Church of Constantinople. Your interests and the interests of your families are a priority to me and to the institution of the Archdiocese.

Toast by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America at the Dinner with National Philoptochos

Here at our Archdiocesan Centennial Celebration, we also have the Ninetieth Anniversary of the founding of Philoptochos, which was established by the late Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras in November of 1931. This was one of his earliest accomplishments as the then Archbishop of North and South America – a feat that has had boundless benefits for the Church.

Speeches, Sermons, and Addresses