At St. Demetrios, Astoria, Abp. Elpidophoros reaffirms support and a path forward

Astoria, N.Y., Oct. 26, 2025 – Standing before a packed congregation in Astoria, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church and delivered a message of faith, gratitude, and steady resolve. His visit came almost exactly two years after the parish’s financial crisis first came to light — and his words made clear that the Archdiocese’s commitment to... show moreAt St. Demetrios, Astoria, Abp. Elpidophoros reaffirms support and a path forward

Astoria, N.Y., Oct. 26, 2025 – Standing before a packed congregation in Astoria, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church and delivered a message of faith, gratitude, and steady resolve. His visit came almost exactly two years after the parish’s financial crisis first came to light — and his words made clear that the Archdiocese’s commitment to the community and its school remains unwavering.

“It is my joy to be in this community — so full, so alive, so devoted,” His Eminence said. “Saint Demetrios is the one who gathers us. He is the reason we come here to pray and to venerate. We are all passing through; only the Saint remains.”

Archbishop Elpidophoros acknowledged the difficulties the parish had faced, describing them as the kind of trials “that come to every family, to every community.” He recalled how, as signs of fatigue began to appear, His Grace Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos — whom he praised as “a man already carrying so many responsibilities” — volunteered to assist. “He came himself, without being asked, simply to help,” said Archbishop Elpidophoros, adding that Bishop Athenagoras’ arrival marked the beginning of a determined effort to restore order and trust.

A Plan Built on Experience

Drawing parallels between the parish’s challenges and those once faced by the Archdiocese itself, the Archbishop explained that the Archdiocese’s own experience in overcoming financial distress provided the model for intervention in Astoria.

“A few years ago, our Archdiocese went through a crisis,” he said. “God sent capable people who put our house in order, and today we are proud of our finances. Having a team that knows how this is done, we came here to do the same — to help this community.”

He emphasized that the Executive Committee of the Archdiocesan Council — comprising members from across the country — had convened multiple times specifically for St. Demetrios. “All of America has mobilized to help Astoria,” he said. “How could we not show gratitude to a parish that has given our Church more than forty priests?”

Moving Beyond “Fake News”

Archbishop Elpidophoros addressed the turbulence and misinformation that accompanied the crisis. “When people learned what was happening, the so-called ‘fake news’ spread faster than the truth,” he said. “If you tell the truth, no one transmits it; but if you tell something distorted or false, it goes from mouth to mouth. Yet the Saint is great, and truth always wins in the end.”

He confirmed that since the agreement establishing a framework for Archdiocesan oversight was signed, the parish has begun to regain financial stability — and, notably, to receive new private support. “The very next day, two of the most generous families of Astoria came to my office,” he recounted. “They placed their offering on the table and asked that their names not be mentioned. Saint Demetrios knows, and that is enough.”

A School That Still Shines

Looking ahead, Archbishop Elpidophoros expressed confidence that both the parish and its school are on solid ground. “The community is on a good path,” he said. “Our school is doing very well. It has not fallen at all in quality, in organization, or in Hellenic education.”

He described the children who recited the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer during the service as “the true face of Astoria — full of enthusiasm, faith, and courage.” Their presence, he said, embodied the very reason the Archdiocese intervened: to ensure that St. Demetrios, as both a parish and a school, continues to flourish as a center of faith and learning for generations to come.

From Crisis to Continuity

St. Demetrios has long been a cornerstone of Greek Orthodox life in New York — spiritually, culturally, and educationally. But in recent years, the parish struggled under the weight of accumulated debt and management challenges. In 2024, the Archdiocese established an oversight plan, committing to provide liquidity while preserving local control and introducing transparent financial stewardship.

The Archbishop’s return to Astoria this week signaled not only spiritual encouragement but administrative confidence. “We have entered into order,” he said. “There is still ground to cover, but with faith and good will, we will succeed. The finances we will fix.”

As he concluded, his message was both pastoral and practical — a blend of reassurance and accountability:

“With the grace of Saint Demetrios, we move forward. We are optimistic. We believe in the Saint, and we believe in your faith. In the end, truth always wins — and when it does, we all win.”

https://orthodoxobserver.org/archbishop-elpidophoros-reaffirms-support-astoria/ ...show less

Patriarchate of Jerusalem issues statement on Gaza ceasefire agreements

14 October, 2025

“[The Almighty] makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’” (Psalm 46:9–10)

Along with millions living throughout our war-torn region, We, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem, rejoice at... show morePatriarchate of Jerusalem issues statement on Gaza ceasefire agreements

14 October, 2025

“[The Almighty] makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’” (Psalm 46:9–10)

Along with millions living throughout our war-torn region, We, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem, rejoice at the recent enactment of the ceasefire in Gaza, and the successful release of captives.

We take this opportunity to recognise the huge and courageous efforts of all who worked to accomplish this major achievement, especially those of President Trump. As he announced before Israel’s Knesset yesterday, we trust that this first stage of the ceasefire truly signals the end of the Gaza War, and that any further disagreements between the parties will be resolved through negotiation or reconciliation rather than the resumption of hostilities. Indeed, our region as a whole has suffered long enough to contemplate otherwise.

While welcoming the commencement of this agreement, we nevertheless recognise that the people of Gaza and other communities in our region continue to suffer, with hundreds of thousands having lost their homes, their health, their family members, and their livelihoods. We therefore strongly encourage a rapid surge of food, clean water, fuel, medical supplies, and temporary shelters into the Gaza Strip and other affected communities as a prelude to a speedily enacted program for the massive clearing and rebuilding of destroyed homes, businesses, and civilian infrastructure.

Further, we appeal to the concerned parties and the international community as a whole to widen the scope of the current negotiations to include an end to the Occupation of both Gaza and the West Bank, leading to the establishment of a Palestinian state living side-by-side in peace with the present state of Israel. Only in this way, we believe, will a just and lasting peace be truly established in the Holy Land and throughout the larger Middle East.

We would also like to give a special word of encouragement to those living inside St. Porphyrios Orthodox Church and Holy Family Catholic Church, as well as those serving at Al-Ahli Anglican Hospital: your perseverance in faith amidst the immeasurable hardships of the past two years has served as a shining example for us all. We pledge to you our continued prayers and support, where we will work diligently to ensure that the weeks and months ahead will be a vindication of your trust in God’s divine providence.

In this spirit, we join with our fellow Christians and others of goodwill around the world in giving thanks to the Almighty for leading us to this auspicious moment, even as we realise that the work of peacebuilding has only just begun. May God grant us all the grace to rededicate ourselves to this vital task, shepherding us toward that golden age of peace so long envisioned by the prophets and sages of old—and for which our Lord Jesus Christ himself gave up his own life, rising to new life beyond the grave.

https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/website-announcements/statement-on-the-recent-ceasefire-hopefully-signaling-the-end-of-the-gaza-war/ ...show less

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Archbishop Elpidophoros meet with President Trump

On September 15, 2025, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew met privately with President of the United States Donald Trump in the Oval Office. The Ecumenical Patriarch and His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America arrived by motorcade at the North Lawn of the White House.

The tone of the meeting was “warm, cordial,” and “sincere,” according to the Ecumenical Patriarch.

“We discussed... show moreEcumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Archbishop Elpidophoros meet with President Trump

On September 15, 2025, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew met privately with President of the United States Donald Trump in the Oval Office. The Ecumenical Patriarch and His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America arrived by motorcade at the North Lawn of the White House.

The tone of the meeting was “warm, cordial,” and “sincere,” according to the Ecumenical Patriarch.

“We discussed issues that concern us the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the few Christians that remain in Türkiye, the hardships they face, the difficulties, the persecutions, but also the fact that despite all these we survive and we continue to carry out our mission,” said Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to press gathered at a conference room in a nearby hotel, where His All-Holiness described the meeting in detail.

His All-Holiness also recounted that they spoke about the war in Ukraine, and the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s 2019 granting of the Tomos of Autocephaly, which established the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.

“We also spoke about the tragedy of the Ukrainian people, about the Holodomor, about the oppression they suffered, about the present war that Russia has unleashed against Ukraine, about the thousands of victims, about the destruction, about the kidnapped children, about all these tragic events that wound the conscience of humanity,” said the Ecumenical Patriarch.

Other topics of the Ecumenical Patriarch and President Trump’s discussion included the “continuous decrease of Christians in the Middle East” and their shared “fear that if this continues, one day the holy places will remain without Christians.” His All-Holiness also spoke with President Trump about the indefinite closure of the Theological School of Halki, both expressing hope that “with the dialogue that has begun with the present government there will be a positive result.”

The delegation to the White House also referenced Pope Leo XIV’s November visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul. According to the press release by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Vice President JD Vance, a Roman Catholic by faith, “showed great interest in this meeting.”

“The theological dialogue with Rome is special,” said the Ecumenical Patriarch. “but parallel to this theological dialogue we also carry out and promote the dialogue of love.”

Included in the meeting with President Trump, besides His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, was Metropolitan Theodoritos of Laodicea, His Eminence Metropolitan Maximos of Selyvria, the Very Rev. Grand Ecclesiarch Aetios, Rev. Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne Alexander Karloutsos, and Rev. Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne Panagiotis Papazafiropoulos. Michael Kratsios, the director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and Reince Priebus, a member of the President of the United States’ intelligence advisory board were also present.

During his remarks to the press, the Ecumenical Patriarch outlined the remainder of his Apostolic Visit to the United States.

“In the next days we will have other meetings, here in Washington, in New York. We will receive the Templeton Prize, which is one of the greatest prizes in the world for religion, for spirituality,” said His All-Holiness. The Ecumenical Patriarch will also visit several universities in New York.

“We will speak to the students, to the professors, we will meet the Greek American community, we will celebrate the liturgy, we will pray together, we will glorify the name of God,” said the Ecumenical Patriarch.

Photo by of Archons/Orthodox Observer/J. Mindala

https://orthodoxobserver.org/ecumenical-patriarch-bartholomew-archbishop-elpidophoros-meet-with-president-trump/ ...show less

Parish gifts handmade crucifix to FREEDOM National Ministry

Article by FREEDOM National Ministry
Fr. Peter Spiro, Director of the FREEDOM National Ministry, recently traveled to the parish of St. Demetrios Church in Warren, Ohio. Since they first learned about the FREEDOM Ministry, the St. Demetrios parish has made supporting survivors of human trafficking an ongoing, heartfelt mission—collecting clothing, purses, and shoes, as well as raising survivor assistance funds during their annual church... show moreParish gifts handmade crucifix to FREEDOM National Ministry

Article by FREEDOM National Ministry
Fr. Peter Spiro, Director of the FREEDOM National Ministry, recently traveled to the parish of St. Demetrios Church in Warren, Ohio. Since they first learned about the FREEDOM Ministry, the St. Demetrios parish has made supporting survivors of human trafficking an ongoing, heartfelt mission—collecting clothing, purses, and shoes, as well as raising survivor assistance funds during their annual church festival.

Stephanos Valantasis, son of Proistamenos Fr. Costa, learned that the FREEDOM Ministry's St. Barbara Chapel was in need of a large crucifix. While fellow parishioner Tim Boumont skillfully crafted the wooden cross, Stephanos hand-painted the Christ figure with great care. Following his homily during a Paraklesis service, Fr. Peter was presented the crucifix as a gift for the chapel, making this third visit of his especially meaningful.

The parish youth then joined in preparing both the new crucifix and the collected donations for their journey back to Tennessee, where they will bring hope and support to those in need. Fr. Peter expressed his deep love and gratitude for the beautiful support and outreach that the parish contributes to help survivors of human trafficking.

https://www.goarch.org/-/freedom-crucifix ...show less

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew calls for a 'global alliance of conscience’

"Immense progress has been made in recent decades in dialogue between Christians of differing faith traditions, as well as between Christians and non-Christians. His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has just provided valuable insight into the precise nature of the unity and mutual understanding that could be expected to be achieved from this dialogue. In his keynote address on July 29, 2025 at the... show moreEcumenical Patriarch Bartholomew calls for a 'global alliance of conscience’

"Immense progress has been made in recent decades in dialogue between Christians of differing faith traditions, as well as between Christians and non-Christians. His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has just provided valuable insight into the precise nature of the unity and mutual understanding that could be expected to be achieved from this dialogue. In his keynote address on July 29, 2025 at the World Council of Religions for Peace conference in Constantinople, His All-Holiness explained in detail the proper spiritual approach to dealing with the challenges that all people of faith face today.

His All-Holiness began by recognizing the significance of holding such a conference in Constantinople, which for nearly two millennia has been the home of the sacred center of the Holy Orthodox Faith. 'In this City,' he said, 'whose stones still bear the echo of centuries where the oikoumene was defined not as a geographical expanse but as a spiritual horizon, and where the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople continues to bear witness to the universal calling of Orthodox Christianity, a contemporary conscience convenes to confront a situation of planetary crisis.'

The Ecumenical Patriarch noted also that the real challenge the world faced was deeper than the daily headlines: 'The challenge, however, is not located primarily in its visible manifestations, in the economic instability that transforms into the asphyxiation of entire peoples, in the unbridled technological progress that places under question the very concept of human agency, but in something deeper, in an underlying condition that permits these phenomena to manifest with such destructive intensity.'

His All-Holiness explained that 'the diagnosis, as it is articulated in the context of the initiative ‘Religions for Peace,’ recognizes as a fundamental problem a dominant, usually unavowed, worldview. It concerns a prevailing materialism with a character of reductive simplification, a way of viewing the real that contracts human flourishing to its material dimension, systematically excluding any reference to the Sacred.'

People of different faith traditions, he explained, could unite together in combating that shallow and inadequate materialism: 'Within this landscape of spiritual desolation, interreligious dialogue emerges not simply as a theological preoccupation or a luxury of peaceful times, but as an inexorable necessity, as an act of collective resistance. The encounter of the different religious traditions, each one a bearer of a unique experience of the Sacred, becomes the necessary condition for the confrontation with a globalised meaninglessness, for the re-articulation of a discourse that dares to speak of love, compassion, mercy, forgiveness and self-sacrifice not as abstract moral values, but as active elements of a fuller reality.'

The Ecumenical Patriarch emphasized that this common action was 'not an attempt to create a new, syncretistic religion, nor a substitution for the unique worldviews that characterize each religious tradition. Its purpose is, on the contrary, the highlighting of a field of consensus, the mapping of those points where the different experiences of the Sacred converge, creating a common front against the dominion of materialistic reductionism.' He likewise stressed that 'the response of the religious communities cannot…be defensive or negative. The denunciation of the dangers does not suffice. What is required is the projection of an alternative, positive view of man and of society, a view rooted in the conviction that human beings are relational beings and society a relational whole.’

His All-Holiness stated that 'the meeting place of the world’s religions' is 'to be found…in the acceptance of a common mission: that of testimony. Each religious tradition is called to testify, from the heart of its own revelatory experience, against the nihilism of the age, offering as an antidote not a general spirituality, but the wealth of its own, unrepeatable otherness.'

Therefore, he explained, 'the true basis for common action is not the convergence on a theory, but the journeying-together in a deed.' With profound and compelling simplicity and wisdom, His All-Holiness continued: 'We meet in essence not when our theologies coincide, but when our communities share bread with the hungry, care for the sick, defend the wronged. Unity is forged in the common resistance to the forces that attempt to efface the human face. In this struggle, the diversity of our spiritual weapons is not a weakness, but a wealth.'

Where does Christian truth fit into all this? It is found in the humility that is found at the heart of the entire enterprise. The Ecumenical Patriarch explained that 'the Christian testimony… offers to this dialogue a perspective that does not seek to dominate, but to serve: the image of God as a communion of Persons, as an eternal relationship of love. Peace, under this prism, is not a static state of equilibrium, but a dynamic, eschatological reality – the expectation of a final reconciliation of all things in Christ. The common action of the religions, therefore, draws its deepest meaning not from an existing agreement, but from a common hope for a future world of justice and love.'

His All-Holiness concluded with this moving summation: 'We are not called, therefore, to compose a new global religion of consensus. We are called, each from the standpoint of his faith, to constitute a global alliance of conscience, a prophetic testimony that will keep open the horizon of transcendence in a world threatened with asphyxiation within the confines of the material. Our unity is not founded on what we believe in common, but on our common love for humanity and on our common reference to the mystery of the one God. This is the only viable peace.'"

https://www.goarch.org/-/ep-alliance-of-conscience ...show less

Ahead of Dormition, Metropolitan Gerasimos encourages faithful to 'ask for a maternal blessing on our lives'

Article by Corinna Robinson
Today, we begin the two-week Dormition fast, in which we prepare ourselves to honor the Dormition or Κοίμησις of the Theotokos, celebrated each year on August 15. "On this day we gather in the Church, symbolically at Mary’s tomb, just as the apostles themselves did according to our Tradition. There, we ask for a maternal blessing on our... show moreAhead of Dormition, Metropolitan Gerasimos encourages faithful to 'ask for a maternal blessing on our lives'

Article by Corinna Robinson
Today, we begin the two-week Dormition fast, in which we prepare ourselves to honor the Dormition or Κοίμησις of the Theotokos, celebrated each year on August 15. "On this day we gather in the Church, symbolically at Mary’s tomb, just as the apostles themselves did according to our Tradition. There, we ask for a maternal blessing on our lives," wrote His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco in a statement issued in recognition of the fast and the upcoming feast.

The Metropolitan continued, "As one of the hymns of the day says, 'O believers, come, let us go unto the tomb of the Mother of God and embrace it longingly, and with sincerity touch it with our lips and eyes and foreheads of our hearts, and we shall then obtain from that ever-welling fountain the divine gifts of healing that issue abundantly.'"

His Eminence wrote that to him, it is "a great symbol of the unity of the apostolic faith about Mary’s role in our salvation and the unity of the Church" that according to Holy Tradition, each apostle except Thomas was transported to the Theotokos's bedside in her final days. During this fast and its feast, he encouraged faithful to likewise "pray the Paraklesis to the Theotokos as a community, with one voice, one heart, and one mind," sending "a counter-cultural message of unity amid the many forces that seek to divide."

In closing, the Metropolitan invited faithful across our Archdiocese to "run and turn to our mother for protection, for comfort, for guidance," drawing near to "our heavenly Mother, the intercessor," in the face of struggle. "Use these two weeks to pray to the Mother of God, asking her for comfort and asking her to intercede on our behalf with her Son for the life of our world," he wrote.

Read His Eminence's full reflection: https://sanfran.goarch.org/news/reflection-for-the-dormition-fast-2025 ...show less

On the outskirts of Damascus, a message of 'unity, resilience, hope'

On July 26th, the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate (AEP) issued a statement expressing their solidarity with the Greek Orthodox Christian community of Damascus, commending them for the resiliency of their faith in the aftermath of a terror attack that interrupted worship at the Church of the Prophet Elias on the morning of Sunday, June 22nd, killing at least twenty-two parishioners and injuring another sixty-three.

“Inside... show moreOn the outskirts of Damascus, a message of 'unity, resilience, hope'

On July 26th, the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate (AEP) issued a statement expressing their solidarity with the Greek Orthodox Christian community of Damascus, commending them for the resiliency of their faith in the aftermath of a terror attack that interrupted worship at the Church of the Prophet Elias on the morning of Sunday, June 22nd, killing at least twenty-two parishioners and injuring another sixty-three.

“Inside the church, visible signs of the atrocity that took place on June 22 can still be seen,” the statement from the AEP reads.

The statement, penned by Archon National Commander Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, was occasioned by the pastoral visit of His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East to the Church of the Prophet Elias on July 20th, a mere four weeks after the tragedy occurred. In a powerful sign of the parish’s recovery, one might even say resurrection, Patriarch John celebrated the Divine Liturgy for the feast day of the church’s namesake, the indomitable Prophet Elijah of the Old Testament.

Quoting from the Apostle Paul, the Archon’s statement opened with a resounding reminder that “God did not give us a Spirit of fear” (2 Tim 1:7). The immense spiritual courage displayed by Patriarch John and his Orthodox flock provides a “stirring and inspiring example” of this essential Christian truth worthy of our emulation, it went on to proclaim.

Christians of all denominations and other religious minorities in Syria have faced in recent months an onslaught of threats, hostilities, and outright violence at the hands of unrestrained military and paramilitary groups active in the region. According to a local parishioner, clear instances of religious persecution have unfortunately become a “daily occurrence” in their community.

Despite this climate of fear and uncertainty, during the celebration of the Divine Liturgy on July 20th, Patriarch John preached an “inspiring and insightful message of unity, resilience, and hope,” according to the statement. He shared this message amidst a sanctuary whose walls bore both the personifications of divine love in the icons of the saints as well as the ugly scars of human hatred. Nevertheless, a church that only a month prior had been the site of senseless death was filled once again with the signs of abundant life (Jn 10:10).

In closing, the statement reiterated the “awe-inspiring” character of this courageous display of Christian witness offered by our Orthodox brothers and sisters in Syria. It also reaffirmed the Archon’s unwavering commitment to “support and protect the Ecumenical Patriarchate and religious freedom for all people.”

https://www.goarch.org/-/on-the-outskirts-of-damascus-a-message-of-unity-resilience-hope- ...show less

After IOCC repair efforts, students in Uganda return to school

On July 8, International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) issued a statement on its operations in Uganda, after powerful storms badly damaged a school and disrupted life for its students in the region.

Since 2009, The IOCC volunteers have worked closely with the Uganda Orthodox Church, supporting the construction and upgrading of schools in the country, in collaboration with the St. Nektarios Education fund. These complexes... show moreAfter IOCC repair efforts, students in Uganda return to school

On July 8, International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) issued a statement on its operations in Uganda, after powerful storms badly damaged a school and disrupted life for its students in the region.

Since 2009, The IOCC volunteers have worked closely with the Uganda Orthodox Church, supporting the construction and upgrading of schools in the country, in collaboration with the St. Nektarios Education fund. These complexes have provided education to children in the country's rural areas, where educational opportunities are extremely limited.

After storms and heavy rainfall in the region disrupted the lives of 212 students and teaching staff at the Prophet Obadiah primary school in 2024, the IOCC began its repairs. IOCC volunteers removed damaged roofing, and replaced it with stronger material. The organization also installed new ventilation pipes and completely rebuilt the hand-operated water pump.

The school's water well, which also was repaired during the effort, provided by the Katherine Valone "St. Photini" Water Fund, is one of the only sources of potable water for the students, and also for around 1,000 of the region's residents.

"Once those major projects were completed, smaller repairs got underway," the IOCC press release states. "Today, students are back at the Prophet Obadiah primary school—and the partnership with the Uganda Orthodox Church continues with work at several additional schools in 2025."

Among the ongoing projects is the Orthodox Secondary School of St. Luke in Lwemiyaga, a settlement in the central region of Uganda. There, the IOCC builds a kitchen and dining area, as well as a rainwater harvesting system. Elsewhere, at the Orthodox Secondary School of St. Paul in the Nakabaale village, the organization has begun the reconstruction of a girl's dormitory. In Kampala, the IOCC plans to improve irrigation for agricultural production, where they also intend to construct an orphanage for 71 children, and a school with a capacity of over 200.

"Through partnership and donor support, IOCC will complete these projects and continue to invest in rural communities in Uganda as they build for the future," IOCC stated in the press release.

https://www.goarch.org/-/after-iocc-repair-efforts-students-in-uganda-return-to-school ...show less

Pope Leo XIV receives Archbishop Elpidophoros, pilgrims at Castel Gandolfo

Perched atop the verdant hills overlooking a serene Lake Albano, this morning the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo welcomed His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, His Eminence Cardinal Joseph Tobin, and fifty Orthodox and Catholic pilgrims for a private audience with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.

Introducing the visitors to Castel Gandolfo, one papal staff member remarked that from Rome, the town is just “one... show morePope Leo XIV receives Archbishop Elpidophoros, pilgrims at Castel Gandolfo

Perched atop the verdant hills overlooking a serene Lake Albano, this morning the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo welcomed His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, His Eminence Cardinal Joseph Tobin, and fifty Orthodox and Catholic pilgrims for a private audience with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.

Introducing the visitors to Castel Gandolfo, one papal staff member remarked that from Rome, the town is just “one hour by car, but it’s another life.” This picturesque venue—the traditional summer residence of Popes dating to the seventeenth century—lent a relaxing atmosphere to this historic meeting of like-minded faithful. For Archbishop Elpidophoros and Cardinal Joseph Tobin, the seminal gathering further deepened their commitment to work together on the path toward Christian unity.

His Holiness offered heartfelt greetings to the pilgrims, remarking how incredibly apt it is that this pilgrimage takes place during the 2025 Jubilee Year, titled “Pilgrims of Hope,” and is led by Archbishop Elpidophoros, whose very name tells us that he is a “bearer of hope.” The pontiff also conveyed his greetings to His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, and shared his plans to visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate in November during the ecumenical commemoration of the anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.

Each member of the pilgrimage had the opportunity to meet Pope Leo, and one pilgrim shared that when he looked at her, “you could see the love in his eyes.” For others, the pontiff offered blessings and autographs for a Chicago White Sox cap and Villanova alumni magazine.

As a sign of the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions’ shared longing and commitment to the restoration of full communion, Archbishop Elpidophoros presented His Holiness a gift reminiscent of the one Pope Paul VI offered to Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras during their historic meeting in Jerusalem in 1964: a communion chalice and paten, lovingly and reverently handcrafted. Engraved upon the paten are the words of His Holiness’s namesake, St. Leo the Great: “Our sharing in the Body and Blood of Christ has no other purpose than to transform us into that which we receive.”

Reflecting on the papal audience, Archbishop Elpidophoros shared in a social media post the words of Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras during his historic 1964 meeting with Pope Paul VI, offering his hope that “this meeting be the dawn of that blessed and luminous day in which future generations, communing from the same chalice, may partake of the Holy Body and precious Blood of our Savior, and in love, peace, and unity, praise and glorify Him – the one Lord and Savior of the world.”

During a private audience with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros and His Eminence Cardinal Tobin discussed the ecumenical dialogue. They expressed their shared optimism for a more vibrant and sustained ecumenical effort in the United States between Catholic and Orthodox Christians, akin to progress seen in parts of Europe. More importantly, they emphasized that while the theological dialogue—especially at the highest levels of ecclesiastical hierarchy and among scholars—continues to bear commendable fruit, what remains crucial is the everyday dialogue: the encounter at the parish level, among faithful communities.

Cardinal Tobin also commended Archbishop Elpidophoros for initiating this historic pilgrimage from Rome to New Rome—Constantinople—during this significant year marking the 1,500th anniversary of the Ecumenical Synod of Nicaea.

The first pontiff to hail from the United States, entering only the third month of his tenure, Pope Leo has already expressed a sincere willingness to walk alongside his Orthodox brethren on the path to Christian unity. In late June, he received delegates from the Ecumenical Patriarchate for the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, assuring them in an address of his “desire to persevere in the effort to restore full visible communion between our Churches.”

There is considerable hope that Pope Leo will continue to nurture the “dialogue of love” shared by Catholics and Orthodox over the past six decades. Relations between the Vatican and the Phanar flourished in recent years due to the extraordinary friendship of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the late Pope Francis. The visit today by Archbishop Elpidophoros and Cardinal Tobin sets the stage for the new Pope’s upcoming trip to Nicaea in late November, where he is expected to meet with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and visit the Phanar for the Feast of St. Andrew.

Today’s historic meeting, and His Eminence’s gifts, stand as a powerful symbol of the hope our two traditions share in the Resurrection, and our prayer that we may continue to draw closer to one another in dialogue, shared faith, common mission, and, ultimately, in full communion.

https://www.goarch.org/-/papal-audience ...show less

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew: Greek is the "mother tongue of the spirit"

His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has on several recent occasions brilliantly articulated the centrality of the Greek language in the formation of philosophy and Christian theology, and has emphasized the need to preserve it in its uniqueness and contributions to human thought.

On World Greek Language Day, Feb. 11, 2025, the Ecumenical Patriarch stated: “Rightfully and justly, we pay tribute... show moreEcumenical Patriarch Bartholomew: Greek is the "mother tongue of the spirit"

His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has on several recent occasions brilliantly articulated the centrality of the Greek language in the formation of philosophy and Christian theology, and has emphasized the need to preserve it in its uniqueness and contributions to human thought.

On World Greek Language Day, Feb. 11, 2025, the Ecumenical Patriarch stated: “Rightfully and justly, we pay tribute today to the Greek language, aptly designated as the ‘mother tongue of the spirit.’” He added that Greek “serves as the key to entering what is perhaps the greatest intellectual paradise of the world. Here lie unique works that have left their mark on the course of world civilization: the Homeric epics, the Tragedies, the Platonic dialogues, the Aristotelian corpus, the New Testament, the writings of the Greek Fathers, and all the flourishing fruits of these roots.”

Addressing those who may assume that all languages are equivalent in their ability to express various kinds of human thought, His All-Holiness explained in 2021: “Language expresses the identity and the quality of the culture to which it belongs. It is not simply a means of communication, but ‘a carrier of moral values,’ as Elytis notes.” Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was referring to the poet Odysseas Elytis (1911-1996), whose work he has singled out for praise on several occasions.

On World Language Day 2025, His All-Holiness explained some of the unique attributes of the Greek language, saying: “Indeed, an entire civilization passes through language. As a pre-eminent ‘philosophical language,’ the Greek language primarily names the essence, the being, the dimension of the depth of things, and not their usefulness. Great works of the human intellect are written in Greek. It has been said that philosophers, wherever they go, ‘think in Greek,’ and that anyone who speaks Greek is ‘almost impossible not to philosophize.’”

Consequently, the Ecumenical Patriarch said, “our language has never been merely a means of communication but also a bearer of high values, ethics, and culture. Greek is a language of contemplation and poetry; it expands the world’s mystery, reveals the depth of things rather than just the surface, and points to being and truth rather than appearance and utility. ‘To seek utility everywhere is least befitting to the magnanimous and the free,’ writes Aristotle, giving the imprint of truth as freedom (Politics 1338a, 30-32), a significant legacy even for our time.”

In light of these immutable qualities of the Greek language, the Ecumenical Patriarch added that “it is impossible for one who knows the Greek language not to philosophize and theologize. It has been rightly said that those who engage in philosophy, wherever they may be, ‘think in Greek.’” As a result, it was not accidental that Greek became the language in which the foundational texts of the Church’s theology were expressed: “Likewise, it is no coincidence that Greek became the central language of Christian theology. Through it, the great philosophical and theological achievement was realized: the authentic and admirable expression of the experience of salvation in Christ through the terminology of Greek philosophy. The union of Christianity and Hellenism was a decisive turning point not only in the course of the Church and theology but also in the history of thought and civilization.”

The centrality of Greek in Christian theology, His All-Holiness explains, is also due to the language’s poetic character. “Theology,” he said, “has never been mere ‘detached information’ about God. It is impossible to speak of the God of love and humanity’s unquenchable longing for eternity without our words becoming poetry and praise. There is no dullness in matters of faith. The hymnography of our Church is a literary marvel, a sublime hymn to the power and beauty of the Greek language. In general, authentic theological texts are closer to poetry than to prose.”

In light of all this, the Ecumenical Patriarch emphasized that one of the Church’s responsibilities was to preserve the Greek language in all its grandeur and uniqueness: “The Church’s enduring role in cultivating, enriching, preserving, and spreading the Greek word is indisputable. It established and operated schools and academies to promote both secular and Christian education, with the firm conviction that language and faith preserved our nation, continue to sustain us today, and are inextricably linked to our future. The learned Greek language still resonates in our ecclesiastical services, connecting Orthodox believers across the centuries in a shared glorification of God’s greatness.”

His All-Holiness also stated: “We take pride in the fact that the Greek language retains its universal character even today. For countless people worldwide, Greek serves as a source of inspiration and intellectual orientation. The works of ancient Greek thinkers and Christian Greek literature adorn the libraries of the world and are studied and discussed. Thousands of Greek or Greek-derived words are found in languages across the globe. Greek remains an inexhaustible source for the formulation of fundamental scientific terms. The cornerstone concepts of global civilization are Greek: logos, dialogue, ethics, politics, democracy, physics, history, pedagogy, music, anthropology, praxis, theory, and countless others. Indeed, Greek is ‘a language unparalleled among the 2,700 languages of the world.’”

The Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate note also the uniqueness of our beloved Ecumenical Patriarch, the longest-serving and one of the most consequential Ecumenical Patriarchs in the history of the Church. Εἰς πολλὰ ἔτη, Δέσποτα! ...show less

Official Schedule of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew's U.S. Visit in September Released

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, the hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne in America, the clergy, and the faithful Orthodox people of the United States will joyfully welcome His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the United States for an official visit in September 2025. On his visit, His All-Holiness will receive the internationally-recognized Templeton Prize for his “pioneering... show moreOfficial Schedule of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew's U.S. Visit in September Released

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, the hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne in America, the clergy, and the faithful Orthodox people of the United States will joyfully welcome His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the United States for an official visit in September 2025. On his visit, His All-Holiness will receive the internationally-recognized Templeton Prize for his “pioneering efforts to bridge scientific and spiritual understandings of humanity’s relationship with the natural world, bringing together people of different faiths to heed a call for stewardship of creation.”

His All-Holiness will arrive in Washington, D.C. on Monday, September 15, 2025, and will depart from New York, New York on Thursday, September 25, 2025. During this visit, His All-Holiness is expected to meet President of the United States Donald Trump. Other highlights will include: a Patriarchal Doxology at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine; addresses to the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and Concordia Annual Summit; an Environmental Tribute on International World Coastal Cleanup Day; and a private ceremony at which His All-Holiness will be awarded the Templeton Prize.

https://www.goarch.org/-/official-visit-of-his-all-holiness-ecumenical-patriarch-bartholomew-to-the-united-states-in-september-2025 ...show less

"Dimensions of Human Life Inaccessible to Scientific Knowledge," Says Ecumenical Patriarch

His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is not only a powerful and prophetic voice for peace, reconciliation, and stewardship of the natural environment; he is also a strong advocate for the importance of the arts and literature, saying that “there are dimensions of human life inaccessible to scientific knowledge and to all forms of objectification,” and describing poetry as an “invaluable... show more"Dimensions of Human Life Inaccessible to Scientific Knowledge," Says Ecumenical Patriarch

His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is not only a powerful and prophetic voice for peace, reconciliation, and stewardship of the natural environment; he is also a strong advocate for the importance of the arts and literature, saying that “there are dimensions of human life inaccessible to scientific knowledge and to all forms of objectification,” and describing poetry as an “invaluable gift from heaven to humanity.”

Theology itself, His All-Holiness said, is a fundamentally poetic endeavor: “The language of theology has never been mere information ‘about God;’ it has always been poetic, heartfelt, and infused with spiritual beauty. Let us remember that the hymnographic texts of our Church are a literary marvel...it is unimaginable to conceive of a true believer who does not also cherish literature and poetry.”

https://www.goarch.org/-/ecumenical-patriarch-bartholomew-there-are-dimensions-of-human-life-inaccessible-to-scientific-knowledge- ...show less

Special Tribute Concert Honors Ecumenical Patriarch and the Late Nikolaos Steliaros

The flag bearing the seal of His-All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew proudly flew as the sun set over Manhattan in front of Saint Bartholomew’s Church on Park Avenue. Here, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America presented a special tribute concert honoring His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the late Nikolaos Steliaros, Archon Mousikodidaskalos of the Holy Great Church of Christ.

https://www.goarch.org/-/special-tribute-concert-at-st.-bartholomew-in-new-york-honoring-his-all-holiness-ecumenical-patriarch-bartholomew-and-the-late-nikolaos-steliaros-archon-mousikodidaskalos-of-the-holy-great-church-of-christ

With... show moreSpecial Tribute Concert Honors Ecumenical Patriarch and the Late Nikolaos Steliaros

The flag bearing the seal of His-All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew proudly flew as the sun set over Manhattan in front of Saint Bartholomew’s Church on Park Avenue. Here, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America presented a special tribute concert honoring His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the late Nikolaos Steliaros, Archon Mousikodidaskalos of the Holy Great Church of Christ.

https://www.goarch.org/-/special-tribute-concert-at-st.-bartholomew-in-new-york-honoring-his-all-holiness-ecumenical-patriarch-bartholomew-and-the-late-nikolaos-steliaros-archon-mousikodidaskalos-of-the-holy-great-church-of-christ

With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, this Pentecost tribute concert was offered in celebration of His All-Holiness’ patronal feast of the Holy Apostle Bartholomew, in memory of the late Archon Nikolaos Steliaros (who reposed in the Lord in September 2024), and as an expression of filial gratitude for the many rich blessings that the Mother Church of Constantinople continues to impart on all of her faithful sons and daughters in the United States and throughout the entire world. ...show less