Archbishop Elpidophoros, the newly-elected head of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (GOARCH) of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, was enthroned as the Archdiocese’s seventh archbishop at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Manhattan on 22 June. Metropolitan Augoustinos of Germany led the enthronement service as Patriarch Bartholomew’s personal representative, reports the Archdiocesan website. Abp. Elpidophoros was unanimously elected by the Holy Synod of Constantinople on May 11.

The new GOARCH head already received a warm and cheerful welcome as he arrived at JFK International Airport on 19 June, being greeted by the Greek hierarchs serving in America and hundreds of faithful, and representatives from the jurisdictions of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops and of other religious confessions joined them in celebrating Abp. Elpidophoros’ enthronement.

During his enthronement speech, the Archbishop spoke of “the sensitive and critical matter of Orthodox unity,” saying, “I sincerely pledge to devote myself—with all my heart, soul and mind—to the reaffirmation and reinvigoration of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in order that we may collaborate with greater unity, while witnessing with greater conviction and credibility to the broader American society.” He also spoke of the need to embrace the young, the strangers in our midst, and all members of the community and country.

The Divine Liturgy and enthronement were followed by a luncheon at the New York Hilton Hotel. (Quelle: www.orthochristian.com, 24. Juni 2019)