Remarks by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America

For the National Philoptochos Board Affirmation of Office

January 26, 2023

Via Zoom

My dear sisters in Christ,

I am delighted to join you today – even by Zoom –to lead you in your installation as the National Board of Philoptochos. You are most worthy of this responsibility, for you have all demonstrated, time and time again, your devotion and dedication to the ideals of Philoptochos.

The ministries of Philoptochos are vitally important to our identity as an Archdiocese, so much so, that I could never imagine even a single parish without a chapter. The very nature of your ministry has a double-effect in our Churches. First, your philanthropia provides essential and life-changing assistance to the neediest in our communities. Whether a small child in a hospital, or a single mother trying to provide for her family, or a newly recovering drug addict trying to set his life aright. Philoptochos fulfills the commandment of Christ that we should be merciful, just as our Heavenly Father is merciful (Luke 6:36).

But just as the beneficiaries of your various ministries derive comfort and welfare, your devoted members develop their capacities for spiritual growth and great emotional satisfaction as well. Philoptochos provides an essential outlet for the altruistic and charitable aspirations of thousands of our sisters across the Archdiocese.

Therefore, I commend all of you and express once again my abiding gratitude to you for your willingness to be of such service. Philoptochos is truly the exemplification of what it means to love the poor.

May God bless you all, and grant you and your families a very happy, healthy and spiritually prosperous New Year of 2023.