Remarks By His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America

At the Centennial Banquet of

Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral

The Ballroom at the Ben

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

October 15, 2022

Very Reverend Archimandrite Christoforos, Chancellor of the Holy Metropolis of New Jersey,

Very Reverend Archimandrite Ambrosios,

Reverend Clergy,

Esteemed Parish Council, Philoptochos and Parish Organization Heads,

Dear Centennial Celebration Sponsors,

Beloved Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Every time that I come to Philadelphia and approach the magnificent Cathedral Saint of George, I am filled with much emotion by the exquisite façade of this edifice. The six Ionic columns – designed by famed Philadelphia architect, John Haviland – have welcomed Christian worshippers for two hundred years. Because, as all of you know, before the temple was dedicated to Saint George by the Greek Orthodox, it was dedicated to Saint Andrew the First-Called Disciple by the Episcopalians, for whom it was built one hundred years earlier.

But these Ionic columns speak in deeper echoes than a mere two hundred years.

The Ionic form reaches back into history over twenty five centuries to the Greek coasts of Asia Minor. And they can be seen on any given day atop the Acropolis of Athens, in the Propylaia, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheum – all dating to the Fifth Century BC.

Here in Philadelphia – whose ancient namesake was in Asia Minor and was one of the Seven Churches of the Book of Revelation, (and today is a See of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, once held by His All-Holiness when he was first raised to the Episcopate) – worshippers pass through these same columns that have adorned the temples of Greece and far beyond for millennia. It is no small thing that the Ionic Order has been held in such regard throughout the ages – even adorning important American edifices, such as the Jefferson Memorial and the United States Treasury.

These columns bear witness to the Hellenic heritage that enthused your forebears – spiritual, and for some, familial – when they purchased this House of Prayer one hundred years ago, and renamed it in honor of the Great-Martyr and Trophy-Bearer George.

The Greek Orthodox Community of Philadelphia, though, was organized even earlier, at the turn of that century, in 1901. The influx of immigrants through the port of Philadelphia has been important for America since well before the Revolutionary War. Everyone knows about Ellis Island. But let us never forget that Philadelphia was also the gateway to the American dream.

Your centennial celebration of Saint George Cathedral, which coincides with the centenary of our Sacred Archdiocese as an Eparchy of the Ecumenical Throne, is truly a cause for pride and celebration. I know that your Cathedral community has been engaging in events throughout this Hundredth Year. And I congratulate you for your inclusivity of all members of the Omogeneia.

Saint George is the beating heart of the Greek Orthodox community of Philadelphia and the surrounding parishes. For over one hundred years, the Greeks of the City of Brotherly Love have been expressing their philotimo, their philoxenia and their philanthopia with openness and determination.

Indeed, you are a historic institution of our Archdiocese, and not only of the God-protected Metropolis of New Jersey, which I am proud to serve as Patriarchal Vicar. This milestone of one hundred years is not merely a point of completion. Rather, it is a commencement – a fresh beginning for the next hundred years

May the Lord always bless you to increase in your love, and grant you success in all that you do and say, through the intercessions of the Holy, Great-Martyr and Trophy-Bearer George. By his mighty prayers, it shall come to pass.

Thank you, and congratulations to all!