Homily by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America

At the Divine Liturgy

Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

October 16, 2022

Beloved brothers and sisters in the Lord,

Today, we gather in this magnificent Cathedral in order to celebrate the Eucharist and give thanks to God for the one hundredth anniversary of this historic community. It is not a coincidence – I think – that today is also the Sunday of the Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council in Nicaea. Nor is it a coincidence that of the Seven Ecumenical Councils, the First and the Last took place in Nicaea. It is as if the Fathers of the Church understood that the fullness of the words of the Creed that we recite at every Liturgy is found in the teaching of the Holy Icons. For the Seventh Ecumenical Council gave to the Church the definitions that secured forever the true teaching and theology of the Holy Images – the Icons that adorn our Churches to this very day.

In the observances that you have been celebrating during your Cathedral’s centenary year, you have also been looking back in time to the living images of God – the heroes of your community – who gifted to you this living church and cathedral.

You know many of their names, like the names of the Saints that are inscribed on their icons. And the ones whose names are unknown to you, they are no less important. Because it is through their sacrifices, their labors and their dedication – that you have this Cathedral today.

Look around at the icons in this Church of the Living God. You see Saints, Martyrs, Ascetics, Hierarchs, Priests and Deacons – all of them champions of the Faith and of the Church. The heroes of your community are no different. Their images may be in photos, or on pages of church records, or even just in memory. But they are essential to the success of the Church, just as those who are portrayed in the Holy Icons.

There is a righteous recognition that we owe to both of them. For as was once said: “the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.” * It is also true that the toil and sweat of our immigrant forebears are the tilling of the fertile ground – the weeding and the watering – so that today, one hundred years later, we have an abundant harvest of the fruits of their labors.

Our recognition of their sacrifice is a moment of profound gratitude – of eucharistic thankfulness to God and to them, for their faithfulness to the traditions of all our spiritual mothers and fathers. Their adherence to the faith of the Ecumenical Councils, which finds its ultimate expression in the teaching of the Holy Icons, is an everlasting gift. So, then, my brothers and sisters – what shall be our gift to the generations to come? To those who will celebrate the Bicentennial of this Holy Place, one hundred years later?

My friends: Just as we venerate the images of the Saints, and treasure the images of our forebears, let us also honor the image of God in each and every person in this blessèd community. This does not mean that we have to agree on every point of view that life offers. That would be an impossible prospect. But it does mean that we must make every effort to recognize the value and intrinsic goodness of our brothers and sisters. Because each one of us is created in the image and according to the likeness of God.

Sometimes, it is harder to do inside the Church than outside! Maybe it is because when you live and work in close proximity with others – even your family – it is often more difficult to appreciate them.

But to appreciate them is our vocation, our calling.

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” †

Those are the words of our Lord Jesus Christ. Perhaps, it is easier to venerate the Saints in their icons, because they have gone on to perfection in the presence of God. But the living icons are right in front of our eyes; in the pews sitting next to us; in the coffee hours after Church across the room.

I can assure you of this, my beloved Christians:

Every effort you put forth in your community to make of it a communion of love and mutual respect, will be the gift that takes you to your Bicentennial. And why is this? Well, it is because your children and your children’s children will want to be a part of such a community – a place of acceptance, respect, compassion and, above all, love.

Therefore, take this gladsome anniversary, coinciding with the commemoration of the Seventh Ecumenical Council – the Council of the Holy Icons – as a signal and a starting point for the next one hundred years.

And through the prayers of Saint George the Great-Martyr and Trophy-bearer, you will attain your Bicentennial and so much more, by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and His infinite mercy and love for mankind. Amen.