Archbishop Elpidophoros Concelebrates with the Patriarch of Alexandria
The Patriarchal Divine Liturgy of the Sunday of the Paralytic was celebrated on May 7th at the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Alexandria, Egypt. His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America is currently visiting the Apostolic Patriarchate with more than 50 pilgrims from the Holy Archdiocese of America.
His Beatitude Theodoros ΙΙ, Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, delivered an address regarding the splendid progress of the Holy Archdiocese of America, attributed to the pioneering initiatives of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros.
His Beatitude expressed gratitude for the great support of His All-Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, as well as the Archbishop, the laity and the clergy of America for the profound contributions towards the missions and ministries in Africa.
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros expressed jubilation and gratitude to His Beatitude Patriarch Theodoros. Remarking about the etymology of the name of the city of Alexandria, Archbishop Elpidophoros drew a parallel with Alexander the Great, who is not known as a violent aggressor, but rather as an illuminator. Alexander the Great spread the light of Hellenistic culture to the then known world. Similarly, His Beatitude Patriarch Theodoros draws inspiration from the name of this great city of Alexandria and the Apostolic Patriarchate has become a beacon of holy illumination for the entire African continent. Spreading the light of faith and salvation, together with the philanthropic and missionary endeavors of the Patriarchate of Alexandria, have been attributed to the loving and graced leadership of His Beatitude. Archbishop Elpidophoros added that the growth of the Patriarchate, the increased number of Dioceses therein, as well as Parishes, clergy and faithful on the continent, are representative indicators manifesting the progress achieved thanks to the initiatives of the Patriarch.
Gifts were exchanged to emphasize the strong ties of collaboration and mutual support between Africa and America, which have been strengthened by the benevolent leadership and blessings of His All-Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. The Divine Liturgy was attended by many faithful, including the more than 50 pilgrims from America. Also concelebrating were His Eminence Metropolitan of Guinea Georgios, representative of the Patriarchate of Alexandria in Athens, His Eminence Narkissos Metropolitan of Pelousion, Patriarchal Vicar in Alexandria, and the Most Reverend Metropolitan Germanos of Tamiathis. In prayerful attendance was His Eminence Panteleimon Metropolitan of Nafkratis and Chief Secretary of the Holy Synod of the Apostolic Patriarchate (Ecclesiarch of the festivities). Among the clergy was the Proistamenos of Saint Demetrios in Merrick, NY, the Rev. Protopresbyter Nikiforos Fakinos, who is accompanying the pilgrimage, and the V. Rev. Archdeacon Dionysios Papiris.
The service was followed by a celebratory reception at the Patriarchal venue and a luncheon at the social center of the Greek Community of Alexandria. The President of the aforementioned association, Mr. Andreas Vafiadis, addressed His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros and presented a commemorative tray with the emblem of said Community. On behalf of the Order of the Archons of Saint Andrew, Dr. Nicholas Loutsion delivered a greeting, followed by the expressions of gratefulness by Mrs. Anita Kartalopoulos, the first Vice President of the National Philoptochos and Mrs. Elaine Allen, Treasurer of the Archdiocese of America.
The General Consul of Greece in Alexandria, Mr. Athanasios Kotsionis, delivered an inspirational address thanking His Eminence for visiting the ancient city. In conclusion, Patriarch Theodoros and Archbishop Elpidophoros also thanked Mrs. Ekaterina Sofianou, great benefactor and Archontissa of the Holy Archdiocese of Alexandria for sponsoring the luncheon and the festivities.
