EXHORTATION

By His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America

To the 2022 Class of Archons

Holy Trinity Archdiocesan Cathedral

New York, New York

October 9, 2022

* * *

Your Beatitude Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria and All Africa,

Dear Archons-Elect of the Ecumenical Throne,

Esteemed Brother Archons and Spouses,

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This day for the installation of the new class of Archons is indeed an auspicious one. For it is occurring in the presence of His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa.

You are receiving the high office and name of “Archon” at this first and very special Patriarchal Divine Liturgy, presided over by the one who is enthroned on the See of Saint Mark the Apostle and Evangelist – and on the very day of His Enthronement eighteen years ago, nonetheless.

My exhortation to you today will not be long, or composed of many words and thoughts. For you have among you the very instantiation of what it means to be an “Archon” – a Leader and Defender of the Faith.

His Beatitude, by His very presence with us, and by the example of His deeds and witness, gives to each and every one of you the “North Star,” by which your conduct as brothers of the Order of Saint Andrew will be measured.

For His Beatitude is a firm and steadfast bulwark for the canonical order of the Church, and for the responsibilities and rights of our Most Holy Ecumenical Patriarchate.

His courage in the face of enormous pressures is legendary. And you will all do well this day to remember His blessing to you, as you embark on your journey as Honorable Archons of the Holy Great Church of Christ.

No matter your background,

No matter the course of your life to this sacred moment,

You are being endowed by His All-Holiness Himself with the Offikion that He has personally selected for you.

Let His brother Patriarch, standing before you, be a perpetual memorial in your souls of the great honor bestowed upon you, and of the responsibility that you now bear to defend and magnify the Mother Church of Constantinople with all your strength, with all your heart, and with all your mind.

May you always be worthy!

ΑΞΙΟΙ!

 

Photo: GOARCH/Dimitrios S. Panagos