Archbishop Elpidophoros, Metropolitan Saba Have First Meeting

On April 19, 2023, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros visited His Eminence Metropolitan Saba, the newly elected Archbishop of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America at the headquarters in Englewood, NJ.

The two hierarchs shared paschal greetings during this joyful season of bright week. Grateful for this first encounter, the two hierarchs also discussed various pastoral and spiritual matters pertaining to the growth and challenges of Orthodox Christianity in the United States of America. They also discussed the situation in Syria and Tükyie following the tragic earthquakes of earlier this year. The unique role of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA was emphasized, as witness to Orthodox unity. After sharing a common meal, H.E. Archbishop Elpidophoros wished H.E. Metropolitan Saba a successful beginning of his new ministry in North America.

Also in attendance on behalf of the Antiochian Archdiocese were H.G. Bishop John; V. Rev. Archimandrite Jeremy David, Protosyngelos; V. Rev. Archpriest Thomas Zain, Vicar General and pastor of St. Nicholas Cathedral, Brooklyn, NY and Rev. Paul Matar. Archbishop Elpidophoros’ delegation included the V. Rev. Archimandrite Nektarios, Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese ; V. Rev. Archimandrite Vasillios Drosos, Senior Advisor; Rev. Protopresbyter Panagiotis Papazafiropoulos, Chief of Staff to the Archbishop; Rev. Protopresbyter Nicolas Kazarian, Director of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations.