His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America

Welcome Remarks at the Divine Liturgy in honor of

His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey

September 17, 2023

Saint John the Theologian Greek Orthodox Cathedral

Tenafly, New Jersey

 

Your Eminence, Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey, beloved brother in the Lord,

Your Eminence, Metropolitan Kyrillos of Rhodes, Most Honored Representative of the Mother Church of Constantinople,

Your Eminences and Graces,

Very Reverend and Reverend Clergy,

Beloved Sisters and Brothers of the Metropolis of New Jersey,

 

This spirit-filled Divine Liturgy today, with your newly enthroned Metropolitan and father-in-Christ, His Eminence Apostolos, is truly a cause of rejoicing in this magnificent Cathedral, dedicated to the Theologian and Evangelist John, and throughout the Metropolis.

I am delighted to see representatives from so many of the parishes, Church organizations, and the Omogeneia in general. Your love and respect are made manifest through your prayerful presence today.

I once again express my gratitude to Metropolitan Kyrillos of Rhodes, the Most Honorable Representative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Metropolitan Kyrillos’ presence these past days brings not only the blessings of the Mother Church of Constantinople, but a special blessing for Metropolitan Apostolos, who hails from Rhodes and commenced his ecclesiastical life on this most famous island.

Today’s happy occasion bodes well for this God-Protected Metropolis, and for our Sacred Archdiocese; for His Eminence Apostolos now joins the fraternity of the Holy Eparchial Synod, where his years of experience and wisdom will bring a new dimension to its sacred deliberations. I have no doubt that the work of the Eparchial Synod will be enhanced by his active participation.

Finally, I convey my highest commendation to all those who have worked behind the scenes to make the Enthronement and Welcome of Metropolitan Apostolos. It takes many hands and willing hearts to bring these past two wonderful days, and they all deserve our sincerest thanks.

May the protection and grace of the Metropolis’ Heavenly Patron, Saint John Chrysostom – ever abide upon the souls and bodies of the faithful Greek Orthodox of the New Jersey Metropolis;

And may the ministry of His Eminence, Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey ever prosper and yield a spiritual harvest of love, compassion, mercy, forgiveness, and joy for all the Church to behold and marvel.

Amen.

Photos: GOARCH/Tom Galanis