His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America

Greeting for the Cathedral School Christmas Concert

New York, New York

December 22, 2021

I am very pleased to be with all of you this evening, and to listen to this special Christmas program. Tonight, our precious children join the ranks of the Angels; they lift praises to God and sing joy to the world.

I have visited many communities in order to partake of such wonderful programs throughout this Christmas Season. But it is most special to be here – in our own Cathedral and spiritual home – so as to celebrate with all of you.

I cannot stress enough that these programs are vital for our youth’s sense of participation in the life of the Church. As students of our Cathedral School, they are a very large part of the life of Holy Trinity, and their spiritual growth is just as important as their educational advancement.

When we think of how we treat and minister to our children, let us always remember this saying of the Lord Jesus:

Ορᾶτε μὴ καταφρονήσητε ἑνὸς τῶν μικρῶν τούτων· λέγω γὰρ ὑμῖν ὅτι οἱ ἄγγελοι αὐτῶν ἐν οὐρανοῖς διὰ παντὸς βλέπουσι τὸ πρόσωπον τοῦ πατρός μου τοῦ ἐν οὐρανοῖς.

Take care that you do not look down on any of these little ones, for I tell you that their Heavenly Angels constantly behold the face of their Father Who is in Heaven.[1]

Today, my dear friends, our “little ones” are in league with the Host of Heaven, and they are manifesting to us the celestial choir that sings the praises of our Lord’s “good news.”