His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America welcomed the American Bible Society’s (ABS) Board of Directors to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese for the first time on Thursday, February 22, 2024. The American Bible Society's Board visited the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese as part of their triennial Board Retreat, focused on strengthening Church partnerships and fostering innovative approaches to Bible access, engagement, and distribution. His Eminence and the American Bible Society Board engaged in a spirited discussion on improving Bible literacy and catechetical education especially as it pertains to our youth. Read more about the meeting here. After this fruitful meeting, His Eminence departed for a pastoral visit to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Nassau, Bahamas.

On Saturday, February 24, 2024, Archbishop Elpidophoros met with the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, Hon. Philip Edward “Brave” Davis KC MP. "His unwavering commitment to unity and progress will leave a lasting impression on me" His Eminence remarked of Prime Minister Davis.

Sunday, February 25, 2024 , His Eminence presided over Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Nassau, Bahamas. During this service, Archbishop Elpidophoros ordained Alexander Maillis to the Holy Diaconate. His Eminence Blessed Children who will be readers and Presented and Elevated Fr. Ireneos to  Protopresvyter of The Archdiocese. His Eminence also gave and Blessed Georgette and Chris Tsavoussis with The Medal of St. Paul. Upon completion of the Liturgy, His Eminence along with the Clergy Offered a Trisagion for the late Fr. Theofanis Kolyvas who is buried on the Church grounds.

Later in the day, His Eminence met with the Governor-General of the Bahamas, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Cynthia “Mother” Pratt ON GCMG CB CD JP. Regarding their meeting, His Eminence commented "Privileged to discuss matters of faith, leadership, and community with Her Excellency Dame Cynthia Pratt, Governor-General of the Bahamas. I am grateful for her insights as a dedicated public servant and her commitment to making a positive impact, especially for those in need."

This is His Eminence's second visit to the Bahamas. Archbishop Elpidophoros first visited the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in 2019 where he traveled to see firsthand the destruction caused by Hurricane Dorian and to deliver a combined gift from Leadership 100, the National Philoptochos Society, and the Philoptochos chapter of the Kimisis Tis Theotokou parish in Southampton, New York for the short and long term support of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church’s relief and recovery efforts. 

Next week, His Eminence is traveling to Naples, Florida for the 33 ^rd Annual Leadership 100 Conference. His Eminence will give a lecture and engage in a private Young Professionals’ Dialogue at the conference. Archbishop Elpidophoros will preside over Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on the last day of the conference, Sunday, March 3, 2024.

Photos: GOARCH/Dimitrios Panagos