LUNCHEON REMARKS

By His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

Sacramento, California

February 26, 2023

Your Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco,

Beloved faithful,

         I am deeply moved by your generosity – for your love and your concern for people you don’t even know. But you do know about the horrific catastrophe in Türkiye and Syria, where nearly fifty thousand human beings have perished as a result of the three earthquakes that have struck.

         The loss of life is stunning – to the point of … how do we even cope with such numbers? For me, it has been extremely painful, because four members of my own extended family were lost among the thousands. So, your kind benevolence is especially meaningful, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your goodness and true Christian charity.

         As we quickly approach the beginning of Holy and Great Lent tomorrow, you have reminded us that the alms of Christian philanthropy are as much a part of our Lenten journey as are the privations of fasting. And our hearts must be open to those we can see, and those whom we cannot see. To those we know, and those whom we do not know. To those far off, as well as those nearby.

         Thank you for your loving gift.

         Thank you for your generous spirit.

         And thank you for your Christian conscience and charitable sensitivity, which extend with compassion and mercy toward all people.

         May the Lord bless you all with health and spiritual prosperity!

Photo: Kostas Petrakos