His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros

Address to Bishop Apostolos of Medeia

On the Occasion of His Patronal Feast - June 30, 2020

Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Paul

Hempstead, New York

Your Grace Bishop Apostolos,

Beloved Brother in Christ and Co-celebrant in the Holy Spirit:

I am delighted to be with you today, praying within the Holy Altar, as you celebrate your Nameday here in this magnificent Cathedral of Saint Paul on Long Island. I congratulate you wholeheartedly and pray that your Holy and Heavenly Patrons, the Choir of the Apostles, will always keep you in their spiritual protection and send down upon you every material and spiritual blessing.

Unlike most of us, Your Grace, you have many Heavenly Patrons, with whom you share a mission in name and in deed. For you are Ἀπόστολος, and the Apostle is “the one who is sent.” You have been sent to our Archdiocese on a mission: to serve as a bishop, to serve as Chief Secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod, and to be a co-worker in Christ. We are all grateful for your service and pray that the Lord may grant unto you many years of fruitful ministry in the Vineyard that His Right Hand has planted.

Εἰς Πολλά Ἒτη!