REMARKS

By His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America

At the Affirmation for the

Saint Michael’s Home Board of Trustees and Vasilopita Cutting

Archdiocesan Headquarters

New York, New York

January 23, 2023

 

My beloved Brother-in-Christ, Bishop Andonios of Phasiane,

Dear President and Trustees of Saint Michael’s Home,

Beloved brothers and sisters in the Lord,

We have gathered here today at the Archdiocese, in order to receive your Affirmation as Board Members of Saint Michael’s Home. After the Affirmation, we shall cut a Vasilopita and share in the blessing of this rich and ancient tradition. We pray that this New Year of 2023 will be a year of health, spiritual prosperity and success in all of your endeavors for this very special Archdiocesan Institution.

Saint Michael’s Home is an exemplary ministry of our Archdiocese – one that the entire country can be proud of. But it is you, the Trustees of the Home, who put your reputations on the line, because you are the ones who provide oversight and guidance for the Home’s daily life.

As ever, we all have to thank His Grace Bishop Andonios for his many years of selfless ministry to the Home. Just last week, we celebrated the feast of his patron saint, and we all wish His Grace many more years of healthy and fruitful service.

But of course, he is not alone. He is supported by all of the incredible staff of the Home, and by you – the Board of Trustees – as well as the faithful and generous benefactors who give of themselves for the sake of Saint Michael’s Home.

Love is the motivation behind all of your efforts. And I congratulate you wholeheartedly for your steadfast dedication and unwavering devotion to the Home.

I pray that this Vasilopita will be a harbinger of a greater success and the kind of progress for the Home that enhances the lives of its residents. For the residents – our yiayiades and papoudes – are the reason Saint Michael’s exists in the first place.

Therefore, I thank you for the faithfulness and the commitment that you bring to this priceless Institution of our Sacred Archdiocese on a daily basis.

And now, your Affirmation.

 

Photo: GOARCH/Dimitrios Panagos