Fr. Evagoras Constantinides and the members of the parish of Sts. Constantine and Helen Cathedral in Brooklyn, NY welcomed His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America for the Vespers of Sts. Constantine and Helen, whose feastday is celebrated today, May 21, 2024. The Cathedral has served downtown Brooklyn for more than 100 years and is also home to the A. Fantis School, educating children from all over New York City. 

In his Homily to the faithful the Archbishop spoke about the Cross, stating, “The Cross is the guardian of the whole world; and it is the guardian of your souls. The Cross is the beauty of the Church, and there is nothing more beautiful in a human being than their transformation by the Cross of Christ. The Cross is the strength of kings. Saint Helen knew this. Saint Constantine knew this, and although we have no more kings, the Cross is the pillar by which all governments are measured: in terms of mercy, forgiveness, compassion, and ultimately, love. The Cross is the support of the faithful. It is the one tree that will never be toppled by the squalls and storms of life. The Cross is the glory of the Angels, and the defeat of the demons. For the Angels marvel at how such an instrument of suffering and death could be the ladder to eternal life, and the demons tremble at its presence. The sign of the Cross can repel legions of devils. 

Therefore, my beloved Christians: Take up the Cross tonight as did Saints Constantine and Helen. Let it shine in the heavens of your mind’s eye at all times. And let it ground you in the reality of our salvation in Christ, Who is Risen from the dead, through the power of the Holy and Life-giving Cross.”

Photo: GOARCH/Dimitrios Panagos