Homily By His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America At the Service of the Akathist Hymn Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church

Tonight, we sing this magnificent canticle – the Akathist Hymn – in its entirety, in praise of our Παναγία, our Heavenly Champion.

Tonight, we join with Orthodox Christians around our country and around the world – beseeching the Holy Virgin to grant us spiritual victory, to grant us peace and to grant us relief from suffering.

Homily by Archbishop Elpidophoros of America Vespers of Contrition April 14, 2024 Saints Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church

We have now arrived at another Vespers of Contrition – ὁ Κατανυκτικὸς Ἑσπερινὸς. These services provide a way for us to move from the relaxation of the Fast that we experienced over the weekend, into the rigors we encounter the other five days of the week. Tonight at this Vespers, the next day commences and we engage again in our intentions and our ἄσκησις for the Holy Fast.

Archbishop Elpidophoros Homily at the Divine Liturgy – Veneration of the Cross April 7, 2025 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Chicago, Illinois

The confluence of commemorations today: the Veneration of the Holy Cross, the Greek Independence Parade, and the Forty Day Memorial for the late and beloved Father Nicholas, the servant of this Cathedral for decades, is truly inspiring.

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros Homily at the Third Salutations to the Theotokos

Beloved and Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We chanted Third Stanza of the Salutations tonight in this wonderful Church of Saint Barbara, an historic community of the Greek Orthodox People of New York. And just as in this beautiful church we are surrounded by the icons, the Saints, the Angels and the Mother of God herself, I say to all of you: They are surrounded by you as well.

Archepiscopal & Synodical Encyclical for the Sunday of the Veneration of the Holy Cross

In the midway point of the Holy Lent, we arrive at the oasis of the Sunday of the Veneration of the Holy Cross. Now the Tree of the Cross overshadows us with its healing leaves and fruits, and the flowers with which we adorn It in the Divine Service reflect Its lively glory. The Cross, once an instrument of suffering and death, has become the Tree of Eternal Life, and we are invited to share in Its mission of redemption and salvation. It is because of this mission that the Holy Eparchial Synod has decided to that an Encyclical should be issued every year for Feast of the Veneration of the Holy Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

HOMILY By His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America At the Vespers of Contrition

Beloved sisters and brothers Christ,

On this evening, when we re-enter our Lenten journey in its fullness, I ask all of you to look as deeply as possible into your hearts. Search out your motivations, and set an intention for the remainder of these Holy Forty Days. Each of us has been blessed by God and received grace to travel through Lent, but our destination may not be as obvious as you might think.

Homily By Archbishop Elpidophoros of America On the Second Sunday of Lent Saints Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church

We have just celebrated the double Feast of our Freedom – the Annunciation of the Theotokos and the Greek Revolution of 1821. I come to you enriched by both these causes for joy, filled with enthusiasm and hope for our Church, because our faith and our foundations are strong. We are a united Archdiocese and a united Omogeneia enjoying the blessings of America.

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros Homily for Ordination to the Diaconate of Steven Sarigiannis

Beloved Sub-Deacon Steven,

Today is a day of greatness – for you, for your family, and for this wonderful parish of Saint Barbara, your spiritual home.

Archbishop Elpidophoros Homily at the Second Salutations to the Theotokos March 29, 2024

We are called to “rejoice” in the Virgin. This is the change in perspective that the Akathist Hymn offers us, even in difficult times. In faith, and through faith, we can look beyond our present circumstances and glimpse into the divine reality of Heaven and earth.