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.
Read MoreApril 15, 2024
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.
Read MoreApril 8, 2024
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.
Read MoreApril 7, 2024
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.
Read MoreApril 1, 2024
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.
Read MoreApril 1, 2024
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.
Read MoreMarch 30, 2024
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.
Read MoreMarch 30, 2024
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros Homily at the Great Vespers of the Annunciation March 24, 2024
Tonight we sang:
Ἀπεστάλη ἐξ οὐρανοῦ Γαβριὴλ ὁ Ἀρχάγγελος…
From Heaven the Archangel Gabriel was sent forth…[1]
We know the story, which informs every aspect of our Feast. And we know the words that this Mighty Commander of the Heavenly Host spoke to the Virgin:
Χαῖρε, κεχαριτωμένη· ὁ Κύριος μετὰ σοῦ· εὐλογημένη σὺ ἐν γυναιξίν.
Read MoreMarch 25, 2024
Homily By Archbishop Elpidophoros for the Sunday of Orthodoxy March 24, 2024
Today is truly a wondrous confluence of times and seasons. Here we are, having completed the First Week of the Holy Fast of Great Lent, and we are on the very brink of the Feast of the Annunciation. We are celebrating the triumph of Orthodoxy with many brethren, to highlight the restoration, the Ἀναστήλωσις of the Holy Icons, in their rightful, and indeed necessary place in the Church of God.
Read MoreMarch 24, 2024
HOMILY By His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America At the First Salutations to the Theotokos
Beloved faithful,
Tonight, we come together in prayer and praise at the conclusion of the first week of Great Lent. We gather to sing the glories of our Panagia, as we approach the Feast of the Annunciation in a few days.
Read MoreMarch 23, 2024
Today, in this magnificent Cathedral, adorned with the glories of Byzantium and the beauty of our Orthodox Faith, we gather as a community, which, as all of you know, is a form of communion. The Holy Communion that we receive – the Body and Blood of the Lord – is what binds us together. It is the substance of God, the Divine DNA, that makes us a family in God. All of us are members of the Body of Christ, and our communion with each other is truly a sign of the sincerity of our communion with God.
Read MoreMarch 10, 2024
Archbishop Elpidophoros Remarks at the Groundbreaking for the Youth and Ministry Center
What a marvelous day to break ground for this vital addition to your Parish. You are creating an institutional legacy of faith, of learning, and of love.
Read MoreMarch 4, 2024
This week, I have been here in your beautiful city of Naples by the Gul, with the members of Leadership 100 – many of whom are participating this morning – in order to further advance the mission and the ministries of our Church.
Read MoreMarch 3, 2024
You present yourself today for ordination to the Holy Diaconate, at the Beginning of Triodion, on the day of the reading of the parable of the Publican and the Pharisee. For one seeking to serve in the role of deacon, it is hard to think of a more appropriate commemoration.
Read MoreFebruary 25, 2024
My Beloved Brother in Christ, Metropolitan Gerasimos,
Your Grace and Reverend Fathers,
Beloved Children in the Lord,
We read in the Old Testament, in the Second Book of Samuel, that when King David brought up the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, that he: … danced before the Lord with all his might.[1]
Read MoreFebruary 18, 2024
Seeing your shining faces this morning, as we celebrate together Greek Letters and the Feast of the Three Hierarchs, brings a song to my heart. I look upon all of you, and I see what the Lord Jesus meant when He said (and as we read in today’s Gospel): “You are the light of the world.”*
Read MoreJanuary 30, 2024
What a joy it is for me to join all of you for the Hellenic Dance Festival of the Holy Metropolis of Atlanta. These cultural celebrations that take place across the Archdiocese are especially rewarding to see, because they bring so many of you – or young people – together in fellowship.
Read MoreJanuary 15, 2024
I am so very pleased to spend this last day of 2023, and this last Sunday – New Year’s Eve – worshipping with you, the faithful members of Saint Gerasimos.
Read MoreJanuary 1, 2024
Today is Christmas Eve! And in the hymns of Great Vespers, there is this lovely idiomelon, which goes:
Read MoreDecember 25, 2023
I am delighted to be with you for the Divine Liturgy, on this Sunday before Christmas, when we read and remember the genealogies of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Read MoreDecember 24, 2023