Προσφώνησις by His Grace Bishop Nektarios of Diokleia to His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros
On the Occasion of His Patronal Feastday and
November 2, 2024
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral
New York, New York
Your Eminence Elpidophoros, Archbishop of America,
Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate,
Our Spiritual Father and Archpastor in the Lord:
Today, we gathered in your Cathedral, and on behalf of all the Clergy and Laity of the Sacred Archdiocese of America, I extend to Your Eminence our heartfelt best wishes and fervent prayers on the occasion of your Patronal Feast Day, the feast of the Holy Martyrs:
Ἀκίνδυνον, Πηγάσιον, Ἀφθόνιον, Ἀνεμπόδιστον, and the special namesake of Your Eminence, Ἐλπιδηφόρον.
It is most apt that this day is also the Thirty-third Anniversary of the Enthronement of His All-Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who as a wise spiritual father sent Your Eminence to lead the Sacred Archdiocese of America. As we all know, His All-Holiness is the longest serving Archbishop of Constantinople and Ecumenical Patriarch in our Church’s history.
The annual conjunction of Your Eminence’s Nameday with the Anniversary of the Enthronement of His All-Holiness is a marvelous manifestation of what makes our Church in America strong. Our leadership is in direct connection to the Living Tradition of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which nourished Your Eminence for so many years.
It is my great honor to serve Your Eminence as your National Chancellor as well as the blessing I received earlier in the year in being ordained as a Hierarch. As all the Hierarchs and Clergy have come to honor you today on your Nameday we see you as a true spiritual Shepherd who is always there for us, to teach and guide us in the ministry of the Church. As our Archbishop we are appreciative of your ever-tiring schedule to be present wherever you are called to serve, across the United States and abroad. For this we are all grateful for you unwavering dedication to offer to all of us “Καλή Μαρτυρία”.
I take this opportunity to once again express the profound thankfulness of all to His All-Holiness, and to the Holy and Sacred Synod, for Your Eminence’s nomination and election to the Archiepiscopal Throne of America.
As we celebrate Your Eminence on this blessed feast of St. Elpidophoros, we reflect on the myriad of challenges that have surged against our Church and the Faith, like turbulent winds against a steadfast ship. Through each trial, Your Eminence, you have shown us what it means to lead with courage, to stand firm in truth, and to be ever-guided by the unwavering light of love. Your message of unity, acceptance, and hope has been a beacon, not only for our Orthodox family, but all who seek grace amidst the complexities of our age. In you, we find an unyielding example of faith that endures and a fatherly spirit that embraces each of us, no matter our path.
Therefore, in that same spirit of hope that Your Eminence has brought to our Sacred Archdiocese of America, and on this day when we celebrate the Enthronement of His All-Holiness, we commend ourselves to the ministry of the Church under Your Eminence’s leadership, which you serve with honor and wisdom.
And we say with profound respect and filial devotion:
Εἰς Πολλά Ἒτη Δέσποτα!
Photo: gOARCH/Dimitrios Panagos