ATHENS — His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America met with United States Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic Kimberly Guilfoyle in Athens on Thursday, July 16, 2026. During the cordial meeting, Archbishop Elpidophoros and Ambassador Guilfoyle discussed matters of shared interest, including issues concerning the Greek-American community, the ministry and international role of the Ecumenical Patriarchate,…

H.E. Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden’s Homily on the Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the Fourth Ecumenical Council St. George Cathedral of Stockholm Sunday, July 19, 2026 Dearly Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Today the Orthodox Church honors the 630 God-bearing Fathers of the Fourth Ecumenical Council, which met at Chalcedon in the year…

A commemorative coin issued by the Royal Australian Mint to mark the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Crete was recently presented by the Australian Ambassador to Greece, Her Excellency Ms Alison Duncan, to His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia. Through the initiative to issue this collectible coin, tribute is paid to the enduring bonds…

“Hellenism lives and flourishes here in distant Australia, and for as long as our Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and the Ecumenical Patriarchate remain present on these shores, and for as long as the Orthodox priest celebrates the Divine Liturgy in Greek, Hellenism has a future and we fear nothing.” This resounding and optimistic message was proclaimed…

A moment of profound historical and spiritual significance unfolded on the afternoon of Sunday, 12 July, in the village of Myriokefala, Rethymno, as the founder of the historic Monastery of Myriokefala and missionary to western Crete, Saint John the Hermit (ο Όσιος κυρ-Ιωάννης ο Ξένος), symbolically “returned” to his home after almost one thousand years….

On the afternoon of Tuesday, 14 July, His Eminence Metropolitan Panteleimon of Maroneia and Komotini solemnly welcomed the revered wonderworking icon of Panagia of Askos, “the Healer” (8th century) to the Church of Saints Constantine and Helen in Thrylorio. The holy icon was brought from the Holy Metropolis of Langadas, Liti and Rentinis in preparation…

His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem and All Palestine and Jordan, met with His Excellency U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee today at the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate’s headquarters in Jerusalem’s Old City. The meeting covered the Christian presence in the Holy Land, medical evacuations from Gaza, access to Mount Tabor and church property rights. The Patriarch…

The Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Canada have provided financial assistance to the Holy Metropolis of Mexico in support of its relief efforts for those affected by the two devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela in late June. The Holy Metropolis, which falls under the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and is shepherded by…

Greek Minister of National Defence Mr Nikos Dendias is undertaking an official visit from Tuesday, 14 July, until Friday, 17 July, to Qatar and Australia. During his stay in Australia, he will visit the headquarters of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia in Sydney, where he will meet His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia. According to…