WASHINGTON D.C. — His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America joined religious leaders representing multiple faith traditions at the U.S. Department of Justice on August 27 for a high-level gathering focused on strengthening protections for houses of worship, safeguarding religious freedom and confronting religious hatred. 

The gathering, convened by the Appeal of Conscience Foundation and Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon of the U.S. Department of Justice, brought together Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh and Hindu leaders, along with representatives of the Department of Justice and the Appeal of Conscience Foundation. 

Archbishop Elpidophoros, a trustee of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation, emphasized the importance of solidarity among religious communities in the face of threats and violence. 

“It is in this spirit of mutual concern that we gather today, united not by fear, but by love—love for our own faithful and for our neighbor,” Archbishop Elpidophoros said. “By seeking to ensure that all places of worship are protected, and that our freedom to worship is safeguarded, we choose to remain resolute in the face of fear, hatred, and violence.” 

The meeting, held on the first anniversary of the attack at Annunciation Church in which two children were killed and 21 people were injured, focused on threats facing religious communities and the responsibility of faith leaders to stand together when any religious community is targeted. Participants also discussed steps that religious institutions and government can take collectively to protect houses of worship and combat religious hatred. 

> Read: Church leaders mourn victims of mass shooting in Minneapolis  

The program included remarks from representatives of the Department of Justice and the Appeal of Conscience Foundation, a panel discussion for faith leaders, an invocation, the issuance of a public statement by participating religious leaders and a benediction by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros. 

The public statement called for stronger legislation to protect houses of worship and the creation of an ongoing body of religious leaders to monitor threats and work with the Department of Justice to help ensure that people of faith can worship safely. The participating leaders also reaffirmed that the protection of religious liberty and the free exercise of religion are fundamental First Amendment rights. 

The gathering was held at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., amid continuing concern over attacks against churches, synagogues, mosques, temples and other houses of worship across the United States.  

Participants included Harmeet Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights; H.E. Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See to the United States; His Grace Bishop Irinej Dobrijevic, Serbian Orthodox Church; Rev. Hovsep Harapetyan Easter Diocese of the Armenian Church of America; and representatives of Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu and other Christian communities.

> Find a full list of the attendees here.  

The Appeal of Conscience Foundation, founded in 1965 by Rabbi Arthur Schneier, has worked on behalf of religious freedom, human rights and the protection of houses of worship. The Foundation advocates for mutual understanding and cooperation among people of faith and against bias, hatred and division. 

The post Archbishop Elpidophoros attends Appeal of Conscience Foundation gathering on safeguarding religious freedom appeared first on Orthodox Observer.

Faithful are invited to join His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America from Monday, October 19 through Friday, October 23, 2026 as he leads a historic pilgrimage commemorating the 35th anniversary of the enthronement of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

His Eminence will be joined by Archon National Commander Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis and the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Plans for this special pilgrimage are currently being finalized, with additional details to be announced in the coming weeks. Mark your calendars!

The post Celebrate the anniversary of His All-Holiness’s enthronement in Constantinople appeared first on Orthodox Observer.

WASHINGTON, D.C — At the invitation of Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Riley Barnes, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America visited the U.S. Department of State for a substantive and constructive meeting on issues of mutual concern.

There was a warm discussion on the protection and advancement of religious freedom, the longstanding efforts and very hopeful advancements in securing the reopening of the historic Theological School of Halki, and the importance of safeguarding the rights and institutions of religious communities throughout the world. His Eminence underscored the significance of Halki not only for the Ecumenical Patriarchate and global Orthodoxy, but also as an enduring matter of religious liberty and human rights.

The Archbishop and Assistant Secretary Barnes also discussed the situation facing Christians in the Middle East and the importance of ensuring the protection, security, and religious freedom of the region’s historic Christian communities. Their discussion emphasized the need to preserve the Christian presence in the lands where Christianity has flourished since apostolic times and to safeguard the ability of these communities to live, worship, and serve freely and in peace.

His Eminence expressed his appreciation to Assistant Secretary Barnes for the invitation and for the United States Government’s continued attention to matters affecting the Ecumenical Patriarchate and religious freedom more broadly. The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to continued dialogue and closer engagement, as well as to identifying concrete opportunities for cooperation on matters of shared concern.

The post Archbishop Elpidophoros meets with Assistant Secretary Riley Barnes appeared first on Orthodox Observer.

The Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake is seeking qualified proposals from experienced Iconographers, Iconostasis Makers, and Pangari Makers for a major restoration and renovation project at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Salt Lake City, Utah. 

In 2020, the Cathedral sustained structural damage that necessitates a comprehensive seismic upgrade. As part of this historic project, the Cathedral will be replacing its sacred iconography, iconostasis (icon screen), and pangaria located in the narthex. 

Interested individuals, studios, and firms are invited to review the Request for Proposal (RFP) and project specifications. 

For complete project details and RFP documents, visit:
www.gocslc.org/formsandnotices 

We welcome inquiries and proposals from qualified professionals with experience in Orthodox ecclesiastical art and craftsmanship. 

The post Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake seeks restoration proposals appeared first on Orthodox Observer.

Most Orthodox Christians in America have little experience of martyrdom. Inalienable religious freedom is a given. Almost all believers feel safe parking their cars outside of their churches, hanging crosses around their necks, and speaking openly about God in public.

But some are an exception. Elian Alkhoury knows martyrdom personally.

Born in Syria and now a Texan, Elian is an incoming college freshman at the University of Texas at Austin and a member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Dallas. This year, he competed in the senior division of the national St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival, held in Northridge, California in June. His speech—which he delivered in competition against eight other high school-aged national finalists—received an honorable mention, and responded to the prompt: “How does the witness of martyrs, both ancient and contemporary, strengthen and guide the Church today?”

Elian was drawn to the topic by a poignant personal connection.

In 2012 while living in Syria, Elian’s father was kidnapped off the street while leaving his dental clinic and detained. He was told that if he wished to be released, he must deny his Christian faith. He refused to do so. Eventually, family members paid a ransom to the kidnappers to free him, and he later moved to the United States with his wife and children.

Elian’s speech recounted his father’s story and through it, explored the meaning of martyrdom in the Orthodox Church. He reminded listeners of the striking, imperative reality of persecution, even though it often seems distant to twenty-first century Americans. Although his speech did not win a medal, it was received by those in attendance of the Festival with particular enthusiasm. Audience members found themselves deeply moved by the story and impressed by the 18-year-old’s eloquence.

When asked why he chose to speak on this topic, Elian remarked, “I’m passionate about it. This one stood out to me because I had a personal connection with it. From the beginning, I was just like, ‘Okay, this is my story. I’m telling [my audience] a story.’”

The St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival offers middle- and high school-aged Orthodox Christians a space in which they can delve into Faith as it applies to them individually, and where those stories are shared with peers, family, clergy, and the greater Orthodox community.This space continues to prove fruitful year after year. The young speakers of the Festival value this opportunity to declare Christ as they know Him, especially alongside one another. “We were all similar with our faith, we wanted to share our faith,” Elian said of his rivals at the national competition. “We felt passionate about speaking. Everyone was very strong. It was a great experience to get to know everyone and build a community.”

Composing a speech deeply rooted in his family’s story developed Elian’s personal faith, too. “I was able to process the nostalgic feelings of trusting God when my dad was kidnapped, and how my family had faith during his persecution. The speech showed me that we are really following our faith, and we have to trust it. It does make us stronger.”

“[I’m] going to a big college where you’re going to see literally every religion in the world, but the speech has brought me confidence in myself and confidence in my faith. I’m not going to lose sight.”

For most Orthodox Christians living in America, the thought of martyrdom doesn’t arise often. The conveniences of freedom of religion— blessings though they are— often leave the Church forgetful of the persecutions in her history and in her present. Elian’s speech reminded listeners that for 2,000 years, countless Christian like his father have risked everything for their Faith in the face of persecution.

“It’s really important for the young generation to understand how Orthodox Christians have lived throughout the years,” Elian remarked. “It’s important that we know our history. Our Church is a very strong Church.”

The opportunity to share his father’s story at the national Oratorical Festival has given Elian confidence and courage, he said. “It has made me even more sure about our faith, made me closer to our faith every single day.”

The post Young orator speaks on personal encounter with martyrdom at National Oratorical Festival appeared first on Orthodox Observer.

On Aug. 22, 2026, Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM) announced the upcoming launch of its new podcast, Prison Ministry Diaries. The announcement reads:

Not only is Prison Ministry Diaries the first-ever podcast of OCPM; it’s unlike anything else out there.

Fr. John Kowalczyk and Fr. Stephen Powley, OCPM Co-Directors of Training and Spiritual Care, are ready to share from their decades of experience at every security level. Even among the darkness of prison, Christ’s light is shining all the more. From navigating gang culture to what it takes to found a monastery in maximum security (true story), Fr. John and Fr. Stephen are your best possible coaches for how to do this ministry well. Tune in for sincere and often lighthearted conversations about what matters most.

New episodes air every two weeks. Subscribe to the podcast at https://ocpm.substack.com.

The post OCPM announces new podcast ‘Prison Ministry Diaries’ coming this fall appeared first on Orthodox Observer.

CYZICUS, TR – His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America joined His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on Sunday, August 23, 2026, for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at the historic ruins of the Patriarchal and Stavropegial Monastery of Panagia Phaneromeni in Cyzicus, on the occasion of the Apodosis, or Leave-taking, of the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos.

His All-Holiness presided over the Divine Liturgy, concelebrating with His Eminence Metropolitan Bartholomew of Smyrna and His Grace Bishop Nicholas of Amathus of the Church of Cyprus. His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America prayerfully attended the Divine Liturgy together with His Eminence Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon and His Eminence Metropolitan Maximos of Selyvria, as well as clergy, monastics, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, descendants of refugees from Artaki, and pilgrims from Constantinople, Imbros, Greece, and elsewhere.

The celebration at the ancient monastery was especially poignant, recalling the centuries during which Panagia Phaneromeni served as a beloved center of Orthodox Christian faith and pilgrimage for the faithful of Artaki, the peninsula of Cyzicus, and the wider region of the Sea of Marmara. Following the tragic events of 1922, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated again at the monastery in 2015, after 93 years of silence.

Speaking after the Divine Liturgy, His All-Holiness reflected with visible emotion upon returning once again to this sacred place, describing the monastery’s ruins as living witnesses to generations of faith, prayer, and devotion to the Most Holy Theotokos.

“And today, once again, we are here,” His All-Holiness proclaimed, giving thanks to God for the opportunity to celebrate the Leave-taking of the Dormition at the historic monastery. He recalled that the wonderworking icon of Panagia Phaneromeni, transferred from the monastery approximately a century ago, is preserved to this day at the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the Phanar, located opposite the Patriarchal Throne, where she continues to receive the prayers and supplicates on behalf, the Ecumenical Patriarch, the Mother Church of Constantinople, and all the faithful.

At the conclusion of the service, His All-Holiness offered a Trisagion for the repose of the soul of the late Ecumenical Patriarch Joachim III, who established the monastery as a Patriarchal Stavropegion in 1903, and for the souls of all those who served and sanctified this historic place through their prayer and ministry.

Following the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros offered a luncheon in honor of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the members of the Patriarchal delegation. The gathering provided an opportunity for fellowship following the deeply moving pilgrimage and celebration and was an expression of His Eminence’s filial love and profound respect for His All-Holiness. 

The significance of this sacred pilgrimage extends beyond the historic shores of Cyzicus. As Archbishop Elpidophoros prepares to return to the United States, he carries with him the venerable Patriarchal blessing of His All-Holiness, the living spirit of the Mother Church of Constantinople, and the prayerful intercessions offered before Panagia Phaneromeni, whose presence has sustained generations of the faithful through times of both joy and trial.

In returning to the Sacred Archdiocese, His Eminence brings these spiritual gifts to the dedicated clergy and faithful of America, renewing the bonds that unite them to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and to the sacred inheritance which continues to exude blessing, strength, and unwaning witness.

The post Archbishop Elpidophoros prayerfully joins Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for Divine Liturgy at Monastery of Panagia Phaneromeni appeared first on Orthodox Observer.

NEW YORK — Ioanna Antzouli-Giannopoulou, the longtime Director of Operations of Hellenic Public Radio–Cosmos FM and a beloved figure in New York’s Greek American community, passed away suddenly in her native Lamia, Greece, on Sunday, August 23, 2026—the day of her 72nd birthday.

Born in Lamia and raised in Athens, Giannopoulou moved with her family to Brooklyn in 1973. She studied English writing at New York University and earned a liberal arts degree from Brooklyn College.

After stepping away from radio to raise her two sons, George and Thomas, she served her beloved Three Hierarchs Greek Orthodox parish as Parent-Teacher Organization president, a School Board member, and a Philoptochos volunteer.

Giannopoulou joined the Greek American Educational Public Information System, Inc. (GAEPIS), the nonprofit organization operating Cosmos FM, as a volunteer in 2001. In 2006, she became Director of Operations. For more than two decades, she helped sustain Cosmos FM’s bilingual public-service mission and its work of preserving Hellenic culture, language, and identity. Producers and volunteers affectionately called her the station’s “Μάνα του Λόχου”—the caring, steadfast presence who held everyone together.

In 2018, the Association of Greek American Professional Women honored Giannopoulou with its Greek American Woman of the Year Award in recognition of her service to Cosmos FM and the broader community.

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America offered the following condolences:

“With profound sorrow, I learned of the sudden passing of Ioanna Giannopoulou. Through more than two decades of devoted service to Cosmos FM and GAEPIS, Ioanna helped sustain a vital voice of Hellenism in America and strengthened the bonds uniting our community with Greece. She served with faith, warmth, and tireless generosity, and her legacy will endure in the institution and the people she loved. On behalf of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, I extend heartfelt condolences to her sons, George and Thomas, to her entire family, and to the Cosmos FM and GAEPIS family. May her memory be eternal.”

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

The post Ioanna Giannopoulou, longtime Cosmos FM Director of Operations, passes away at 72 appeared first on Orthodox Observer.

Faithful are invited to join His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America from Monday, October 19 through Friday, October 23, 2026 as he leads a historic pilgrimage commemorating the 35th anniversary of the enthronement of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

His Eminence will be joined by Archon National Commander Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis and the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Plans for this special pilgrimage are currently being finalized, with additional details to be announced in the coming weeks. Mark your calendars!

The post Celebrate the anniversary of His All-Holiness’s enthronement in Constantinople appeared first on Orthodox Observer.

CYZICUS, TR – His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America joined His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on Sunday, August 23, 2026, for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at the historic ruins of the Patriarchal and Stavropegial Monastery of Panagia Phaneromeni in Cyzicus, on the occasion of the Apodosis, or Leave-taking, of the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos.

His All-Holiness presided over the Divine Liturgy, concelebrating with His Eminence Metropolitan Bartholomew of Smyrna and His Grace Bishop Nicholas of Amathus of the Church of Cyprus. His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America prayerfully attended the Divine Liturgy together with His Eminence Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon and His Eminence Metropolitan Maximos of Selyvria, as well as clergy, monastics, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, descendants of refugees from Artaki, and pilgrims from Constantinople, Imbros, Greece, and elsewhere.

The celebration at the ancient monastery was especially poignant, recalling the centuries during which Panagia Phaneromeni served as a beloved center of Orthodox Christian faith and pilgrimage for the faithful of Artaki, the peninsula of Cyzicus, and the wider region of the Sea of Marmara. Following the tragic events of 1922, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated again at the monastery in 2015, after 93 years of silence.

Speaking after the Divine Liturgy, His All-Holiness reflected with visible emotion upon returning once again to this sacred place, describing the monastery’s ruins as living witnesses to generations of faith, prayer, and devotion to the Most Holy Theotokos.

“And today, once again, we are here,” His All-Holiness proclaimed, giving thanks to God for the opportunity to celebrate the Leave-taking of the Dormition at the historic monastery. He recalled that the wonderworking icon of Panagia Phaneromeni, transferred from the monastery approximately a century ago, is preserved to this day at the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the Phanar, located opposite the Patriarchal Throne, where she continues to receive the prayers and supplicates on behalf, the Ecumenical Patriarch, the Mother Church of Constantinople, and all the faithful.

At the conclusion of the service, His All-Holiness offered a Trisagion for the repose of the soul of the late Ecumenical Patriarch Joachim III, who established the monastery as a Patriarchal Stavropegion in 1903, and for the souls of all those who served and sanctified this historic place through their prayer and ministry.

Following the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros offered a luncheon in honor of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the members of the Patriarchal delegation. The gathering provided an opportunity for fellowship following the deeply moving pilgrimage and celebration and was an expression of His Eminence’s filial love and profound respect for His All-Holiness. 

The significance of this sacred pilgrimage extends beyond the historic shores of Cyzicus. As Archbishop Elpidophoros prepares to return to the United States, he carries with him the venerable Patriarchal blessing of His All-Holiness, the living spirit of the Mother Church of Constantinople, and the prayerful intercessions offered before Panagia Phaneromeni, whose presence has sustained generations of the faithful through times of both joy and trial.

In returning to the Sacred Archdiocese, His Eminence brings these spiritual gifts to the dedicated clergy and faithful of America, renewing the bonds that unite them to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and to the sacred inheritance which continues to exude blessing, strength, and unwaning witness.

The post Archbishop Elpidophoros prayerfully joins Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for Divine Liturgy at Monastery of Panagia Phaneromeni appeared first on Orthodox Observer.