His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America welcomed the Presidential Guard of the Hellenic Republic to a Doxology Service celebrating Greek Independence Day.  The service, held on April 12, 2024 at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine, is the first event of a weekend honoring the 203rd anniversary of freedom and independence of Greece from the Ottoman Empire. Following the Doxology, at Bowling Green, New York City Mayor Eric Adams offered his greeting to those who had braved the sudden torrential downpour to honor the raising of the flags of the United States and Greece.  This year’s celebration also recognized the 50th Anniversary of the illegal Turkish occupation of Cyprus. 

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America attended the Metropolis of New Jersey Clergy Laity Assembly and Philoptochos Convention hosted by His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey.  The meetings were held on April 9, 2024 at The Waterfall in Claymont, Delaware with almost 300 participants attending. 

Once again, on the hallowed Ground of the World Trade Center, we have the superlative honor of receiving the Presidential Φρουρά – the elite guard of the Hellenic Republic, who represent the glory of Greece throughout the entire world.

Message from Archbishop Elpidophoros of America for the Clergy-Laity Congress 2024

On Wednesday April 10, 2024, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America welcomed Fr. Apostolos Chasapis to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America headquarters. His Eminence appointed Fr. Chasapis as the new parish priest for Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Jackson Heights, New York. Chancellor of the Archdiocesan District Fr. Elias Villis was also present at the meeting.

Today, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, a Pre-Sanctified Liturgy and memorial service for Archbishop Iakovos of blessed memory was held at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Headquarters in the chapel of Saint Paul.

The faithful from Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church in Stockton, CA witnessed the ordination of Gabriel Cupsa to the Holy Diaconate by His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, on Saturday, March 9, 2024.

The Greek Village Immersion Camp is a successful and growing ministry of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco. This year’s Greek Village Immersion Camp, “To Elliniko Horio”, will be held June 16 – 22, 2024, at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA, for children ages 8 through 17.

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries welcomed Orthodox Young Adults from across the West Coast at a Lenten Retreat the weekend of Friday, March 22 – Sunday, March 24, 2024 at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA. Over forty young adults from all Orthodox traditions attended this event which focused on the retreat theme “Discovering Our Spiritual Heritage – The Ecumenical Patriarchate” with guest speaker Archon George Psefteas, member of the Metropolis of San Francisco Metropolis Council, Member of the Archdiocesan Council serving in the Finance Committee, and recent appointee to the Youth and Young Adult Ministries Committee of the Archdiocese.

On April 6, 2024, the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of Philadelphia and the Greater Delaware Valley presented its Eleftheria Medal to Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, Archon Megas Aktouarios, National Commander of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The Eleftheria Medal is given annually in honor of an individual who was perpetuated Hellenism.

New York – Yesterday, April 9, 2024, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and esteemed Greek Americans from New York, attended a reception, hosted by New York City Mayor Eric Adams at Gracie Mansion celebrating Greek Heritage. The annual event coincides with the New York City Greek Independence Day parade which will take place on Sunday, April 14 on 5th Avenue.   

Let us bow our heads in prayer:  

We give thanks to you, O God, for this day of celebration of Greece and Orthodoxy by the City of New York.

We express our gratitude to Mayor Adams, and to all his co-workers who serve the good people of New York.

Sustain their efforts.

Once again we are assembled for the Clergy Laity Assembly of the Holy Metropolis of New Jersey, and we convene with your new Metropolitan, His Eminence Apostolos. As you all know, his elevation to the Office of Metropolitan did not suddenly bring him into your lives. He served here with distinction and true pastoral ministry as an Auxiliary  Bishop. Now, he assumes all the responsibilities for your spiritual welfare.

Following the Christmas holiday distribution, the Hellenic Relief Foundation and their partner organization conducted two more distributions, on Feb. 13th and Mar. 22nd. As always, the H.R.F. ensures the provision of stable monthly food packages containing essential items such as flour, pasta, rice, legumes, oil, milk, tomato paste, and more. Along with the Social Committee of the Athenian Society and the N. Konstantopoulou Group, beneficiaries were also able to procure clothing and shoes.

On the Sunday of the Blind Man, Orthodox Christians are reminded of the work of Jesus as He healed the blind man by the pool. Jesus anointed the man's eyes with the clay, saying to him, “'Go, wash in the pool of Siloam.' So he went and washed and came back seeing" (John 9:1-38).

Did you know there are times to enter and to avoid entering the church during Divine Liturgy?

The OCPM community draws people from many diverse backgrounds, but even we were surprised to receive support from Claire. At only twelve years old, she emulates what it means to give from a pure spirit. "It's really important for people to know they are cared about, especially when they make bad decisions." Don't miss this humbling testimony from Claire, who, in supporting our brothers and sisters behind bars, is wise beyond her years

Nagla started volunteering with FOCUS in St. Louis in 2009. She still remembers the day the FOCUS director came to her church. When I asked her why she decided to volunteer she said, “Because I like to serve.” 

This week, find insights about the upcoming Gospel reading, where we learn about a boy possessed by an evil spirit and his desperate father who seeks help. But why were the disciples not able to cast out the evil spirit? And what does “I believe; Help my unbelief” mean? Also, how can we increase our trust in the Lord?

CHICAGO, IL—Greektown in Chicago was a wave of blue and white as Greek-Americans, Chicagoans, and spectators from near and far attended the Greek Heritage Parade to commemorate Greek Independence. Presented by The Federation of Hellenic-American Organizations (ENOSIS) and sponsored by Greektown Special Service Area #16, the Greek Heritage Parade has been established as one of the biggest annual events in the Chicago Greek community since its founding in the 1960s.