GOARCH Representative Attends Installation of Female Lutheran Bishop
Fr. Nicolas Kazarian can be seen in black on the left side. Photo: New Jersey Synod, ELCA
SOMERSET, N.J. — On Saturday, August 23, Fr. Nicolas Kazarian represented Archbishop Elpidophoros and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America at the installation of Bishop Christa Compton as head of the New Jersey Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The service took place at First Baptist Church in Somerset.
This was shared by the archdiocese's Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical, and Interfaith Relations.
Fr. Nicolas, who serves as Ecumenical Officer and Director of the department, attended as a guest without participating in the liturgical elements of the ceremony. Bishop Christa, elected June 7, 2025, has served since 2013 as pastor of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Chatham, N.J.
The installation service featured contributions from female clergy, Protestant worship music, liturgical dance, and concluded with Bishop Christa presiding over the Lutheran Eucharist. According to her parish, she emphasizes creating a welcoming church community, including for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Read also
ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill
Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown
Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.
Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions
A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.
Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law
Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.
Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment
The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.
Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful
Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.