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.

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