Abp. Elpidophoros Calls Churches to Embrace Diversity

Photo: orthodoxobserver.org

NEW YORK — An ecumenical prayer service was held on January 29 at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity as part of the World Council of Churches’ 58th annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, drawing clergy and faithful from multiple Christian traditions.

The service followed this year’s theme from Ephesians 4:4, “There is one body and one Spirit,” and included prayers from the Armenian Apostolic tradition, as well as chanting by the Archdiocesan Cathedral Choir and the St. Vartan Cathedral Choir. Abp. Elpidophoros of America addressed the gathering, emphasizing unity amid diversity.

“To move beyond our ecclesial insularity,” Abp. Elpidophoros said, “we must endeavor to intentionally embrace the diversity that already exists in the Body of Christ.” Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Apostolic Administrator of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York, delivered the homily, stressing that Christians are most united through shared faith in Christ’s Cross amid global suffering and division.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Abp. Elpidophoros claimed that the UOC's appeal for help in the midst of persecution lacked credibility without commemoration of Patr. Bartholomew. 

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