Abp. Elpidophoros Highlights Legacy of Leadership 100 at Phoenix Conference

Photo: Orthodox Observer/Dimitrios Panagos

PHOENIX, AZ — His Eminence Abp. Elpidophoros of America delivered an archpastoral address at the 35th Annual Leadership 100 Conference on February 5, reflecting on the legacy of Abp. Iakovos of blessed memory and the continuing influence of the Abp. Iakovos Leadership 100 Fund on the life of the Church.

Addressing conference participants, Abp. Elpidophoros recalled that Leadership 100 was the vision of Abp. Iakovos, who gathered Greek-American business leaders to support the Church through sustained stewardship. He noted that over four decades the Fund has distributed nearly $83 million, grown to nearly $130 million in value, and expanded to more than 1,400 members—an achievement he described as unprecedented in modern Orthodoxy.

Turning to contemporary challenges, the Archbishop warned that technology, including smartphones and artificial intelligence, risks diminishing human presence, discipline, and creativity. He urged the faithful to reclaim genuine communion and to guide technology with God-given reason and discernment.

The Archbishop also thanked longtime leaders of Leadership 100, particularly Executive Director Paulette Poulos, and concluded by calling the organization to carry its legacy forward with renewed faith and service.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Abp. Elpidophoros presided at the Feast of the Three Hierarchs.

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