Abp. Elpidophoros Unveils Vision for Greek Orthodox Archdiocese

Photo: Orthodox Observer/Facebook

PHOENIX, AZ — At the 35th Annual Leadership 100 Conference, His Eminence Abp. Elpidophoros of America outlined a transformative vision for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, emphasizing educational growth, institutional consolidation, and the defense of Orthodoxy against ideological extremism.

Addressing prominent Greek-American leaders, the Archbishop identified two major goals: transforming Hellenic College Holy Cross in Brookline, MA, into a full university; and acquiring St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church on Park Avenue in Manhattan for the relocation of the Archdiocesan Cathedral. “This school is the number one priority of our Church,” he declared, calling for the creation of the first Greek university in the United States. Regarding the cathedral move, he noted, “I think it’s time for us to move to St. Bartholomew’s. . . . Symbols matter in this country and in every country. This will make our Church one of the mainstream churches in the United States, respected and accepted by everyone.”

Abp. Elpidophoros also addressed the wave of converts, stating, “Our liturgical tradition is powerful. People searching for a path to faith are drawn to it. We are the Orthodox Church—the uninterrupted connection to Jesus Christ through the uninterrupted succession from the apostles to today.” He highlighted the need for unified catechesis and certified catechists to support the faithful.

On ethical challenges, he warned of Artificial Intelligence: “Up to now, technology was like a tool—it had a user, and we were the user. AI, for the first time in the history of humanity, is creating a tool that is growing independently, making decisions for us without us.”

On intra-Orthodox relations, he warned that tensions involving the Russian Orthodox Church risk fracturing Orthodox unity in the United States. He said the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops is working to preserve cooperation, and he expressed hope that a peace settlement in Ukraine could eventually foster reconciliation among Orthodox jurisdictions.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Abp. Elpidophoros highlighted the legacy of the Leadership 100 Conference. 

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