Phanar hierarch in USA: Ecumenism is needed by everyone called Christians

Archbishop Elpidophoros with clerics of the GOC in the state of New York. Photo: orthodoxtimes.com

Archbishop Elpidophoros of America paid a visit to the District Clergy Syndesmos at the Greek Orthodox Church of Our Saviour in Rye, New York on December 7, 2021. He said, among others, that “I was encouraged by the visit of Pope Francis to Greece, and the reception accorded to him both by the government – since he is technically a Head of State – and the Church”, reports orthodoxtimes website.

He noted that ecumenical dialogue is not an easy thing “because of the often heavy baggage of past sins – sins of both omission and commission” and referred to his participation in the recent conference of US Catholic bishops in Washington, DC. The Phanar hierarch called on the clergy of the Church of Greece to make an effort to participate in ecumenism. “The ecumenical endeavour is a must for all of us who call ourselves ‘Christians’,” said Archbishop Elpidophoros.

As reported, the Phanar hierarch in the United States called on Catholics and Orthodox Christians for a "dialogue of love".

Read also

Orthodox Bioethics Conference Makes Key Statements on Euthanasia

The 3rd International Bioethics Conference of the Ecumenical Patriarchate recently concluded in Crete.

ROCOR Parish in Wales Fundraising to Secure a Church

The parish is hoping to establish a permanent Orthodox church in Cardiff — a home of prayer, worship, and renewal for Wales, where the ancient faith once flourished.

UOC Priest: St. Gabriel of Georgia Healed Ukrainian Soldier

A serviceman - who had been unable to speak for nearly a year due to a concussion - began to speak again after an appearance of the Georgian saint.

2025 St. Herman Youth Conference to Be Held in NY This December

Annual gathering to bring together Orthodox youth from across North America for fellowship, worship, and spiritual growth.

HCHC Community Holds All-Night Vigil Honoring Philoptochos Society and Its Patron Saints

Special prayers offered for members of the National Board and all Philoptochos chapters in gratitude for their decades of support.

Georgian Church Resumes Construction After Miracle

The foundation of a church was blessed at Georgia's Oncology Center — construction resumes on the Church of Ss. Panteleimon the Healer and John the Baptist.