Abp. Elpidophoros Calls Faithful to Compassion and Charity During Nativity
Abp. Elpidophoros urges the faithful to honor Christ’s Nativity by showing compassion and generosity to the marginalized, reminding the faithful that love for those in need reaches the newborn Savior Himself.
NEW YORK — Abp. Elpidophoros of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America issued his Nativity message calling the faithful to unite the joy of Christmas with compassion for those in need.
Reflecting on the Gospel account of Christ’s birth, the Archbishop recalled how the Holy Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph found no welcome in Bethlehem and were forced to shelter in a cave, laying the newborn Savior in a manger. He noted that the Holy Family were strangers far from home, a reality that mirrors the lives of many people today who are isolated, marginalized, or deprived of basic necessities such as food, shelter, medicine, and clothing.
During a season marked by celebration and generosity, Archbishop Elpidophoros urged believers to “adorn their souls” through charitable giving and service, whether through parish ministries, Philoptochos chapters, food banks, or other philanthropic efforts. He emphasized that acts of love offered to the suffering reach Christ Himself. The archbishop concluded by wishing all a blessed Christmas and a healthy New Year, proclaiming, “Christ is born! Glorify Him!”
Previously, the UOJ reported that Abp. Elpidophoros was honored at a record-breaking gala.
