Orthodox Observer

Orthodox Observer c. 1931 — Official News Outlet for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America under the leadership of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.

07/06/2025
With a heart weighed down by grief and sorrow, I offer the prayers of the entire Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America f...
07/05/2025

With a heart weighed down by grief and sorrow, I offer the prayers of the entire Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America for the victims of the devastating floods that have brought unspeakable tragedy to Central Texas.

We mourn the lives that have been lost—especially the innocent children whose bright hopes were extinguished in the deluge. Their pain is not distant from us. It pierces our hearts, for every child belongs to us all, and in every bereaved parent, we see the Theotokos herself, standing at the Cross.

To those still awaiting word on missing loved ones, especially the families of the young girls from Camp Mystic, we share in your agony. We fervently beseech our Lord Jesus Christ to guard and guide those who are still unaccounted for. May His divine mercy surround the rescue workers who press forward.

Photo: Orthodox Observer/SS.

On our Nation’s Birthday, when the entire world and our Country yearn for truth and peace — the firm and unyielding hall...
07/04/2025

On our Nation’s Birthday, when the entire world and our Country yearn for truth and peace — the firm and unyielding hallmarks of a genuine life in Christ — let us commit to truly being Christ’s followers. The Lord understands our need for freedom and knowledge, but He bestows them upon us in proportion to the measure of our faithfulness and the good deeds that we perform as His servants. Let us, therefore, strive to be honest disciples of His Divine Word, so that we may “know the truth” (John 8:32) and be truly free!

Photo: Orthodox Observer/Brittainy Newman.

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America announces the appointment of Archon Carl R. Hollister as Executive Direc...
07/03/2025

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America announces the appointment of Archon Carl R. Hollister as Executive Director of St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine in St. Augustine, FL. This appointment will begin in August and follow the retirement of Polexeni Maouris Hillier, who has served at the helm of St. Photios Shrine since 2005.

In announcing this appointment, Archbishop Elpidophoros wrote to Carl stating, “Your experience as a Trustee proves that you are qualified to work for the Shrine's growth and expansion. This precious National Institution serves as a beacon of our proud history and shared heritage as Greek Americans. Together with your leadership, we can continue upbuilding it as an inspirational symbol of our community's unwavering resilience and faith. Therefore, I am confident that you will assume this responsibility with much enthusiasm and appreciation.”

Carl's relationship with St. Photios Shrine began in 2017 when he served on the St. Photios Foundation during his tenure as the AHEPA Supreme President. Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit appointed then Carl to the St. Photios Foundation in 2019 to represent the Metropolis. Mr. Hollister is a retired U.S. Army Officer who, during his 21-year tenure, was awarded the Bronze Star in 2005. He has extensive experience in the securities industry, and served as President of L.M. Kohn & Company, located in Cincinnati, Ohio. A dedicated defender of the Greek Orthodox Church, Carl has served in leadership roles in the Church and its institutions in his community, including with the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the Metropolis. Carl and his wife, Cynthia, who are now both retired, have chosen their next chapter to be one of service to St. Photios National Shrine.

✍️: St. Photios National Shrine; 📸: Orthodox Observer/Dimitrios Panagos.

📸 Photos from Sessions 1 & 2 at Fanari Camp, the summer camping ministry of the Metropolis of Chicago in Lombard, Illino...
07/03/2025

📸 Photos from Sessions 1 & 2 at Fanari Camp, the summer camping ministry of the Metropolis of Chicago in Lombard, Illinois.

Photos: Metropolis of Chicago Y2AM.

His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is not just a powerful and prophetic voice for peace and reconciliatio...
07/02/2025

His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is not just a powerful and prophetic voice for peace and reconciliation, and for stewardship of the natural environment. He is also, among many other things, a strong advocate for the importance of the arts and literature, saying that “there are dimensions of human life inaccessible to scientific knowledge and to all forms of objectification,” and describing poetry as an “invaluable gift from heaven to humanity.”

Demonstrating a profound and poetic sensibility himself, the Ecumenical Patriarch explained that “beyond self-interest and measurable reality, there exists the dimension of depth—the ‘profound mystery of the world,’ which, as the great theologian Fr. Alexander Schmemann wrote, ‘is revealed to saints, children, and poets’ (Feast, Akritas Publications, Athens 1997, p. 64).”

Poetry, said His All-Holiness, “is the realm where ‘numbers have nothing to say,’ where there is no place for those who ‘view the blossoming almond tree through the eyes of a woodcutter.’” This realm, he added, is the one in which the human soul encounters its Creator: “In this sense, every true believer is also a poet—one who is deeply moved by the mystery of divine glory. When we speak of Christ, the ‘Logos in the beginning,’ who became one with humanity to open the way to eternal life, our words become poetry, hymn, and doxology.”

Theology itself, His All-Holiness, was fundamentally a poetic endeavor: “The language of theology has never been mere information ‘about God’; it has always been poetic, heartfelt, and infused with spiritual beauty. Let us remember that the hymnographic texts of our Church are a literary marvel. There is never banality in the ecclesiastical language. For this reason, it is unimaginable to conceive of a true believer who does not also cherish literature and poetry.”

Further explaining the connection between theology and poetry on another occasion, His All-Holiness said: “Theology has never been mere ‘detached information’ about God. It is impossible to speak of the God of love and humanity’s unquenchable longing for eternity without our words becoming poetry and praise. There is no dullness in matters of faith. The hymnography of our Church is a literary marvel, a sublime hymn to the power and beauty of the Greek language. In general, authentic theological texts are closer to poetry than to prose.”

In this connection, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has praised in particular the work of three modern Greek poets: Kiki Dimoula (1931-2020); Odysseus Elytis (1911-1996); and George Seferis (1900-1971). His All-Holiness observed that “in the modern world of technocracy, economics, numbers, and quantitative criteria, our poets speak about the incomparable values of our tradition, about Europe, about culture, about art, which magnifies the mystery of the world, sharpens the sense of beauty and the truth of things.”

Of the poetry of Kiki Dimoula, the Ecumenical Patriarch said: “Her poetry delights our linguistic and literary sensibilities, our intellect, and our heart; it touches the most sensitive chords of the human soul.” He emphasized that “our era and modern society are in great need of poets with an imaginative mind, a sensitive soul, and a penetrating gaze, like Kiki Dimoula.”

His All-Holiness noted that the Greek language “has been and remains the voice of the native inhabitants of this City—the City of Archbishops Gregory the Theologian, the poet of theology, and John Chrysostom, ‘golden-tongued,’ the ‘Demosthenes of the Church’; the polymath Patriarch Photius the Great; hymnographers, poets, philosophers, and scholars of our Nation. We are all called to a shared effort so that future generations may also enjoy our poets and prose writers, the hymnographic texts of our Church, and take pride in the wealth of our language and culture. In this noble struggle, let us not forget that as bearers of a great spiritual heritage, ‘to whom much is given, from them much will be required,’ in accordance with the biblical verse: ‘To whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required’ (Luke 12:48).

As Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, we are deeply grateful to Almighty God that He has given us the immense blessing and responsibility of being guardians and protectors of this great spiritual heritage. Let us all hear and redouble our efforts to heed His All-Holiness’ call to take part in “a shared effort so that future generations may also enjoy our poets and prose writers, the hymnographic texts of our Church, and take pride in the wealth of our language and culture.”

✍️: Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate; 📸: Orthodox Observer/Brittainy Newman.

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America made a deeply inspiring visit on July 1, 2025 to Camp Saint Paul in Litc...
07/02/2025

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America made a deeply inspiring visit on July 1, 2025 to Camp Saint Paul in Litchfield, Connecticut, the camping ministry of the Archdiocesan District. Now in its twentieth year, Camp Saint Paul welcomed 185 campers for His Eminence's visit to Session 2 and over sixty-five dedicated young adult staff members for a summer of spiritual growth, fellowship, and joyful service to Christ. The Archbishop was greeted with enthusiasm and love as he spent time with the campers, joined in meals, and offered his paternal blessings to all in addition to gifting a visit from the ice-cream truck for all campers and staff. His presence reminded everyone of the sacred responsibility and beauty of youth ministry, especially as it flourishes in the natural surroundings of this beloved camp.

Drawn from the Gospel of Mark, this year’s theme “I believe, Lord; help my unbelief” resonates deeply in every chapel service, small group session, and quiet moment of reflection throughout the week. His Eminence spoke to the heart of this theme during his visit, reminding the campers that doubt is not the opposite of faith, but often a step toward deeper belief. He encouraged each young person to be open and courageous in their spiritual journey, assuring them that Christ meets us precisely in those places of questioning and searching.

Reflecting on the powerful experience of camp life, Archbishop Elpidophoros shared, “In the midst of God’s creation, we not only witness the beauty of the world He has made, but we also discover the beauty He is creating within each of us. Here, surrounded by trees and lakes, laughter and prayer, we are reminded that faith is not built alone and it grows in community, in love, and in truth.” His words captured the essence of Camp Saint Paul: a place where hearts are turned toward Christ, friendships are sanctified, and the Church’s future is being shaped with our home in them. Over five weeks, Camp Saint reach will reach 700 campers with the help and dedication of 130 young adult staff.

✍️: Direct Archdiocesan District; 📸: Orthodox Observer/Dimitrios Panagos.

Last week, on June 26, 2025 His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America visited St. Vartan Armenian Apostolic Cathed...
07/01/2025

Last week, on June 26, 2025 His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America visited St. Vartan Armenian Apostolic Cathedral in New York, New York, where he participated in a luncheon welcoming to the city His Beatitude Patriarch Sahak II. Also in attendance at this welcome was His Eminence Cardinal Dolan, Roman Catholic Archbishop of New York.

On Tuesday, June 30, 2025, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America warmly received His Beatitude Patriarch Sahak II, at the Archdiocesan Headquarters in New York. The meeting celebrated the historic and enduring friendship between the Greek Orthodox and Armenian Churches, reaffirming a shared commitment to Christian unity in an increasingly fragmented world.

Archbishop Elpidophoros stressed to His Beatitude that "especially now, when our fellow Christians are under attack in the Middle East, the solidarity of the Orthodox, Armenian, Syrian, and Coptic Churches is more vital than ever." Their conversation addressed the spiritual and pastoral challenges faced by Christian communities living as religious minorities, particularly in the Middle East and the Caucasus. Both hierarchs voiced deep concern over the steady erosion of Christian presence in these regions, as well as the unique pressures facing younger generations amid widespread misinformation and secularization. Among the key topics discussed were interfaith relations and, above all, the urgent need to deepen theological education as a foundation for resilient and informed Christian witness.

His Beatitude Patriarch Sahak II was accompanied by His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church in America; Very Rev. Haroutiun Damadian, Patriarch’s Staff Bearer and Rev. Fr. Armash Bagdasarian from Philadelphia, vice chair of Patriarchal visit committee. Joining His Emienence Archbishop Elpidophoros for the occasion were His Grace Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos and His Grace Bishop Nektarios of Diokleia.

Photos: Orthodox Observer/Dimitrios Panagos.

A team of twenty-one faithful parishioners from Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church in Boca Raton, Florida, led by His Emin...
07/01/2025

A team of twenty-one faithful parishioners from Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church in Boca Raton, Florida, led by His Eminence Metropolitan Sevastianos of Atlanta, parish priest Fr. Mark Leondis and OCMC (Orthodox Christian Mission Center) Development Director, Dan Christopulos, recently returned from a transformational mission pilgrimage to Kenya, where they celebrated the consecration of the newly built Saint Mark Orthodox Cathedral in Kapsabet. The delegation represented nearly 800 families of the Saint Mark Church who had prayed for, funded, and spiritually supported the building of this sister church through a partnership with OCMC.

This historic journey was graced by the presence of Fr. Vasile Bitere of Augusta, Georgia. His Eminence noted: “I could not be more proud of the faithful of Saint Mark Church in Boca Raton. Their unwavering love for the Lord and commitment to spreading the Gospel have brought hope, joy, and light to our Orthodox brothers and sisters in Kenya. To consecrate this cathedral and witness such profound faith in action was a moving experience. It was also a personal blessing to spend time with my dear friend, Archbishop Makarios, whose decades of service have inspired countless souls. This mission truly touched my heart.”

They served at the consecration alongside the Archbishop of Nairobi, who represented the His Holiness, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, Theodoros II, along with Hierarchs from Kenya and Uganda, the local Bishop, Neofitos of Eldoret, as well as 50 clergy. The cathedral was constructed as a living expression of the love and generosity of the Saint Mark parish, and now stands as a vibrant beacon of Orthodoxy in Kenya.

The idea to build a sister church in Kenya was born a few years ago when the faithful of Saint Mark felt called to extend their parish’s witness beyond borders. For the past year and a half, the Saint Mark faithful fundraised, held events and raised awareness. In collaboration with OCMC and under the local episcopal care of Bishop Neofitos, the vision took shape—culminating in the construction and now consecration of the Saint Mark Cathedral in Kapsabet.

The pilgrimage was rich with spiritual depth, cultural immersion, and heartfelt service. Some of the highlights were:

* Consecration of Saint Mark Cathedral – Almost 2,000 faithful gathered for the consecration services, which were filled with joy, traditional Kenyan Orthodox music and dance, and a deep spirit of prayer and celebration.
* Visit to Archbishop Makarios III Patriarchal Seminary in Nairobi – faithful met with seminarians, saw the translation department, visited the primary school and newly built OCMC dormitories that will help bring income to the seminary, and learned about the theological education shaping the next generation of Orthodox clergy in Africa.
* Mission Work with Schools and Children – The team visited several mission schools, bringing supplies, sponsoring meals for over 800 children, and sharing moments of joy through music, dance, and fellowship.
* Overnight at the Masai Mara, safari and visit to a traditional Masai village.
* Evening with Archbishop Makarios – His Eminence shared stories from his five decades of missionary service, leaving a lasting impression on the group.

“This journey reminded us that the Church is truly One—across oceans, cultures, and languages. We were humbled and blessed to walk with our brothers and sisters in Kenya,” said Fr. Mark Leondis, Priest of Saint Mark in Boca. During his talk at the Consecration, Fr. Mark stated, “Although we are 12,752 kilometers away, we are united through the Chalice. And together, we are the Saint Mark family. This is not the end of our relationship, but the beginning of a lifelong connection in Christ.”

The Saint Mark Mission Pilgrimage stands as a powerful witness of Christian love in action—rooted in worship, extended through service, and made holy through fellowship with Christ and His people around the world. Indeed this adventure fulfilled the Saint Mark Mission to be “a pillar of Orthodoxy Christianity in South Florida, nurturing, strengthening, transforming and sharing our Faith in Jesus Christ, ‘glorifying God by loving one another as Christ loves us.” (John 13:34)

✍️: St. Mark Church; 📸: St. Mark Church.

📸 Photos from Weeks 1 & 2 at the Metropolis of Pittsburgh Summer Camp at Camp Nazareth in Mercer, Pennsylvania.Photos: M...
07/01/2025

📸 Photos from Weeks 1 & 2 at the Metropolis of Pittsburgh Summer Camp at Camp Nazareth in Mercer, Pennsylvania.

Photos: Metropolis of Pittsburgh Y2AM.

Yesterday, June 29, 2025, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America visited St. Paul Greek Orthodox Cathedral in H...
06/30/2025

Yesterday, June 29, 2025, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America visited St. Paul Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Hempstead, New York, where he presided over the Divine Liturgy for the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul as well as the ordination of Dn. Flavianos Katerinakis to the priesthood. Additional clergy in attendance included Chancellor of the Direct Archdiocesan District Rev. Elias Villis; Proistamenos of the Cathedral Rev. Demetrios Kazakis; and the V. Rev. Arch. Bartholomew Mercado.

Reflecting on the feast-day, Fr. Flavianos's ordination to the priesthood, and Fr. Demetrios's installation as Cathedral Dean, His Eminence remarked:

"Indeed, two are better than one – especially in times of pressing need; and with this ordination of Deacon Flavianos today, and the official installation of Father Demetrios as your Proïstamenos, the Cathedral of Saint Paul can expect the good rewards for their synergistic and coordinated labors on behalf of all of you...For to work in harmony with your fellow presbyters, and to seek the common mission of the salvation of souls, is the model which has been established by the great Chiefs of the Apostles, Saints Peter and Paul...There can be no competition for clergy, because their purpose is diakonia – both in obedience to their Hierarch and to the Tradition of the Church, and in their ministry among the Faithful."

Axios!

Photos: Orthodox Observer/Dimitrios Panagos.

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