Archbishop Elpidophoros Begins Largest-Ever Clergy-Laity Conference

Archbishop of the Americas Elpidophoros is looking forward to hosting the largest-ever conference for both clergy and laity that has ever been held in the 98-year-long history of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in America.

Due to coronavirus concerns, the much-anticipated meeting this year will be strictly virtual — but that is what makes it possible for such a large number to attend the annual event.

This Wednesday, September 9, the Greek Orthodox Archbishop will convene the annual conference, which has in the past only been attended by those who can afford to travel to the hosting venue.

At noon on that day, Archbishop Elpidophoros will welcome over 1,100 delegates from coast to coast, who will join together in an unprecedented event. Although other in-person Congresses have been attended by more people, the Archdiocese said in a statement, none to date has had this number of delegates who are actually going to participate in the work of the Congress.

After having just returned from a long visit to the Phanar, the Archbishop issued the following statement:

“If anyone doubts the vitality of the Greek Orthodox Church of America – particularly in this time of COVID, let them consider the historic registration for this first-ever Virtual Clergy-Laity Congress. I am very proud of our Parishes and their leadership around the country and the staff of the Archdiocese who have labored so intensively to make this 45th Congress possible.

“Our theme, “…The Greatest of These is Love” (1 Cor. 13:13), is clearly manifest in the dedication and energy that is being poured into this most important gathering of our Ekklesia. Together, as the one Body of Christ, we face our many challenges are building a future that will brighter than ever for generations to come.”

The 45th annual Greek Orthodox Archdiocese virtual Clergy-Laity Congress will take place over two days, September 9th and 10th, concluding with the customary Plenary on the afternoon of Thursday the 10th. All the customary social events and networking opportunities usually associated with this large gathering of faithful have of course been postponed until the pandemic is over.