The new Archbishop of America, Elpidophoros, gave his first interview to the newspaper of Greek expats, “The National Herald”.
In his interview, Elpidophoros talks about the Greek expats, the Ecumenical Patriarchate and his vision in the Archdiocese of America.
“To me, you are my pride, my praise, my spiritual children, my priceless colleagues, my co-travelers to the glory of God, and you will support me to enhance the edge of Orthodoxy of our Ecumenical Patriarchate” Elpidophoros said among others things.
The newly elected Archbishop also acknowledges that the Church of America faces serious problems, because the people have lost confidence in its administrative ability.
“The first thing we must achieve is to restore people’s trust in us. This depends on whether we shall start afresh the building of St. Nikolas Church. It is a matter of prestige”, explained the new Archbishop.
Elpidophoros continues to say that along with the blessings of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, he brings along with him in America the hopes of the Greeks of Constantinople for the reopening of Halki Seminary.
Furthermore, according to his interview, Elpidophoros intends to ask the hierarchs of America to cooperate, in a brotherly spirit, so as to approach a new generation of Orthodox Christians”.
Regarding Greek education, Elpidophoros answered that a middle way is to be found: “On the one hand, we must integrate in American society, but on the other we must not endanger our tradition nor deny our ancestry”.