Celebrating Six Years of Archbishop Elpidophoros: A Call for Unity

Tarpon Springs, USA - Today marks a noteworthy milestone for the Orthodox community as we celebrate the six-year anniversary of Archbishop Elpidophoros of America’s enthronement. This significant event occurred on June 22, 2019, at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New York, NY. The ceremony was not just a local gathering; it drew Orthodox hierarchs, clergymen, laity from the archdiocese, and a wide array of faith leaders and civil authorities who came together to honor this momentous occasion. As Orthodox Times notes, it was an event marked by hope and a call for unity among the Orthodox faithful.

In his enthronement address, Archbishop Elpidophoros underscored the vital need for intra-Orthodox unity, which is a theme echoed throughout Christian history. The recent commemoration of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea last month serves as a poignant backdrop for this call to unity. The council, which took place in 325 AD, was pivotal in shaping Christian doctrine and establishing the Nicene Creed, a foundational statement of faith still recited in many Christian liturgies today. As outlined by GOARCH, this anniversary reminds us of not only our shared beliefs but the importance of dialogue and conciliarity among various Christian denominations.

A Lasting Legacy

The Council of Nicaea was convened by Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, aimed to tackle the heresy of Arianism, which asserted that Christ was a created being less than God the Father. With a remarkable turnout of over 300 bishops, the council aimed to establish a unified Christian creed and to resolve ongoing disputes regarding Christ’s nature. Catholic News Agency highlights that the almost unanimous decision reached there became a cornerstone of Christian belief, affirming that the Son is „true God from true God, begotten not made.“ This encapsulates the essence of Christ’s eternal relationship with the Father.

The Nicene Creed, developed at the council, not only brought clarity to centuries of theological debate but also laid the groundwork for future ecumenical discussions. This common thread of faith is woven into the very fabric of our Christian life today. Both Orthodox and Catholic communities recognize this foundational moment in Church history as a victory for unity in the midst of division, which echoes Archbishop Elpidophoros‘ ongoing efforts in fostering ecumenical dialogue and reconciliation as part of his ecclesiastical ministry.

Church Unity in Modern Times

On this anniversary, as we reflect on the importance of unity, Archbishop Elpidophoros calls us to focus on being “one and holy” as Orthodox Christians. His commitment to promoting Christian unity is as relevant today as during Constantine’s time, when divisions threatened the nascent Church. The legacy of the Council of Nicaea illustrates how important it is for Christians of all traditions to engage in dialogue and prayer as we seek a common identity in faith.

The Gospel reading for today from Matthew (4:18-23), which recounts the calling of Peter and Andrew, further symbolizes our shared mission as followers of Christ, echoing His call to spread the Good News and build a community of believers. As we look forward, it’s clear that the emphasis on togetherness remains crucial for the vitality of Orthodoxy in the modern world.

Each year, as we commemorate these historic milestones, it’s essential to recognize their significance in our ongoing quest for unity. Archbishop Elpidophoros‘ leadership heralds a bright future where different Christian traditions can come together more fully, embracing our shared beliefs while respecting our differences. Here’s to a future where the spirit of the Council of Nicaea continues to guide us towards greater unity and understanding.