October 02
Archepiscopal Encyclical for the Commemoration of the Asia Minor Holocaust
09/25/2022
This month of September is replete with commemorations that define us as a People, even as they are hard to bear because of the loss and devastation. We just passed the twenty-first memorial of September Eleventh, and we are now upon the one hundredth anniversary of the Asia Minor Holocaust that cost so many lives and changed the face of the Greeks across the Hellespont in Pontos and the coasts of Asia Minor.
Remarks and Invocation At the Luncheon Offered by the Greek-American Community In Honor of His Excellency Kyriakos Mitsotakis tsotakis, Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic
09/21/2022
I know that I speak for everyone in this room, when I say that we are all so very pleased to have this opportunity to share the afternoon with you, especially in the very busy days of the United Nations General Assembly.
Homily at the Κατάδυσις of the Precious Cross on the Sunday after the Exaltation (Ocean Grove, NJ)
09/18/2022
This hallowed tradition of the Κατάδυσις of the Precious Cross, here in New Jersey, is a most venerable praxis, dating back seventy-five years, which is three quarters of the life of our Sacred Archdiocese. Instituted in Asbury Park in 1947, by the late Archbishop Athenagoras of North and South America, and later Ecumenical Patriarch, the Holy Cross Celebration and Blessing of the Waters is truly a global event.
Remarks at the Service of Agiasmos— The Greek-American Institute at Zoodochos Peghe
09/20/2022
I am delighted to be with you today, to help you commence this academic year with the Servie of Agiasmos, in order to sanctify and bless all of your efforts here at the wonderful Greek-American Institute at our precious Parish of Zoodochos Peghe.
Benediction at the 57th Appeal of Conscience Annual Awards Virtual Event
09/20/2022
Let us close our fellowship this evening with a prayer – including a silent and respectful remembrance of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Ábe, last year’s World Statesman Awardee, who was cruelly and all too soon taken from us. Please bow your heads with me for a moment in honor of his soul. (Pause for ten seconds.)
Remarks at Centennial Banquet, Saint Demetrios Community Center, Seattle
09/26/2022
Given the coincidence, I look at the Saint Demetrios Parish here in Seattle as a microcosm of the Archdiocese. You are a Parish that is full of vibrancy and energy. Your liturgical schedule is lively. Your numbers – both of the stewardship ministries and Philoptochos – are impressive. Your activities for youth, seniors, and especially the fellowship groups – demonstrate a sincere and successful program of outreach to all the constituencies of the Parish. But above all of these marvelous aspects of Parish life, there is one thing that impresses me the most: the pairing of your Mission Statement and your Vision Statement.
Greetings and Toast At the Luncheon Hosted by the Archons of the Throne, Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
09/25/2022
Anytime that I find myself in the company of the Order of Saint Andrew, our much beloved and deeply cherished body of Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate here in America, I feel tremendous pride and great happiness.
As you know, the Archons are a special group of people in the life of the Church. By their very offikia, they take upon themselves duties and responsibilities to the Mother Church of Constantinople that are essential for Her health and prosperity.
Homily at the Divine Liturgy Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church Seattle, Washington
09/26/2022
The Divine Liturgy is the final point in our arc of celebration for this Centennial Weekend. We come together as a community, and as more than what we can perceive with our senses. For in the Eucharist, when we ‘do this in remembrance of Him,’ we step into God’s time – His Kairos, the Eternal Now where all is present, and all is possible.
Homily At the Service of Great Vespers, Saint Demetrios Church, Seattle
09/25/2022
I am so very happy to be sharing this celebratory centenary weekend with your parish, and with the wider Orthodox Community of Seattle. I must stress that your parish and the Archdiocese are the same age! One hundred years young – each one!