Bishops of the Permanent Synod Meet with Archbishop Elpidophoros in New York
On March 8, in New York, the Father and Head of the UGCC, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, and the bishops of the Permanent Synod paid a courtesy visit to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, headed by Archbishop Elpidophoros. The visit of the UGCC delegation to the Archdiocese of the Patriarchate of Constantinople took place in a spirit of ecumenical solidarity.
In welcoming the Head of the UGCC and members of the Permanent Synod, Archbishop Elpidophoros noted that this visit “signifies positive and considerable progress in the dialogue between our Churches and provides a firm basis for our common path toward unity and reconciliation.” He also added that the visit of the Ukrainian bishops gains even more significance against the backdrop of Russian aggression against Ukraine.
Archbishop Elpidophoros pointed out that the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Archdiocese of America “have stood staunchly with the Ukrainian people in the aftermath of Russia’s unjust invasion of Ukraine, offering prayers, support, and advocacy for peace and justice.”
“As we have just passed the second terrible anniversary of this invasion, we are deeply moved by the visit of Your Beatitude and the members of your Synod. Not only do you personally experience the daily injustice of this aggression, but you also continue to resist it,” the hierarch said.
Archbishop Elpidophoros added that the Orthodox Christians of the Ecumenical Patriarchate pray for peace, emphasizing that peace cannot be achieved only if there is justice. “We pray for peace with justice, for this senseless assault in Ukraine ceases once and for all. This is our prayer!” the spiritual leader said.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav discussed with Archbishop Elpidophoros the sufferings endured by the people in Ukraine and the ministry of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in times of war. Additionally, the bishops from Germany, Poland, and the United States spoke about the spiritual care of refugees in their respective countries.
Bishop Bohdan Dzyurakh, specifically, noted that, in his opinion, most Ukrainians who have come to Germany will stay here for a long time or permanently. Consequently, the Church is developing its pastoral ministry for the long term. The bishop emphasized that ministry to people affected by the war should encompass three levels: social, psychological, and spiritual. “Therefore, the role of the Church in the process of healing the wounds of war is pivotal,” Bishop Bohdan said.
According to Bishop Włodzimierz Juszczak many Ukrainians will also remain in Poland. “There are about 200 parishes in three eparchies in Poland, most of which were founded in the last two years. Now we are doing everything to ensure that Ukrainians who remain in Poland do not lose their church and national identity,” said the Bishop of Wrocław-Koszalin.
Bishop Borys Gudziak addressed the particularities of pastoral care in the United States. “We aspire to pray, to be the voice of Ukraine to the world, and to raise resources to aid people affected by the war in Ukraine. Thanks to the solidarity of compassionate people, no one in Ukraine died of hunger or freezing temperatures, as the enemy had intended,” said the Metropolitan of Philadelphia.
Archbishop Elpidophoros stated that the most serious crime, committed by the leaders of the Russian Orthodox Church, is their support and even incitement of Russian aggression, calling it heresy.
“Ukraine is very important for the whole world — for Americans, Greeks, Orthodox, Christians, and ultimately for all people. That is why I often remind people that Ukraine needs support,” the hierarch added.
In conclusion, His Beatitude Sviatoslav conveyed through Archbishop Elpidophoros his heartfelt greetings to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
The UGCC Department for Information
