His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America paid his first official visit to the new United States Ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle, on Wednesday afternoon. Ambassador Guilfoyle received the Archbishop at Jefferson House, the official residence and reception venue of the American envoy to Athens. Their discussion, lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes, focused on the renewed hopes for the reopening of the Holy Theological School of Halki, the recent 1,700th-anniversary celebrations of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, and matters concerning the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
First Official Encounter in Athens
Although Archbishop Elpidophoros and Ambassador Guilfoyle had met previously in Washington, this marked their first official meeting since Ambassador Guilfoyle formally assumed her post and presented her credentials in Athens on November 4.
Archbishop Elpidophoros conveyed his optimism for a successful resolution to the ongoing efforts to reopen the Halki seminary. The seminary, a vital institution for the Ecumenical Patriarchate, has remained closed by Turkish authorities since 1971.
Halki Seminary: A Pillar of Orthodox Education
His Eminence emphasized that Halki is indispensable to the life of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He stressed that, if reopened, the school would once again educate generations of clergy “steeped in an ethos of freedom, inclusiveness, tolerance and dialogue.” This formation, he noted, would benefit not only the Ecumenical Patriarchate but also the broader Orthodox and Christian world. The Archbishop highlighted that the reopening of Halki is also a matter of concern for the United States, which has consistently linked support for the seminary to broader commitments regarding religious liberty.
Ecumenical Celebrations and Joint Declarations
The conversation also touched upon the recent ecumenical celebrations commemorating the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea. These celebrations were highlighted by the prayers of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and His Holiness Pope Leo XIV in Iznik (ancient Nicaea), followed by their gathering at the Phanar for Great Vespers and the Divine Liturgy in the Patriarchal Church of St. George. The conclusion of these events saw the signing of a significant joint declaration.
Archbishop’s US Citizenship and Pastoral Role
Ambassador Guilfoyle extended her congratulations to Archbishop Elpidophoros on his recent naturalization as an American citizen, which took place in New York on November 10. The Archbishop responded that receiving U.S. citizenship was both a personal joy and a pastoral responsibility. Reaffirming a message he shared with the faithful last month, he stated that this solemn moment filled his heart with joy and renewed purpose. He further explained that American citizenship would enable him to serve both the Church and the wider society of his adopted country with even greater dedication.
Strengthening US-Greek Relations
Ambassador Guilfoyle, in turn, expressed her appreciation for the warm reception she has received in Greece. She reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to working diligently for the mutual benefit of both the United States and Greece. His Eminence conveyed his sincere conviction that Ambassador Guilfoyle’s evident enthusiasm for her new post would lead to a fruitful and constructive ambassadorship. This is particularly significant, he added, at a time when U.S.-Greek relations are brimming with opportunities.
Source: https://orthodoxobserver.org/archbishop-elpidophoros-visits-ambassador-guilfoyle-in-athens/
