PITTSBURGH. Vicar Participates in Fourth Synaxis of Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the United States

October 6 — The Fourth Synaxis of the Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the United States was held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The Synaxis was presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Twelve hierarchs representing various dioceses and jurisdictions of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the United States participated in the gathering, including the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, and the Albanian Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

Among those participating in the Synaxis were Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh, Metropolitan Sebastian of Atlanta, Metropolitan Athenagoras of New Jersey, Metropolitan Gregory of Nicaea, Archbishop Daniel of Pamphylia, and Bishops Spyridon of Amastris, John of Phocaea, Theophan of Philadelphia, Nektarios of Diokleia, and Anthony of Synada.

The Slavic Orthodox Vicariate of America was represented at the gathering by its Vicar, Bishop-elect Alexander of Nicopolis.

In his message to the participants of the Synaxis, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew emphasized the importance of fraternal relations among the hierarchs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Such relations strengthen their common ministry within the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States and foster cooperation with other Orthodox communities throughout the country. The Ecumenical Patriarch noted that the unity of the Church remains a solemn and abiding responsibility of the hierarchs, while mutual trust, the common resolution of pastoral concerns, and the expression of brotherly love strengthen the witness of the Orthodox Church in the contemporary world.

Addressing those gathered, Archbishop Elpidophoros emphasized the particular responsibility of the hierarchs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to uphold the decisions and traditions of the Church. He also underscored the importance of their common ministry and the many forms of pastoral and missionary work that contribute to the life of Orthodox Christians throughout the United States.

During the Synaxis, the hierarchs discussed matters concerning the life and development of their respective dioceses and shared information regarding various areas of ecclesiastical ministry.

In his report, Archimandrite Alexander, Vicar of the Slavic Orthodox Vicariate, presented the principal areas of the Vicariate’s ministry and development since the previous Synaxis.

The Slavic Orthodox Vicariate of America continues to strengthen its existing parishes and expand its clergy. Particular attention is being given to the development of its churches and to creating the necessary conditions for a flourishing parish life. The Vicariate also continues its efforts to establish new Slavic Orthodox communities in areas where there is a need for Orthodox pastoral care among the faithful of Slavic tradition. This year, for the first time, the Vicariate sent a parishioner who is a candidate for the diaconate to receive theological education at one of the seminaries in the United States. At present, the Vicariate consists of 11 parishes served by 27 clergy members: 22 priests, two deacons, and three nuns.

At the conclusion of his report, Bishop-elect Alexander expressed his deep gratitude to Archbishop Elpidophoros of America for his prayers, attention, assistance, and support for the Slavic Orthodox Vicariate, its clergy, and its parish communities. Through this support, the Vicariate continues to grow, strengthen its existing parishes, and create new opportunities for Orthodox Christians of Slavic tradition to worship and preserve their spiritual and liturgical traditions in America.

Archbishop Elpidophoros thanked the Vicar and, through him, the clergy and faithful of the Vicariate for their efforts to foster and strengthen Orthodoxy in America.