Slavic Vicariate Congratulates Archbishop Elpidophoros on his Name Day

On November 2, the Church commemorates the 4th century Persian martyrs SS. Acindynos, Pegasios, Aphthonios, Elpidophoros, and Anempodistus.  The Greek translations of their Persian names are instructive.  Acindynus means “unimperilled”; Pegasius is derived from pegazo or “to gush forth”; Aphthonius is derived from aphthonos or “abundant”; Elpidophoros means “hope-bearing”; and Anempodistus means “unhindered.” 

That day,  Archbishop Elpidophoros celebrated the feast in honor of his patron-saint leading  the Divine Liturgy at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Manhattan.  His Eminence served with numerous hierarchs and clergy of the Greek Archdiocese, including the clergy of the Slavic Orthodox Vicariate, which was represented by its Vicar Archimandrite Alexander, Archpriest Alexander Belya, Rector of St. John the Baptist and the Forerunner Cathedral in Brooklyn, NY, Archpriest Andrey Pastukh, Rector of the Parish of St. Xenia in Raleigh, North Carolina, Archpriest Rostislav Zadorozhny, Rector of St. Nicholas Church in Red Bank, New Jersey, Archpriest Eduard Chervinsky and Protodeacon George Hero, clerics of Brooklyn Cathedral. 

During the service Archbishop Elpidophoros performed the sacrament of consecration ordaining Subdeacon John Kapones to the Diaconate.

At the end of the Liturgy, His Eminence accepted numerous congratulations from the bishops, a council of clergy and the large group of parishioners who were present.  The clerics of the Slavic Vicariate, led by the Vicar, also congratulated the Archbishop on his name day and wished Him God’s help in his dedication to serve Orthodoxy and the protection of his patron, the Holy Martyr Elpidophoros. 

The 31st anniversary of the enthronement of His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was also celebrated.