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Responding to recent ceasefire agreements, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America shared his prayers for peace and increased humanitarian relief in Gaza.
In an Oct. 17 encyclical, the Archbishop marked what he called “an initial yet decisive step” toward lasting peace in the region.
“With profound relief and heartfelt thanksgiving,” the Archbishop wrote, “we learned the news of a ceasefire agreement and exchange of hostages, marking an end to the devastating bloodshed in the region.”
“For this,” he said, “I call upon all of our communities to lift our hearts in thanksgiving to the Almighty God.”
> Previously: Jerusalem Patriarchate issues statement on Gaza ceasefire
The Archbishop echoed a recent statement of the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem, quoting their call to give thanks “to the Almighty for leading us to this auspicious moment, even as we realize that the work of peacebuilding has only just begun.”
“May God grant us all the grace to rededicate ourselves to this vital task,” the Archbishop quoted, “shepherding us toward that golden age of peace so long envisioned by the prophets and sages of old—and for which our Lord Jesus Christ himself gave up his own life, rising to new life beyond the grave.”
Acknowledging the immense needs that remain, Archbishop Elpidophoros called for renewed humanitarian aid and relief efforts directed toward the people of Gaza.
“In my new capacity as Chair of the Governing Board of the National Council of Churches,” he wrote, “I have also called upon all humanitarian agencies within our member communions—including the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC)—to renew and coordinate their efforts to bring relief and healing to Gaza.”
> Previously: GOARCH joins campaign for Palestinian advocacy
He also emphasized the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America’s collaboration with Churches for Middle East Peace for the Let Children Live campaign, “which seeks to safeguard and uplift children in Gaza and the West Bank—innocent victims who bear the heaviest burdens of war.”
Concluding his encyclical, Archbishop Elpidophoros called on faithful to remain “steadfast in prayer and compassion,” noting that “the suffering of the region is far from over, and the wounds of generations will not be healed overnight.”
His Eminence reminded his faithful that “as Orthodox Christians, we are called to be ministers of reconciliation and instruments of divine mercy.”
“Let us, therefore, continue to pray and strive for a just and enduring peace,” he urged, “one that embraces all peoples of the Holy Land – Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike – so that harmony, justice, and mutual respect may prevail.”
“May the Prince of Peace, our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us to be peacemakers and co-workers in His Kingdom.”
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