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More than fifty clergy of the Metropolis of New Jersey gathered at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Wilmington, Delaware, on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, to welcome His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America for a luncheon and clergy meeting.
The Archbishop was greeted by the Acting Chancellor of the Metropolis of New Jersey, Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne Fr. Elias Villis, Cathedral Dean Very Rev. Fr. Christoforos Oikonomidis, and clergy from throughout the Metropolis. The gathering began with a prayer service inside the cathedral, where the clergy assembled beneath the church’s beautifully adorned iconography for a blessing.
Following the service, Holy Trinity Cathedral hosted a luncheon that provided an opportunity for fellowship and discussion among the clergy. In his Archpastoral Exhortation, Archbishop Elpidophoros reflected on the recent departure of former Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey, who was elected Archbishop of Canada, and addressed the current period of transition within the Metropolis. He also prayed for Fr. Andrew Eugenis, Fr. John Manuel and Presbytera Flora Chioros who fell asleep in the Lord over the summer.
Acknowledging the important role of parish clergy during such moments, the Archbishop emphasized that the faithful look to their priests for guidance and stability. “They look to you in every parish to be the example of stability and continuity,” he said, assuring the clergy that the Metropolis would continue to move forward “with confidence in the efficient and effective operation of the Metropolis.”
The Archbishop also encouraged the clergy to remain steadfast in their ministry while maintaining a strong spiritual foundation. Urging them to “carry on with the work of the Church on every level,” he reminded them not to lose sight of their own spiritual growth amid the demands of parish life and administration.
“We can become caught up in the details of parish and general administration so much that we forget time for prayer, for meditation, and for the reading of Sacred Scripture, the Church Fathers, and the Lives of the Saints,” Archbishop Elpidophoros said. “We must nourish our own souls so that we may nourish others.”
Also addressing the gathering, Fr. Christoforos welcomed the visiting clergy and expressed gratitude to Archbishop Elpidophoros and Fr. Villis for their leadership and pastoral care of the Metropolis during this transitional period.
“It is reassuring to know that our Archbishop is close to his clergy and willing to listen to the concerns, challenges, and hopes that we carry in our pastoral ministry,” Fr. Christoforos said.
Additional remarks were offered by Acting Chancellor Fr. Elias Villis, Vice President of the Metropolis Council Fr. John Katsoulis, and President of the Archdiocesan Presbyters Council Fr. Peter Orphanakos. The meeting concluded with a spirit of unity, fraternity, and shared commitment as the clergy continued discussions on the life and ministry of the Church throughout the Metropolis of New Jersey.
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