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On Tuesday, October 6, 2026, following the 15th Assembly meeting of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the U.S.A., hierarchs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate met in Pittsburgh, PA, under the presidency of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America for the Fourth Synaxis of Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the U.S.A. 12 hierarchs attended the gathering, representing the various eparchies under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the U.S.A., namely the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, the American Carpatho-Russian OrthodoxDiocese of North America, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, and the Albanian Orthodox Diocese of the Americas.
In his message to the Hierarchs, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew underscored: “The development of fraternal relationships among the Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate also strengthens their common contribution to the work of the Assembly of Bishops there and to broader cooperation with the other Orthodox communities throughout the country. The unity of the Church constitutes a lofty and abiding responsibility of the local Orthodox Hierarchs. For the Hierarchs of the First Throne of Orthodoxy, the guarantor of unity, this constitutes a sacred obligation and duty. Every step toward cultivating mutual trust, every common effort to address pastoral concerns, and every tangible expression of love, strengthen our witness to the world.”
In his opening address to the Synaxis, Archbishop Elpidophoros noted that “First of all, thanks to all of you for making the effort to participate in this Fifteenth Assembly of Bishops Meeting. As Bishops of the Mother Church of Constantinople, we have a duty and a responsibility to uphold the decisions that have been inaugurated and effectuated by the Great Church. One can wonder about the effectiveness of certain Assemblies worldwide, but one thing is sure, our Assembly in the United States is deeply engaged in the lives of our Faithful, through a whole host of ministries and services. I hope that each of us takes full advantage of this multifaceted diakonia, for it can only enhance our Archpastoral efforts.”
Following the opening remarks, hierarchs discussed and shared information about their respective eparchies and other ministries. The Vicariate for the Palestinian/Jordanian Orthodox Christian Communities was represented by Rev. Protopresbyter George Jweinat. His Grace Bishop-Elect Alexander of Nicopolis presented the latest developments in the life of the Slavic Orthodox Vicariate. V. Rev. Archimandrite Chrysostom Onyekakeyah gave an update on the Mission and Outreach Ministry towards African-Americans.
The following hierarchs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate participated in the Synaxis: His Eminence (H.E.) Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, H.E. Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh, H.E. Metropolitan Sevastianos of Atlanta, H.E. Metropolitan Athenagoras of New Jersey, H.E. Archbishop Daniel of Pamphilon, H.E. Metropolitan Gregory of Nyssa, His Grace (H.G.) Bishop Spyridon of Amastris, H.G. Bishop Ioannis of Phocaea, H.G. Bishop Theophan of Philomelion, H.G. Bishop Nektarios of Diokleia, H.G. Bishop Anthony of Synada, and H.G. Bishop-Elect Alexander of Nicopolis.
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