Archbishop Elpidophoros votes in his first U.S. election

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Today, Oct. 30, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America voted in his first U.S. election, following his naturalization ceremony on Nov. 10, 2025.

> Previously: Archbishop Elpidophoros becomes a naturalized U.S. citizen

Archbishop Elpidophoros shared the following message via social media:

To vote freely and without fear is a precious right that is still denied to many people around the world.
Here in the United States, this right was secured and expanded through generations of struggle, sacrifice, and courage. We must honor the many Americans who fought to extend the ballot to those who had long been denied it. What they fought to secure, we must now strive to preserve.

Today, I cast my first vote as a citizen of this blessed land. I am deeply moved. My heart is full of gratitude to God and to the nation that welcomed me and now calls me its own.

Whether you vote early, as I did, or on Election Day, I ask you to take part. And once the votes are counted, let us go forward together with our fellow citizens, respecting one another when we disagree and living in harmony.

In 1801, following a bitterly contested election, Thomas Jefferson reminded the young Republic that “every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle.” Long before him, the Psalmist sang: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 132/133:1). May God bless our nation and guide us as we continue our journey together as one people.

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