Closing Remarks of Archbishop Elpidophoros at 2020 Assembly Meeting
Wednesday, October 07, 2020
Closing Remarks
by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros
to the October 2020 Meeting of the Assembly of Bishops
October 7, 2020
Your Eminences and Graces,
My Beloved Brothers in the Lord,
We have now concluded this tenth anniversary meeting of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the USA. I believe we can say, with the Psalmist, that it has been good and joyous for us, the brothers of the Hierarchy, to be together in the unity of the faith.[*]
For our unity is based in fidelity to the Faith of the Seven Ecumenical Councils and the shared two thousand-year old history of our Holy Orthodox Church. As individuals – Hierarchs and Churches, there is much we are called to accomplish. But together, with “one voice and one heart,”[†] we have the strength and fervor to accomplish so much more. For this reason alone, breathing vital life-force into the Assembly is the responsibility of us all.
Again, I want to commend and express my heartfelt thanks to the Most Reverend Brothers of the Executive Committee for their fortitude and their tenacity in persevering during these many months with such faithfulness to our cause. I have found among them, as I am certain among you all, true brothers in the Lord.
Therefore, as we depart from this Assembly and return to the missions that God has appointed for each of us, I leave you with the exhortation of the Apostle:
“Let brotherly love continue.” [‡]
It is up to us to bring the love of Christ to our every endeavor, so that our Faithful behold in us the love of God for each one of them. I hope you are as encouraged as I am, for our responsibility to bring the fullness of Orthodoxy to our Nation is a deeply solemn one.
I thank each and every one of you again for your commitment and faithfulness. May the Lord bless us all abundantly.
Amen.
[*] Cf. Psalm 132:1 (LXX).
[†] Concluding Exclamation (Ἐκφώνησις) of the Anaphora of the Divine Liturgy.
[‡] Hebrews 13:1.