Archbishop Elpidophoros of America was welcomed at San Francisco International Airport by His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco and His Grace Bishop Ioannis of Phocaea on Saturday, Feb. 25.
During his stay in San Francisco, Elpidophoros will have a meeting with His Excellency Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco.
According to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, from February 25 to March 3, the Archbishop will be conducting a pastoral visit in the area.
Pastoral Visit
Gerasimos expressed gratitude and respect for having Elpidophoros present at the start of their Lenten season.
He also highlighted that there would be various occasions for members of their community to receive blessings from the Archbishop and to engage in prayer and fellowship with other fellow Christians.
With this, as part of his visit, Elpidophoros has already made visits to several churches, including Annunciation Church in Sacramento, Saint Katherine Church in Elk Grove, and Saint Anna in Roseville.
On Sunday, Feb. 26, Elpidophoros and Gerasimos celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Annunciation Church in Sacramento.
At the same time, Elpidophoros led the Forgiveness Vespers service at Saint Katherine Church in Elk Grove.
At this time, he elevated Fr. Constantine Pappademos to the rank of Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne, with the approval of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
Meanwhile, during his visit to Roseville, Elpidophoros was given a tour of the new Church construction by Rev. Dr. Christopher Flesoras, the presiding priest.
In the evening, he led the Service of Holy Unction and elevated Flesoras to the rank of Protopresbyter of the Archdiocese.
During his pastoral visit, the archbishop will also visit Ascension Cathedral in Oakland and Holy Cross Church in Belmont.
Benediction, Assembly
In addition to his pastoral engagements, Elpidophoros also had a meeting with Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis and other government officials, who extended their official welcome to him in the state capital.
On Monday, Feb. 27, the Archbishop delivered the benediction at a session of the California State Assembly, with Lieutenant Governor Kounalakis in attendance.
State Assembly Member Diane Papan introduced Archbishop Elpidophoros, after which the Assembly went ahead with its scheduled activities for Black History Month.
During the Benediction at the California State Assembly, Elpidophoros expressed gratitude to God for the blessings in everyone’s lives.
He also offered prayers for those who have suffered the effects of injustice and inequality throughout history, particularly during Black History Month.
He then asked for wisdom and strength for those who work for freedom and justice for all people, regardless of their race, creed, or beliefs.
The archbishop also emphasized the importance of recognizing and acting upon our responsibility and duty to secure the blessings of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all people and creating a more perfect union for everyone.
He, then, ended the Benediction by asking God to bless all those present at the Assembly, to guide and inspire them to always serve with honor and dignity.
He also asked that God will grant them the ability to govern in peace so that we may all live calm and serene lives.
More from Crossmap:
First African Methodist Episcopal Church experiences fire incident
