Archbishop Elpidophoros Joins Ecumenical and Interfaith Leaders for Prayer Service with Ukrainian Orthodox Church of USA

Recently, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America joined Metropolitan Antony of Hierapolis and Archbishop Daniel of Pamphilon of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA for an Intercessory Prayer Service for Ukraine. The Service, which was hosted in the Ukrainian Cathedral of St. Volodymyr in Manhattan, was a reflection of ecumenical and interfaith support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian diaspora in the United States.

In his speech, the Archbishop said, “As we watch the news from the region, we are inspired by both the incredible courage of the Ukrainian people who are facing terrible adversity with a valor which no one expected, and by the bravery of the many thousands of Russian People who are risking their freedom — and perhaps even their lives — as they protest this unprovoked and unreasonable attack.”

Photo: GOARCH / Brittainy Newman

Several international, elected, and religious leaders offered remarks, as well, including Kathleen Hochul, Governor of New York; Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York; Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, New York Board of Rabbis; and Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya, Permanent Mission of the Ukraine to the United Nations.

Also present were Metropolitan Tikhon, Orthodox Church in America; Pastor Gil Monrose, NYC Mayor’s Office, Director of the Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships; Archbishop Gabriele G. Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations; Archbishop Borys Gudziak, Ukrainian Catholic Archeparch of Philadelphia; Bishop David, President of the Standing Conference of Oriental Orthodox Churches; Rabbi Diana Gerson, The New York Board of Rabbis; Rabbi Noam Marans, American Jewish Committee; Rabbi Joshua M., Davidson, Temple Emanu-el; Miguel Angel Moratinos, the High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations; Dr. Kostantinos Koutras, Consul General of Greece; and many other esteemed representatives of the Diplomatic Corps and members of Ecumenical and Interfaith communities.

The service concluded with a moment of silence and a hymn in memory of the Heavenly Hundreds.