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Dear Friends,
As the joyous celebration of Christ’s nativity approaches, we reflect on the many blessings and accomplishments of this past year. Together, we have witnessed the meaningful work of the Ecumenical Department and shared in the richness of memorable events.
We are deeply grateful for your collaboration, which has been instrumental in advancing our shared mission. Through your dedication, we continue to fulfill the inspiring vision of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America for dialogue.
May the light of Christ’s Nativity fill your hearts with joy and peace. Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year in 2025!
Protopresbyter Nicolas Kazarian, Ph.D.
Director, Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical & Interfaith Relations
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H.E. Archbishop Elpidophoros visits H.G. Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan
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On January 11 His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America paid a special visit to His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, the primate of the Eastern Diocese of America of the Armenian Church, to extend his warmest greetings on the joyous occasion of Armenian Christmas celebrated on January 6.
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Participation in the International Day of Education
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For the International Day of Education, on January 24, Ourania Markakiattended the UN Meeting “Learning for Lasting Peace” where among other things we indulged into conversations about the goals to deliver the Education 2030 commitments and to raise awareness for effective approaches to educations for peace and mobilize action for implementation.
To be part of this amazing day we spent in the UN Headquarters, feel free to watch the full event here. |
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H.E. Cardinal Joseph Tobin visits H.E. Archbishop Elpidophoros
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His Eminence Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, the Catholic Archbishop of Newark, was welcomed for the first time to the Archdiocese Headquarters by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America on February 2. Cardinal Tobin conveyed his deep appreciation for the Orthodox Church, emphasizing his utmost respect for its theology and liturgy. Cardinal Tobin serves as the co-char of the North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church.
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The Pastoral Care of Mixed Marriages
Neither Yours nor Mine – but Ours
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On February 29th, the North American Orthodox- Catholic Theological Consultation issued a new joint statement on the pastoral care of mixed marriages entitled, “Neither Yours Nor Mine – But Ours.”
The latest published document can be accessed here. |
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Participation in the Commission for Social Development
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During the 62nd Session of the Commission for Social Development, Ourania Markaki, Program Coordinator at the Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical, and Interfaith Relations of the GOA of America, Niki Devaris Morgulis, Coordinator of the GOA Girl Delegates Program, and Girl Delegate J. Eva Raffaele attended multiple forums where they were able to speak up and voice their opinions.
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H.E. Archbishop Elpidophoros welcomes H.B. Archbishop Sviatoslav
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On March 8, H.E. Archbishop Elpidophoros met with H.B. Archbishop Sviatoslav, Primate of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, and the members of His Synod to welcome them to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America as they gathered in a spirit of ecumenical solidarity and understanding.
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GOARCH Girl Delegate Program
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With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, the GOA Girl Delegate Program provides a platform for high school girls to address issues related to rights of girls all over the world, their individual rights, and their beliefs through the work of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (GOA) at the United Nations. The GOA Girl Delegate Program was started and continues to be managed by Niki Devaris Morgulis through the Ecumenical Department of the GOA.
During the first week of the 68th annual Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68), 13 Girl Delegates came to New York, from March 12-14, 2024, and had an extensive schedule of conferences and meetings at the UN and with various Permanent Representations where they were able to discuss the general topic of accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective. Furthermore, the Delegates created recommendations to the zero-draft that were considered in the process of creating the resolution.
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Panel: Faith in Leadership: A Woman’s Perspective
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Social Media Campaign
Women of the GOA and its Affiliated Institutions
In honor of Women’s History Month, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese (GOA) is proud to announce the culmination of a Social Media Campaign celebrating the extraordinary women within our organization.
Throughout the month of March, the Ecumenical and Communications Department of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese collaborated to showcase the exceptional women leaders across the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and its Affiliated Institutions. This initiative was a heartfelt tribute to the remarkable contributions and achievements of the women that have created history within GOA and have supported our community.
We extent our deepest gratitude to all the incredible women who graciously participated in this endeavor, sharing their stories, experiences, and invaluable insights on our faith with all of you. The women’s unwavering dedication and inspiring leadership have left an incredible mark on our organization and serve as a beacon of empowerment for women everywhere.
Special recognition is also extended to Rev. Nicolas Kazarian and Ourania Markaki from the Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical, and Interfaith Relations Department, as well as to Marissa Costidis and Sara Tsugranis from the Communications Department, whose invaluable work was instrumental to the success of this project.
As we conclude this meaningful celebration of women’s achievements, let us carry forward the spirit of empowerment and unity, continuing to uplift and support each other in our collective journey towards equality and progress. And let us pause, not merely to acknowledge the women’s presence, but to embrace their legacy.
To view the Social Media go here! |
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On April 15, Rev. Nicolas Kazarian attended the Religions for Peace USA Executive Council retreat at St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at World Trade Center, NYC. They discussed the importance of interfaith relations and peace. They had the privilege to welcome Frederick Davie, Vice President of the US Commission on International Religious freedom in the world, for an important conversion on the state of religious freedom in the world.
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World Leader Summit of Love and Peace Participation
On April 4, Rev. Nicolas Kazarian represented His All-Holliness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the World Leader Summit of Love and Peace ahead of the celebration of the internatioanl Day of Conscience at the United Nations. He shared His All-Holinness;s Message which stated: “The Challenge for us as religious ministers is to keep our eyes constantly focused on the goodness of God, on the dignity of all human beings, and on care for all of creation in order to transform darkness into light, despair into hope, and suffering into reconciliation.”
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Creation Justice Ministries
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Father Nicholas Anton, represented the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese at a meeting of Creation Justice Ministries, and was elected on the executive board. Creation Justice Ministries educates, equips and mobilizes Christian individuals, congregations, denominations, and communions to protect, restore and rightly share God’s creation. As Christian’s we need to light a path to a more sustainable future, and as is written in Genesis 1:14, “Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good”.
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Green GOYA initiative
On Saturday of Lazarus Youth Retreat, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity hosted the inaugural pilot of the Green GOYA initiative, a continuation of the Greening the Parish effort of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
This marks a significant step toward environmentally conscious practices within Orthodox communities across the United States.
The program was developed by GOYAn Demetra Churdley, a GOA Girl Delegate the UN, in collaboration with Rev. Protopresbyter Nicolas Kazarian and Ms. Niki Devaris-Morgulis of the Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical, and Interfaith Relations.
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Archbishop Elpidophoros Honored with 2024 James Parks Morton Interfaith Award on June 10
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On Monday, June 10, 2024 His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America was honored with The Interfaith Center of New York’s 2024 James Parks Morton Interfaith Award.
The James Parks Morton Interfaith Award is named in tribute of The Interfaith Center of New York’s founder the Very Rev. James Parks Morton and recognizes individuals or organizations that exemplify an outstanding commitment to promoting human development and peace — values shared by the world’s great religious traditions.
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Juneteenth Ecumenical Prayer Service
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To commemorate Juneteenth, the national holiday marking the end of slavery in the USA, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America organized an Ecumenical Prayer Service at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at Ground Zero in New York City. Rebuilt following its destruction on September 11, 2001, the Church stands as a symbol of faith and resilience, welcoming people of all beliefs.
Above the altar, the striking “Platytera ton Ouranon”(Πλατυτέρα τῶν Ουρανῶν) icon of the Virgin Mary, with arms outspread over New York City, embraces individuals of diverse ethnicities, races, and religions.
On June 19, 2024, this icon greeted attendees of the Ecumenical Prayer Service themed “Healing the Wounds of Slavery.” The Ecumenical Prayer Service was convened with the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and with the participation of Christian leaders from various Church denominations.
The service was led by Rev. Samuel Davis and included riveting remarks including: a powerful sermon from Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, President and General Secretary of the National Council of Churches USA and a keynote address by John Wetzel, Founding Board Chair of Keystone Restituere Justice Center and CEO of Phronema Justice Strategies.
Lastly, the service concluded with an address by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros on remembrance, truth, and its necessity in healing our nation.
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2024 Clergy-Laity Congress
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2024 Clergy Laity Congress
During the week of July 4th, the 2024 Clergy-Laity Congress officially took place and was hosted at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina at San Diego.
This event ensured an uplifting celebration centered around community spirit, empathy, and dedication to helping others. Featured were enlightening workshops and motivational keynote speakers, while the convention provided the Clergy, Leadership 100, Philoptochos society members, delegates from churches, as well as diplomats and more influential people a special chance to unite, share insights, and reaffirm their passion for positively impacting those facing hardship.
You can press on each event and panel individually to learn more information:
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Ministry Panel on “Orthodoxy in America: The Role of the Assembly of Bishops” organized by the Department, on July 3, 2024.
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Workshop “Ecumenical Families: A Pastoral, Theological and Canonical Approach” at the 2024 Clergy-Laity Congress on July 2, 2024.
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H.E. Archbishop Elpidophoros with Leadership 100 Chairman Demetrios G. Logothetis and the Patriarchal Representatives at The Official Exhibit Opening at The 47th Clergy-Laity Congress in San Diego, CA.
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H.E. Archbishop Elpidophoros of America with the National Sisterhood of Presvyteres.
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Ecumenical Guests during the Divine Liturgy on Thursday, July 3, 2024.
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18th International Human Rights Summit
During this threeday conference, Ourania Markaki and intern Georgia Diamantopoulos had the amazing opportunity to hear from delegates from countries all around the world on the issue of human rights.
The conference focused on “Driving Change through Human Rights Education”
Some key takeaways from this conference were:
- The importance of creating a community of educated civilians.
- Importance of defending human rights.
- Creating a space where all the communities have a place where their human rights are protected and defended.
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Participation in HLPF
The High Level Political Forum (HLPF) is the main UN platform on sustainable development. It has a central role in the follow-up and review of implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its SDGs. All UN Member States as well as representatives from civil society organizations participate in the HLPF, which meets under the auspices of ECOSOC.
The theme this year is “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: The effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions.”
Taking part in the HLPF gives us a chance to raise our voices on important issues like poverty and climate action in order to collaborate with other state-members and create beneficial change for our world.
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National Council of Churches – Freedom Academy
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Rev. Samuel Davis had an interview on with NCC Freedom Academy to Proclaim the Year of the Lord’s favor- beloved community and democracy.
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Season of Creation Webinar
Ourania Markaki represented the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese at the Creation Justice Ministries’ webinar for the Season of Creation.
You can watch it fully here. |
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September
9/11 Memorial at St. Nicholas Shrine
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The memorial service — presided by Greek Orthodox Archbishop Elpidophoros and in presence of NYPD, FDNY and PAPD chaplains representing other faith traditions — honored the memory of those who lost their lives that day.
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H.E. Archbishop Elpidophoros Public Lecture at Catholic University of America
On September 19, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America delivered a public lecture at Catholic University of America (CUA) on “The Council of Nicaea: Challenges and Opportunities for the Church Today.” Rev. Protopresbyter Stefanos Alexopoulos, director of the Institute for the Study of Eastern Christianity, introduced the event. Dr. Joseph Capizzi, Dean of the School of Theology and Religious Studies, and CUA President Peter Kilpatrick stated: “Since the early 1960ss, Orthodox and Catholic scholars have formed both national and international groups with ecumenical aims. They have worked toward mutual understanding and unity where possible.” Rev. Mark Morozovic, the Bishop Basil H. Lostern Chair of Ukrainian Church Studies, provided a brief introduction of Archbishop Elpidophoros.
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Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops
Hierarchs belonging to The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America arrived on September 28, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia for the Assembly’s 13th Annual Meeting.
More about the 13th Annual Meeting of the Assembly, click here. |
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Summit of the Future Representation
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On September 20, Ourania Markaki (Project Coordinator for the UN and Special Assistant for the Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical, and Interfaith Relations) spoke at an event organized by Religious for Peace, the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum, and the United Nations Environment Programme. The event, entitled “Interfaith Youth Responses. to the Century’s Biggest Challenges: Faith-Based Contributions to the Summit of the Future,” took place at the Church Centre for the United Nations in New York.
During the discussion, Ourania highlighted how today’s youth are stepping up as leaders and taking actions to address global crises, emphasizing that their faith driven efforts are shaping the future and bringing hope to our world.
It was an honor for Ourania to sit alongside such inspiring panelists, including the Hon. Minister Bakary Badjie, Minister of Youth and Sports of the Government of the Gambia, and Mr. Jamil Ahmad, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, United Nations Environment Programme, as well as other youth representatives such as Ms. Hannah Black, Advisor for Faith for Earth Coalition: Youth Council (2024-2026).
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H.E. Archbishop Elpidophoros performs Baptisms and Chrismations
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On Saturday, September 21, 2024, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America received a group of catechumens into the Orthodox Church through Baptism and Chrismation at Sts. Catherine and George Greek Orthodox Church in Astoria, NY. This service is the first of its kind since the inception of the African-American Outreach Mission was officially launched in 2022 by Archbishop Elpidophoros.
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United Nations Girl Delegate Program
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From October 9-11, the GOARCH Girl Delegates participated in a three day program in New York that culminated in a Town Hall with UN leaders at the UN Headquarters in New York City.
The fall program kicked off with the 2024 Champion of the International Rule of Law Award dinner honoring Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai and the Malala Fund. The girls attended a panel discussion on the deteriorating human rights of girls and women in Afghanistan under the Taliban, the proposal to codify the crime of gender apartheid under international law. Malala called on the girls to continue to fight for the rights of all girls all over the world.
On Friday, October 11, the Girl Delegates gathered in the United Nations Economic and Social Council Chamber to participate in a townhall with UN leaders. Beatriz Fino Morfogen served as a girl moderator, J. Eva Raffaele led a learning lab workshop, and Markella Nacopoulos and Eleni Parasirakis assisted on the IDG Planning Committee. Markella also asked a pointed question to the UN leaders, inquiring about how they would ensure that the rights of those unable to meet with leaders face-to-face were being protected.
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UN Side Event on World Ecology Day
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On World Ecology Day, November 1, the Department of Ecumenical in collaboration with the Permanent mission of Greece to the UN, the Permanent Mission of Australia to the UN, the Sovereign Order of Malta to the UN, the World Council of Churches, and Foley Hoag LLP, hosted a side event titled “Forging Paths to Sustainable Wildfire Prevention through Collaborative Governance” at the United Nations Headquarters. This event brought together global experts, government representatives, and advocates to discuss strategies for proactive wildfire prevention and sustainable land management amid growing environmental challenges.
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Assembly of Bishops sends Representatives to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ General Assembly
On November 12, marking a significant moment in Catholic – Orthodox relations in the United States, the General Assembly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) once again welcomed a delegation from the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA (AoB) to participate as observers for the fourth time in history.
Read the full press release here. |
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Pan-Orthodox Christmas Concert
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On December 13, H.E. Archbishop of America attended the Pan-Orthodox Christmas of America Concert organized by the Standing Conference of Oriental Orthodox Churches. The event was hosted at Our Lady of Zeitoun Coptic Orthodox Church in Staten Island and celebrated in a spirit of joy and unity. The concert featured a rich variety of Eastern and Oriental Orthodox traditions showcasing their shared heritage and unique cultural expressions.
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