This morning, Nov. 21, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America issued a statement regarding “the position of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America in relation to our sister Churches.” The message is as follows:
“Recently a group of Orthodox Christians met with lawmakers in Washington, D.C. to discuss the ongoing question of human rights, religious freedom, and persecution in Ukraine. In the wake of these meetings, rumors have circulated about the position of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America in relation to our sister Churches in this regard.
First, allow me to convey that I do not and would never perceive my brother Hierarchs – or, indeed, their official representatives – as agents of foreign governments. Just two weeks ago, at the annual Assembly of Bishops meeting, we broke bread and continued our work together on the life of the church in the United States of America. My fraternal love for all of them remains unchanged and undiminished. All of us jointly recognize that, when the church becomes entangled with political matters, it does so at the risk of itself and its faithful.
Second, I draw your attention to a statement adopted by all members of the Assembly of Bishops on September 15, 2024 regarding Ukrainian Law 3894, which states that, ‘in the interest of religious freedom and the rule of law, we pray the Ukrainian Law 3894 is not used to persecute any religious group within Ukraine, which would threaten the religious liberty of millions of its citizens.’ The statement continues: ‘The Assembly of Bishops prays for a peaceful resolution to this invasion that upholds the civil and human rights of all Ukrainians. The Assembly further prays and urgently calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the return of all captives.’ Our position as Hierarchs remains the same. All of us jointly recognize how Orthodox Christianity has long been blighted by nationalism and that any short-sighted perception of national interest blinds us to the long-term perspective of history and the Church.
Finally, as Orthodox Christians, we must always remember that we are called to be ‘in’ the world and ‘not of’ the world. In other words, we must focus on growing relationships and healing wounds, rather than provoking one other. We live in a time increasingly marked by intense divisions and hurtful accusations. On this, too, all of my brother Hierarchs in the Assembly of Bishops jointly recognize the value and, at the same time, vulnerability of our unity. In contrast to the ways of the world, in the Church, each of us – clergy and laity – should exercise restraint and demonstrate sensibility in the way we relate and react to one another, ‘honoring one another above ourselves’ (Rom. 12.10).
As we continue to pray ‘for the peace of the whole world’ during this Nativity season, I wish you a blessed fast – filled with self-reflection and spiritual growth – in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!”
