His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America visited the historic parish community of Saint George Greek Orthodox Church in Schenectady, New York, on the evening of Sunday, March 8, 2026, presiding at the third Contrition Vespers of the Great Lenten season.
The service was prayerfully attended by clergy from throughout Upstate New York, who gathered together with the faithful in a spirit of repentance, humility, and brotherly love as the Church continues its sacred journey through Great and Holy Lent.
Founded in 1914, the parish of Saint George has stood for well over a century as a beacon of the Orthodox Christian faith in the Capital Region, faithfully preserving the traditions, worship, and spiritual life of the Church for generations. The historic community continues to thrive under the devoted pastoral leadership of its Proistamenos, Rev. Fr. Neofitos Sarigianis.
During his exhortation, His Eminence reminded the faithful that the Lenten journey is not merely a season of fasting, but a return of the heart to God through repentance, forgiveness, prayer, and renewed love for one another.
The parish community expressed deep gratitude for the presence and pastoral encouragement of His Eminence, as well as the brotherly participation of the clergy of the region.
