On July 1, an Ecumenical Luncheon took place as part of the 48th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress in Cleveland, Ohio.
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America offered a prayer and blessing over the meal, presenting gifts to the guests: Rev. Fr. Joseph Hilinski (Roman Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, representing Hisham Excellency Bishop Edward C. Malesic), Rev. Deacon Mike Hayes (Roman Catholic Diocese of Cleveland), Rev. Dr. Laura Barbins, Bishop of the Northeastern Ohio Synod (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America), The Reverend Rosalind C. Hughes, Canon for Beloved Community (representing the Right Reverend Ann B. Jolly, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio), and Ms. Danielle Hickman, Ecumenical Officer (United Church of Christ).
“You are all most welcome indeed, and we appreciate you breaking bread with us at this table, even as we labor together for the day when we Break the Divine Bread at the Holy Table,” Archbishop Elpidophoros said. “Until that day, we journey together, along a path characterized by peace, mutual respect, cooperation, and a dialogue of love and truth.”
