Greek Archbishop Elpidophoros prays for Biden’s presidency and social justice at Democratic convention (+VIDEO)

New York, August 20, 2020

YouTube screenshot

Archbishop Elpidophoros, the head of the Patriarchate of Constantinople’s Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, offered the closing benediction for the third night of the Democratic National Convention last night.

In his prayer, the Archbishop prayed that God would shine His light upon Biden to serve well as president, and that we might be inspired to “fight against injustice, inequality, and hatred.”

The Greek Archdiocese previously awarded Biden with its Athenagoras Human Rights Award in 2015.

Abp. Elpidophoros said:

Greetings, I am Archbishop Elpidophoros of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Let us pray.

Most merciful and loving God, as we gather in soberness of mind and of heart for the sake of our nation and its future, we pray that You would shine the light of Your countenance upon the delegates of this convention, and upon Vice President Joe Biden for the highest office in the land.

As we face the future as one American nation, bring us to our best selves, and inspire our better angels in peace, in fairness, and in generosity, that we may fight against injustice, inequality, and hatred, that we may achieve a common good, a greater good, in the name of the Holy Trinity we pray. Amen.

View the Archbishop’s benediction in the video below, beginning at 2:20:29:

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8/20/2020

Comments

Evangelos Alexiou6/27/2021 8:38 am

The Archbishop is now making the rounds to Greek Orthodox Churches for damage control. As Christians of the Orthodox Church, we need to send him a message by not attending church the day that he arrives. For that day, attend a non Greek Orthodox Church and pray for the Lord to bestow some Spiritual sense into his heart and mind. Love the sinner, but do not correct the sinner Biden by not pointing out the error of his ways and encouraging him to repent. His silence on critical Christian issues of the day at the democratic convention is a blasphemy on our faith.

Alexander Leitner10/16/2020 3:26 pm

Good..that God does not listen his prayers

Evangelia Kiachagedaki10/12/2020 3:38 pm

He is no more Elpidophoros (in greek this means,he who carries hope), but Elpidoktonos (he who kills hope )!

Brisingrius(Mainland China)9/29/2020 7:36 am

Fortunately, thanks to the Internet firewall, no one in Mainland China knows about this thing. Or else, the image of what the Orthodox Church had cultivated in China will be severely damaged.

L M9/24/2020 3:50 pm

SHAME ON YOU!!!!!! You are a disgrace!!!!!

tasoAxios9/22/2020 5:17 pm

This hand picked man by Erdogan who converted Higa Sophia into a mosque is "praying" for Biden. Biden is nothing more than a puppet for the socialist left. So, he is praying for a man who believes in infanticide, abortion and the anti Christian socialists anti Christian forces who want to distroy our country. I hope the Greek American community fires this creep.

Kiki Anderson9/22/2020 4:45 pm

Kiki Anderson At the age of 89, I have witnessed many Archbishops. I have been encouraged spiritually by their presence. I have been motivated to direct Sunday school, Goya, Ionion village, member of Leadership 100 and visits to our patriarchy with my Archon husband Lou Anderson. Always in all activities, aware of the Archbishop of my faith participating. Now, I am hearing from an Archbishop to support non Christian ethics too numerous to list. It is not your position to speak on my behalf as the head of Greek American Orthodoxy. This is wrong and you are influencing our youth to socialism. Please, please represent us with neutrality not with your naive, uninformed political views.

Herman9/22/2020 4:28 am

Joe Biden is known for his bizarre groping incidents (videos of which can be easily viewed on youtube) of women and girls of all ages, his personal admissions of his own political corruption (his well-publicized successful threat to have a Ukrainian prosecutor fired in retaliation for uncovering his son Hunter Biden's corrupt dealings within Burisma Holdings in Ukraine), his apparent mental illness, his support for abortion and homosexual "marriage", his admission that he is a Zionist, and his years of sleaze as the VP to Obama. But even worse than all of that, Elpidophoros endorses him, (and the GOA gave him a "human rights award in 2015), and now, mourns the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the pro-abortion Jewish supreme court justice who rammed "gay marriage" unconstitutionally down our country's throat. This Turkish bishop was sent here by Bartholomew and the US State Dept. with the express mission to spread confusion and cause division. Is he even a bishop? Isn't he doing the work of a Freemason, more than that of a Christian?

SPARTY ON9/21/2020 10:56 pm

Very sad to see our Archbishop supporting the radical left wing Democrat party. Their support of infanticide, pedophilia, lawlessness and anarchy should have been condemned by his Eminence, instead of showing his support for the HARRIS/BIDEN ticket.

Constantine9/21/2020 10:22 pm

Lord look at endless corruption out of Fanar! Bartholomew crashes and burns, couldn’t save our Hagia Sophia, monks on Mount Athos don’t respect him, makes alliance with Antichrist Pope, while sicking an incompetent, immature pick for AB of USA. Your Eminence: we are not buying what your selling— PLEASE take Elpi your “Sunflower” back!!

Evangelos Alexiou9/21/2020 9:54 am

Never is Scripture did the Lord Jesus Christ ever take sides with political factions. He wants all of His followers to be equal under Jesus Christ. Our Archbishop needs to rethink about his stepping off the righteous path of maintaining political neutrality. Also, he walks along the side of a anti-Christina group arm in arm, but refuses to walk side by side with Orthodox Christians during Divine Liturgy! He wants us to stay away from crowds,such as attending church, but leads with an absence of example down the streets in New York to support a group, BLM, which has an agenda way beyond addressing racism. He needs to confess his transactions and become the Sheppard of God’s people and not a Sheppard of demonic forces. Let’s pray for God’s wisdom to rule him instead of the mob.

Catherine tselios-kipouropoulos9/21/2020 3:44 am

The bible told us in these times to be careful who we follow as there will be many false prophets and devils in disguise. Those who love the sanctity of life, Those who are blind to race, those who believe in protecting our children and equality for all will never follow you. We need to Petition to get him out!

Sophia Moskofidis 9/21/2020 1:10 am

Elpidoforos has to step down!!!! He is a Masonist!!!! He is a disgrace to the greek faith, to the greek church, to the greek community! He needs to be taken down from the position he holds! He is a Masonist!!!!

Andrea Helen Villare9/20/2020 3:11 am

What a disgrace! TRUMP 2020 all the way! Get your religion OUT of politics!

Truth Seeker9/20/2020 1:08 am

Elpidoforos has continually proven, he is no more qualified to be Archbishop of America, than I am to fly as astronaut in outer space. Actually , majority of devout critical thinking Orthodox herein are indeed more qualified to do the job of Archbishop than Mr. Lambronides. Sad state of affairs until we sever ties with Patriarchate. Amen!

Sage-Girl9/19/2020 3:31 am

WHAT AN UNADULTERATED EMBARRASSMENT to people of Eastern Orthodox faith. From now on his new name among my disgusted Orthodox friends is ELPI-DUFUS; what breathtaking stupidity he’s shown! Elpi needs to step down ASAP... It is truly countless, the amount of Orthodox I know repulsed to no end by this Simpleton who got crowned Archbishop — Shame on Patriarch Bartholomew sending this travesty. ANAXIOS!

Michael J Horn, MD9/14/2020 1:03 am

I was raised a Lutheran. I converted to Orthodoxy in 2010. I belong to the San Francisco Greek Orthodox metropolitanate in Flagstaff AZ. I converted because I kept seeing the western Christian Churches all capitulating to progressive, ie Marxist ideology. I thought I found the true, unchanging Church founded by Christ and the Apostles; the Church of real love and tolerance. Never in a million years would I have believed that the Archbishop of America would support a party that supports removing God from our culture, which supports not only abortion but infanticide as well. The party that is unwilling to even mention God in its platforms or The Pledge of Allegiance. First I thought that throughout the history of the Church, the Patriarchs and Bishops have striven to stay out of politics, except when the government supported evil anti-Christian faith and ideals. Not only should Elpidophoros not have gotten involved, but he also seems clueless about the attempted anti-Christian, Marxist Coup in the USA, and other western countries. From what I've read his support for Biden stems from the mistaken belief that Biden will support Greeks and Cypriots more than Trump. I believe Bishops and Archbishops in this country should not be limited to Greeks. I have met a few Bishops here that are very Greek Chauvinistic and don't understand America. I disliked this "my ethnicity makes me closer to God" when Moscow Patriarch Kirill did it and I am not sure I can remain in a Church unwilling to fight Marxism and support the traditions and Canons of the Church. I pray the Ecumenical Patriarch was unaware of this mindless, horrible catastrophe.

HN9/7/2020 5:53 am

I'm not religious, and I've never been a self-described political conservative, but the blatant support the left by what I'd consider to be "conservative religious institutions" is really revolting at this point. If anything, stay publicly neutral if you find either side problematic. Reason I say this includes the following... they are supporting the movement that wants to allow children to transition their gender without parental consent. They want the right for men to enter women's restrooms, for boys to use girls' locker rooms. It's like they want to legalize porn culture, where every man's "kink" needs to be respected or those who say "no" will be persecuted for "bigotry". Quite literally-- they want a man convicted of rape to have the right to ID as a "woman" and therefor go into a women's prison-- so he can rape more victims. Children are definitely at risk, because there is a push within those who support "Queer Theory" to legalize pedophilia. Just check out the mainstream news media sites and how many articles and shows they push glorifying cross-dressing and transgender children. Next thing you know, they'll be pushing the idea that "age is just a construct". This might sound completely batty, but it's already happened in the UK. They're literally teaching children how to "enjoy anal sex" in schools. I call it grooming.

Maro Panayiotou8/29/2020 4:18 pm

A church leader should be neutral. I was so sad that my Archbishop was not at the White House when all other clergy they gave their prayers n their own religion. So sad for our leader Maro

Angelique Bartfield8/29/2020 4:11 pm

You are leading your flock into the Abyss of the Antichrist Demonic NWO movement.Shameful disgusting unacceptable.

Angelique Bartfield8/29/2020 6:21 am

AISXOS. SHAME ON YOU ELPIDOFOROS.

Deysi8/26/2020 6:41 am

This is so sad to see him bleeding Biden for president???? the party that supports abortion etc. Shame on you Sir. He should stay out of politics.

Nicole C8/23/2020 10:41 pm

It would seem VERY appropriate however to praise the action and policy of any leader who is 100% pro-life ~ as the US Roman Catholic Bishops did 3 days ago. Contrast GOA & Archbishop Elpidophoros in word and deed. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/us-catholic-bishops-praise-donald-trump-for-pro-life-aid-policy-46069

Emma8/22/2020 4:44 am

How can Archbishop Elpidophoros expect the Turkish regime to respect religious rights when our own states don't respect our first amendment right to religious freedom? How can we expect Ἁγία Σοφία to reopen as an Orthodox Church one day, God willing, when our churches in California, Nevada and elsewhere remain closed under state orders? The Archbishop must use his position of power to persuade those in power to reopen our places of worship. He must add his important voice to the growing chorus of voices calling for the resumption of in-person religious services and the protection of our religious liberties. This is where his priorities should lie, not with lowering himself to political and secular affairs. His participation at a political convention was ill-advised and only served to drive a wedge between the faithful along political lines. Henceforth, he must remain neutral and apolitical, devoting his energies towards defending God and His One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.

Xenios 8/21/2020 11:15 am

This concerns me that Abp. Elpidophoros would commit such a travesty. We are called to have faith in God and to become Christlike, not use your position of religious power to endorse a party that promotes the murder of children through abortion, homosexuality and transgenderism, and now more recently neo-bolshevik Marxists who are parading in our streets. The other party is not much better, but when one should pick the lesser of two evils its easier to not choose either evil. I am not saying we should hate those involved in abortions, the homosexual community, or the rest of the lot but it is much better to keep a dog out of the fight and not chose between either evil.

Santiago8/21/2020 9:20 am

Truly horrendous to see a bishop align himself with a party that is so anti-Christian in its priorities. I pray that he sees the error of his ways and abandons this lunacy.

Pavel8/21/2020 3:02 am

How could this happen for a hierarch to endorse the party which supports abortion at any stage in the life of the unborn child? Lord have mercy, through the prayers of the Theotokos and all the saints. God help us all as judgment begins in the House of the Lord.

Nicole8/21/2020 12:44 am

Dear God in Heaven. What a travesty. Anaxios.

sherlock_holmes8/21/2020 12:43 am

Motto: " What will you gain, if you own the whole world but destroy yourself or waste your life? If you are ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of you when He comes in His own glory and in the glory of His Father and the holy angels " ( Luke 9:25 )....I think it would be good for people to stock up on food for a few months ( beans, rice...) for the days of famine and war to come and let the poets and dreamers into the world of their fantasies.

Anthony8/20/2020 10:54 pm

ANAXIOS ANAXIOS ANAXIOS

Mikhail8/20/2020 10:52 pm

Better angels? What is he talking about? Is he using imaginary theology created by Michelle Obama? Lord have mercy!!!!!!

Kevin Walker8/20/2020 9:20 pm

Anaxios! Pseudo-Bishop!

Paul 8/20/2020 8:59 pm

Anaxios! Betrayer of the Orthodox faith. Judas!

David Craig8/20/2020 7:50 pm

How can this be? The DNC advocates late term abortions.

Alex8/20/2020 7:06 pm

What’s wrong with this guy? Maybe it’s time to start the process of removing him. When do the laity stop being complacent? Enough is enough.

Serafim Gascoigne8/20/2020 5:47 pm

Disgraceful! First open apostasy.

Joshua Wherley8/20/2020 5:42 pm

We pray for the leaders and/or civil servants of our nation. It is also typical for both the Democrats and Republicans to invite the head of GOARCH to their respective conventions. So, it is no surprise that Elpidophorus was there, as this is a tradition in the United States. What worries me is that Joe Biden identifies as Roman Catholic, yet supports both same-sex marriage and the tragedy that is abortion. Additionally, Elpidophorus marched with Black Lives Matter activists, despite the fact that BLM is lead by openly-confessing Marxists who also support abortion, but oppose the traditional family. Considering this all makes me wary of what has occurred at the DNC. I have no authority to pass judgment, but I can examine what is happening and conclude that we must be on guard against those who seek to weaken the Church, both from within and those outside.

Fr Nicolas (Vera)8/20/2020 2:39 pm

I'm sorry, but I think neither with Democrats nor Republicans. It would have to be above politics as it will have faithful from both political parties.

Antiochene Son8/20/2020 2:22 pm

I gave Elpidophoros the benefit of the doubt and withheld judgment until he actually did his piece. And wow, he literally blessed Biden's presidency three months before the election. Unbelievable. I have watched the entire DNC evening program every day, and it has been an open celebration of abortion, homosexuality, displacement, lawlessness, and every form of evil. If Elpidophoros wasn't going to be "salt and light", he would have done better to say nothing. But no, he has publicly aligned himself with the DNC's demonic platform itself.

Alex Fedec8/20/2020 1:42 pm

Orthodox hierarchs should stay out of politics. Please tend to your clergy and flocks!

Greek Archbishop Elpidophoros prays for Biden’s presidency and social justice at Democratic convention (+VIDEO)

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