Washington, D.C., October 25, 2021
Photo: cnngreece.gr
Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople was hospitalized not long after his arrival to the U.S. and thus could not participate in the pan-Orthodox service at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Washington, D.C.
The Patriarch arrived for his 12-day visit on Saturday and was greeted by Archbishop Elpidophoros of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. He was also greeted by a number of ambassadors and other GOA hierarchs, clergy, and faithful, reports the Greek Archdiocese.
The Constantinople primate offered words of greeting at an official ceremony at the St. Regis Hotel: “With a heart filled with gratitude and great enthusiasm, we speak words of blessing and benediction for all of you, and for the great American Nation. It has been twelve years since we last visited the Holy Archdiocese of America, her devout clergy and the many friends in government that have become close to us during our Thirty-Year Patriarchal tenure.”
In turn, Abp. Elpidophoros exclaimed: “Indeed, we await with great eagerness Your sage guidance, paternal wisdom and wise Patriarchal counsel, as we strive to live the life of our Orthodox Christian faith in the very heart of America.”
The Patriarch and his delegation then went to the residence of the Greek Ambassador to the U.S. for dinner.
The next morning, though he was scheduled to attend the Sunday service at St. Sophia’s Cathedral, Pat. Bartholomew was feeling unwell after his flight and the events of the first day, and “out of an abundance of caution,” was taken to the George Washington University Hospital for observation.
He is expected to continue his schedule as planned today.
The Liturgy at the Greek cathedral was attended by Metropolitan Anthony of Ierapolis (Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA) Metropolitan Ilia of Philomelion (Albanian Orthodox Diocese of America), Metropolitan Gregory of Nyssa (Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church of the USA), Metropolitan Joseph (Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America), Bishop Irinej (Serbian Orthodox Church in North, Central and South America) and Bishop Saba (Georgian Apostolic Orthodox Church in North America).
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