Abp. Elpidophoros praised for serving “first openly gay baptism”

Vouliagmeni, Greece, July 11, 2022

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No stranger to controversy, Archbishop Elpidophoros has caused another commotion in the international Orthodox community.

In the midst of the ongoing scandal involving the Archbishop’s plans to consecrate a defrocked former priest as a bishop for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, which other hierarchs have characterized as a serious threat to Orthodox unity in America, the GOARCH head has made headlines by baptizing the children of a gay celebrity couple.

The parents and relatives are praising the Archbishop for serving the “first openly gay baptism” in the Greek Church.

Just after the GOARCH Clergy-Laity Conference ended in New York, Abp. Elpidophoros made an unannounced trip to the Athens suburb of Vouliagmeni to baptize the children of actor Evangelo Bousis and fashion designer Peter Dundas, whom he has been connected to for a long time, reports inciao.gr.

The Baptism took place within the diocese of Metropolitan Antonios of Glyfada [OrthoChristian initially mistakenly reported that it was in the diocese of Metropolitan Nikolaos of Mesogaia—OC].

The two children were born from a surrogate mother. Among the Godparents, the couple chose the Italian model Bianca Brandolini and the golden heiress Eugenia Niarchou. The Baptisms were then celebrated with a “meal and wild party,” where Greek-Cypriot singer Anna Vissi sang her biggest hits.

The after party. Photo: okmag.gr

Bousis praised the Archbishop for his progressive stance of “love with no judgment” and for serving what he says is the “first openly gay baptism” in the Greek Church:

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Bousis’ brother George hailed the event as something significant for the entire Greek Orthodox Church. He also applauded “our great spiritual leader,” Abp. Elpidophoros for displaying the “progress and leadership we need in our church, where no person should ever be denied our Lord because of what they are, how they choose to live their lives, and who they love.”

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In an interview with Vogue last June, Bousis spoke about wanting to normalize the idea of gay families with children, saying: “Hopefully things will change, the way gay couples are looked at having a family. I think the more people talk about it, the better I think it is just to normalize it all because it should be something normal. We always wanted to have a family and now we can, and everyone should be able to.”

His “husband,” Dundas, added that he doesn’t understand why a church agency should be allowed to refuse to give foster children to homosexual couples:

What I don’t get about the Supreme Court ruling [that a Catholic social services agency in Philadelphia could refuse to work with same-sex couples who apply to take in foster children], what is the purpose? Do they really think in 10 years from now that’s gonna fly? I don’t think so for a minute. It becomes this holding off on the inevitable, and progress in our society. Why on earth hold off on that? Don’t you want all children to grow up feeling comfortable with who they are and that they can have a future, that they can have a family, that they can have everything that everyone thinks are their rights? Don’t you want that?

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7/11/2022

Comments

EMMANUEL 12/19/2023 4:23 am

There is a fine line between the OLD calendar Greek Orthodox Church, and the new calendar Greek Orthodox Church-everyone has a right to demonstrate their freedom and free will. Unfortunately, this type of behavior from a bishop in the orthodox church is reprehensible, unfathomable, and diminishes the doctrines of the Greek orthodox church-which is born of the divinity. This demonstrates a major deficiency in our church to properly identify our values-we must be very cautious. What decisions are made, this is blasphemy and encourages acts of evil, instability, undermines the true spirit of theology. ( money is the root of all evil. Is not properly managed, or used for illicit purposes, in the eyes of Jesus, there will be retribution for this disturbing and unorthodox decision ). The Greek Orthodox Church is suffering from lack of attendance, wake up wake up wake up, we’re under siege-grandmothers and grandfathers worked hard to build the church and this type of Decision undermines our ability to make appropriate adjustments where need it be and sends an apocalyptic message to humanity). I accept all people as long as they’re good people, but not one person in this world has the right to undermine the doctrines of the Greek Orthodox Church!!! Blasphemy, blasphemy, blasphemy-now you’ll have to deal with the divinity, and in Jesus name! ( for I have witnessed the majestic presence of archangel Michael, arch angel Gabriel, and archangel Rafael ) “We must follow the path of Jesus, for I have witnessed his presence as well-speak of the will of God not the will of indecision, for Jesus speaks for the will of humanity, not the will of an act that mimics sacrilegious undertones” ( morality is not free. Will it’s a doctrine instilled by the church through divine presence ) “Speak not of thee and you’ll not find me”

EMMANUEL ANGELS12/19/2023 4:15 am

EMMANUEL ANGELS12/19/2023 3:24 am

There is a final line between the OLD calendar, Greek Orthodox Church, and the new calendar Greek Orthodox Church-everyone has a right to demonstrate their freedom and free will. Unfortunately, this type of behavior from a bishop in the orthodox church is reprehensible, unfathomable, encounter the doctrines of the Greek orthodox church, which is born of the divinity, demonstrates a major deficiency in our church to properly identify our values-we must be very cautious. What decisions are made, this is blasphemy and encourages acts of evil, instability, undermines the true spirit of theology. ( money is the root of all evil. Is not properly managed, or used for illicit purposes, on the eyes of Jesus, there will be retribution for this disturbing and unorthodox decision ) The Greek Orthodox Church is suffering from lack of attendance, wake up wake up wake up, we’re under siege-grandmothers and grandfathers worked hard to build the church and this type of Decision undermines our ability to make appropriate decision and sends an apocalyptic message to humanity). I accept all people as long as they’re good people, but not one person in this world has the right to undermine the doctrines of the Greek Orthodox Church!!! Blasphemy, blasphemy, blasphemy-now you’ll have to deal with the divinity, and in Jesus name!

Robert6/15/2023 7:30 am

While I disagree with their...lifestyle choice, why should the child be denied the Love and Grace of God? Should we punish children for the sins of their parents? I hope and pray that the child grows up to be a happy, healthy Christian, and that it's parents choose to repent and turn fully to our Lord

David Pryor6/5/2023 1:01 pm

This is really an Abomination. If any Bishop tolerates this, he will be damned. The fact that this even happened is deplorable. Everything I’ve been reading about the Ecumenical Patriarch has been depressing. He has been so divisive and is in love with this wicked World. Also, his Papism should be denounced. There are many false Prophets in these last days. I cannot unite with those who tolerate evil. Repent or you will perish!

David5/16/2023 4:34 pm

They're not Orthodox. They're cultural Christians probably better off as Unitarian Universalist or something.

Archbishop Nikodemos 9/2/2022 12:49 pm

Perhaps the extra wide "Constantinopolian" Rassa are extra wide for a reason. What else are we not seeing?

Germanic7/19/2022 3:27 am

After over a hundred years of being in heresy since that 1920 letter, demons have seemingly obtained full control over the Istanbul "patriarchate". The questions is: Why are the Church of Greece and many others STILL submissive to it?

Petar7/16/2022 9:16 am

It is a pity that the Greek Orthodox Church, in the form of ABP. ELPIDOPHOROS sold for a pocket of dollars. According to the teachings of the Orthodox Church, this is a sin. Either God has changed his strategy, or priests prefer Mercedes and BMWs discarding the centuries-old books that taught them other things... All for money, of course.

Theodoros7/15/2022 12:30 am

Ms.Stamos, With due respect. The Orthodox Church teaches that same sex relations are sinful. Nobody forced these men to go to the Orthodox Church. It is clear these men and their guests had an agenda to impose their way of life on the Orthodox Church. The Church is led by Christ. The faithful are obligated to defend the faith and to oppose this wicked hierarch and those who seek to secularize the Church and overthrow holy tradition. The depravity of this entire affair is confirmed by the fact that the Archbishop deceived the Metropolitan of Glyfada about the baptisms. If you believe this was All good why did the Archbishop deceive the Metropolitan? Why has the Archbishop run away in a cowardly manner and why has he not justified himself before the bishop of Glyfada and the whole Orthodox world if he has done nothing wrong? The baptism is of course holy and may these children live long and healthy lives as Orthodox Christians. All that has transpired before and after the baptism is sinister and disturbing.

Painted Tree7/14/2022 10:28 pm

A video documenting the LGBTQ+ agenda in western Orthodoxy. https://youtu.be/1EXWIBnMktY

Marina Stamos7/14/2022 4:53 pm

This is a beautiful and long overdue event. People who happen to be born in biological minorities are people-- and want and deserve to be live fully as people. Children in church who have heard priests referring to them as sinful and abominations have suffered in silence for too long. The children in my family have cried and asked "why do they (ppl who attack them) say these things. It hurts my feelings." Bravo, Archbishop Elpidophoros. All the people making negative comments are harming ppl in their own family! People are people, love is love.

Steven A hensley7/14/2022 6:06 am

What a bunch of really spiritual-looking people. I am sure that that baby will be given the best Christian upbringing. But honestly, have you ever seen so much rich trash in one picture.

Caite7/14/2022 3:13 am

My husband and I have been praying and reading all we can about the Orthodox church. We want to start attending one soon. Seeing this makes me wonder what is about to happen to the Orthodox church in America though.

Markos7/14/2022 1:17 am

What a great day for the Orthodox church to welcome two more beautiful young Orthodox Christians made in the image of God.

Pasha7/13/2022 9:21 am

To mr a. leitner. Greetings! I'm not sure where you get your prophetic gift from. It seems to differ somewhat from those of the saints who have prophesied the repentance and regeneration of Hellenism. Please educate yourself before spouting nonsense, sir. https://orthochristian.com/133779.html

Panagiotis7/13/2022 5:16 am

Orthodox Brother Alexander Leitner: Don't give up on the Greeks. Let us never forget that many people gave up on the Russians, and the Serbs, and the Romanians, and the Bulgarians, and others who were taken over by the satanic communists. The internationalists used communism as a tool to try to destroy the Orthodox People and the Orthodox Church. But they failed, and the Orthodox Churches are strong, and communism is finished! Now the devious internationalists are using no good liberalism, sodomite marriage, abortion, transgenderism, feminism, and other garbage movements to try to destroy the Orthodox Church and the Orthodox People. They are trying this in Greece, but they will fail, just like they failed in Russia and Eastern Europe!..... The Turks will never destroy the Greek People. The internationalists created the modern secular Turkish state. Many of my Turkish Brothers know this. I call them brothers because it is the internationalists that used divide and conquer tactics to keep different ethnic groups fighting each other, while they laughed all the way to the bank. Turkish People and Greek People lived in peace for centuries. The Soviet Union sent financial aid and military weapons to the young secular Turkish Republic that they used against the Greeks and Armenians. Many of the so-called Young Turks were allegedly not of Turkish descent. Just like most of the top Bolshevik monsters were not ethnic Russians..... The vast majority of Greek People, both in Greece and in the diaspora, are conservative. The vast majority of Greek Priests are conservative. Don't give up on the Greeks Serbian Brother...... Glory be to our God! THOXA SI O THEOS, THOXA SI!....Just my humble opinion.

Mary7/13/2022 3:52 am

Please let’s think with our belief in Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour put a stop to this type of sacrament to be performed it will demolish our Greek Orthodox religion and will totally confuse our grandchildren and so on and so forth. This is going to be a hell of a life let things be what they were. Be what you want and leave us alone . Thank you

John D.7/13/2022 1:18 am

Jack Albert: In the year 451 there was a famous Council held in that city, which would go down in history as the Fourth Ecumenical Council. The Orthodox world was in a state of great discord. Many people believed in the Monophysite [and the Non-Chalcedians or Oriental Copts, Ethiopian, Eritean, West Syrian (Syriac/Jacobite) Armenian and Indian/Malankara Sects] heresy, and while many did not, the exact reason why they could not believe in it had to be precisely expressed as dogma. For a long time, representatives of each side made their own arguments, and could not reach an agreement. Then the Patriarch of Constantinople came up with an idea that we will scarcely see expressed today: to leave the decision up to the Holy Spirit. But how does one do that? How do we ask the Holy Spirit? The Council members had a solution that was obvious to them, located as they were in the church that contained the wonder-working relics of St. Euphemia. Each side wrote its confession down on its own scrolls and placed them on her relics. In the presence of the Emperor, the tomb was sealed with the imperial seal and a watch was set for three days. Both sides prayed and fasted very strictly for those three days, and when the tomb was opened it was seen by all that St. Euphemia was holding the scroll of the Orthodox in her right hand, and the scroll of the Monophysites lay at her feet. She even raised her hand to give the Orthodox scroll to the patriarch. This obvious sign was accepted by the wavering as proof of the rightness of Orthodox dogma. But those who had put so much stock in the Monophysite heresy did not give in! They could not be convinced, no matter what miracles they saw. Sadly, they remain in their heretical beliefs and are NOT ORTHODOX. Doxa to Theo, John D.

glmiller7/13/2022 1:18 am

I'm wondering if this is clickbait. Take a close look at the picture. It looks like Abp. Elpidophoros was added in or photo shopped.

Andy Holland7/13/2022 12:30 am

First, I pray that the Baby finds the Way the Truth and the Light who is Jesus Christ. Second, I pray the parents find Jesus and turn away from all sin so to lead the little baby away from such a horrible "lifestyle." Third, I pray the Archbishop is defrocked and sent away for the Lord was very clear, Luke 17 "Then said he to the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe to him, through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones."

Cat7/12/2022 11:06 pm

I left the GOA for the Russian Orthodox Church a year and half ago. None of this woke nonsense in the Russian Church. Plus, all the services are in English. Best decision I ever made!!!!

Another day in 20227/12/2022 10:40 pm

I'm not scandalized our moved in any shape our form about seeing him do this. I'm scandalized and moved in every shape our form about seeing the Orthodox not doing anything to stop this. They call abortion a human right and bless this sin, which is the worst of all on the daily. They called the Flesh and Blood of my God. Bread and wine (I refuse to write this in the same sentence) that is full with a virus that does not exist according to Father Savvas Achilleos, that no one even bothered listening to. We have reached the lowest point imaginable a long time ago. Even Satan himself is disgusted by homosexuality. Imagine how much our God wants us to come to our senses and repent, if he is allowing insane things like that to happen for the world to see. Believe in God. Read his word. Listen to the Saints already. WW3 is coming because of two grave sins and only few people can be bothered even knowing which they are. Please God save us. And that poor child too from those butchers

Theodoros7/12/2022 9:23 pm

The actions of Archbishop Elpidophoros should serve to awaken the bishops of Greece from their slumber. They have the opportunity to correct their errors of the past three years. First, they must disavow Archbishop Elpidophoros and ban him from ever serving in Greece ever again. They must fight the Greek government which is intent on promoting LGBT “rights” in Greece. They should expel the Phanar from Greece and then withdraw their recognition of the pseudo Church in Ukraine. The Church Of Greece has ten million faithful. It’s bishops should not be putting up with a Turkish citizen which among his anti Christian activities include colluding with the State Department. It is not enough for the Greek bishops to say they were fooled. They must reassert their ecclesasiastical authority in all matters ranging from baptism and marriage to Ukraine.

Pasha7/12/2022 8:05 pm

So I have been doing some more digging into this matter, and I have it on good authority that Μητροπολίτης Γλυφάδας, Αντώνιος told Ιερώνυμο (after the hoo-ha-hullabulloo) that Elpidophoros had fooled him into allowing him to perform said ''baptism'' by withholding key information about ''who'' the ''parents'' were!!! http://aktines.blogspot.com/2022/07/blog-post_63.html

Burden7/12/2022 6:00 pm

"Don’t you want all children to grow up feeling comfortable with who they are" No. This man has no understanding of human nature, let alone Christian teaching.

Andonios Axiotis7/12/2022 3:40 pm

We shall not judge these actions for none of us are without sin. The union of marriage in the mystery of marriage is blessed to a couple by GOD for the purpose of them procreating and having a family. A homosexual couple needs a surrogate or adoption to have children. THe baptism of those beautiful children is a blessing by GOD, but i dont know about the union of marriage of a same sex couple, not when sodomy is commited. Last time I checked GOD burnt down sodom and gomorah according to the old testament of the bible. Pater Elpidophoros baptised those children which is a good thing in the eyes of the Lord. But did Pater Elpidophoros advise the same sex couple not to commit the act of sodomy? (which im pretty sure they do). And im pretty sure Pater knows they are commiting this sin. Has Pater told them to live a life of celebacy? We are all treading a thin line. Hell awaits.

Alex7/12/2022 3:30 pm

Brian Villanueva, you need to look into the OCA (Orthodox Church in America) or AOCA (Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese), the GOA (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese) will just pull you down the drain. May God guide you in your journey!

Alexander Leitner7/12/2022 10:39 am

I always wrote: cast the greeks out! This only is the beginning. You will see horrible scandals appearing... This all is a punishment from God. For their betrayal of Orthodoxy. The Panagia often warned Hellas. Their is no repetance, Than the turks will come and greece will almost be completely destroyed.

JM7/12/2022 8:39 am

Elpidophoros is making a name for himself. He is ambitious and is finding ways to be a leader of Orthodoxy, modernizing the church. But his methods are folly, and he will destroy the church by undermining all its traditions and teachings. He needs to be disciplined immediately.

Mary Diacos Sharpley7/12/2022 5:02 am

I am shocked at the photograph of our Archbishop of America having baptized the children of a gay couple, and I question whether the Greek Orthodox Church in Greece actually approved this travesty. If it is true then there will be more schisms on the way.

N7/12/2022 4:33 am

Ask that your church with hold all payments to the Archdiocese and the local Diocese until a formal statement repenting of this celebration is made. And as the poster above noted pseudogamy is not monogamy and no husbands are present. Pseudo-husband if a title is needed.

Jack Albert7/12/2022 12:48 am

The Orthodix Church, both Eastern and Oriental rightly condemn homosexual activity as an abomination. Even if, out of mercy the Bishop baptized the innocent child, he should not pose for pictures in a celebratory manner between homosexuals and should have made very clear statements that while he is baptizing te child he in no way approves of the parents relationship or homosexual acts.

Steve Golay7/11/2022 11:46 pm

This gay baptism party smells of money!!!!!

Brian Villanueva7/11/2022 11:25 pm

I am currently considering joining the Greek Orthodox Church precisely becuase American Evangelicalism provides no solid footing to stand against this stuff. I really thought Orthodoxy did (being the Church Jesus founded and supposedly still guided by the Holy Spirit.) Now I wonder if that's a good idea. Those of you who are Orthodox need to realize how damaging this is in your witness to potential catechumens.

Dineth7/11/2022 10:32 pm

This "Archbishop" is undoubtedly a heretic and an unrepentant sinner, he must be defrocked and excommunicated before he causes any more damage to the Greek Orthodox Church. Tolerating suck foolishness will make it worse, best to cut out the corruption before it spreads, unless we want our Orthodox Church to become like the Protestant and Catholic churches in the west.

Joseph Brown 7/11/2022 9:48 pm

This is how it started in the American Episcopal church. If this is not corrected orthodoxy in America will die.

Editor7/11/2022 9:17 pm

Stephanos Papas: You can send a message to: editor@pravoslavie.ru. Please say that it is for the English site.

Scruffy Scirocco7/11/2022 9:14 pm

According to a statement by the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops, "The Orthodox Church cannot and will not bless same-sex unions. Whereas marriage between a man and a woman is a sacred institution ordained by God, homosexual union is not." The Orthodox Christian teaching on marriage and sexuality is "firmly grounded in Holy Scripture, 2000 years of church tradition, and canon law, holds that marriage consists in the conjugal union of a man and a woman." It adds that, “marriage is necessarily monogamous and heterosexual." This bishop needs to be disciplined, and if necessary, excommunicated. If he persists, they should anathematize him.

Kostas7/11/2022 6:38 pm

After granting autocephaly to Ukrainian schismatics, accepting defrocked priests into a "Slavic Vicariate", serving Liturgy at an Episcopal church, marching with terrorist/ pro-LGBTQ / pro-abortion groups, equating the free will of the Panagia to give birth to our Lord with freedom to end life in the womb, is anyone surprised that sodomy is now blessed? I pray the monasteries of Elder Ephraim will bail out so I can worship there in peace.

Justina7/11/2022 5:50 pm

the word "husband" was put in quotation marks so this is not really accepting the faggot stance or terminology. The baptism was of the children not the gay adults, but this would indicate the adults re accepted asOrthodox church members in good standing which is awful.

Stefanos Pappas 7/11/2022 5:34 pm

Dear editors, Do you have an email address please so I can contact you. Thanks Stefanos

Stefanos Pappas7/11/2022 5:20 pm

Elpidophoros is actually destroying morals and teachings of The Orthodox Church, he is and always be on the side of evil and immorality. One note to the editors of orthochristian.com I don't know whether this is true or not as it needs further clarification.....some whispers are going around that elpidophoros is leaving the GOA.

Antiochene Son7/11/2022 4:06 pm

If this isn't a red line he has crossed, I don't know what is.

Reader Seraphim Hanisch7/11/2022 3:53 pm

Anathematize Elpi three times and stop giving ANY money to GOARCH. The anathema will be ignored, but the money stopping won't be.

Theodoros 7/11/2022 3:22 pm

I am sickened after reading this article. This heretic must be deposed.

Greg7/11/2022 3:17 pm

Well not much can be said about the Greeks and the Orthodox Church. You sold your Christmas on the7th of Jan to be in line with the modern world and now this! Thank God that I’m Serbian and that where still old school! This is disgraceful! I wonder how St Justin Popovic would have reacted to this! Shame shame shame!

Rdr Daniel7/11/2022 11:44 am

To the editors: A point I need to make the article says, ‘His Husband Dundas’ it is not his husband. we cannot submit to the perversion of marriage and language in our speech and writing. As Orthodox Christians please correct this.

Rdr Daniel7/11/2022 11:41 am

If this is true (and I doubt from sheer shock) then surely he has gone too far even for the synod of Constantinople. When I heard that Elder Ephrem of Arizona is said to have appeared to a Greek couple and told them that Constantinople would go so far that the Church of Greece would realise and repent i did not imagine this. God save us, Lord have mercy.

IG7/11/2022 11:29 am

Greeks, don’t let this situation escalate, take responsibility, he is offending all of the Greek Orthodox. Take off his cassock if the bishops don’t want to do it. Make an appeal to your bishops, give them a deadline. Do something, it’s your responsibility as well who are calling yourselves GOC.

Abp. Elpidophoros praised for serving “first openly gay baptism”

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