Source: Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
February 24, 2023
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
To My Beloved in the North American Archdiocese
My reverend brother hierarchs,
My sons, the pious priests and deacons,
My daughters and sons, God’s faithful of the blessed Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America,
Grace and Peace!
I received the news of my election as the metropolitan of your God-protected Archdiocese with silence and feelings of deep emotions. I remembered the day of my elevation to the office of the holy episcopacy twenty-four years ago. At that time, I had said in my address, “As I stand in Your presence, O Lord, let my hands carry Your gifts to Your people, my feet to lead them to You, my mouth to utter Your words, my heart to extend Your love to them. Make me a good and faithful servant.”
… Was it a coincidence that God had arranged for me to become acquainted with the beloved Antiochian Archdiocese of New York and All North America since the first year of my theological studies?
Was it a coincidence that after five years of my priestly ministry, God orchestrated for me to visit and spend about six months in the regions of your Archdiocese, allowing me to serve the Divine Liturgy in thirteen states as well as in Canada, and to enrich myself with such pastoral experience?
… Read the rest at Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America.
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