In the words of Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras, "May this meeting be the dawn of that blessed and luminous day in which future generations, communing from the same chalice, may partake of the Holy Body and precious Blood of our Savior, and in love, peace, and unity, praise and glorify Him.”

As we remember the tragedies endured by Pontic Greeks, Armenians, Syrians, and others at the end of World War I, we pray for their eternal memory. May this inspire reconciliation, lasting peace, and an end to such catastrophes in our modern world.

The joy of Pascha is tinged with a note of sadness today, as we learn of the repose in the Lord of Pope Francis. In a world of increasing animosity, conflict, and hate, Pope Francis was a towering figure of compassion, empathy, and love. Memory Eternal - “Requiescat in Pace”

Honored to visit Ambassador Nassika at the Embassy of Greece, following her gracious visit to our Archdiocese in NYC. We discussed Greek Independence Day preparations, the importance of Greek language to our identity, and education's importance: www.goarch.org/-/nassika.

As we begin Great Lent, we cut off our self-cherishing ways, our φιλαυτία, through an abstinence filled with love - love for our God, love for our fellow human beings, and love for all of creation.

Icon: Mosaic of the creation of greater and lesser lights, Monreale Cathedral, Sicily, c.1100-1200.

On this joyous day, we give thanks to God for His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the loving Shepherd of the Mother Church of Constantinople, who celebrates his birthday on February 29.

Χρόνια Πολλά! Εἰς πολλὰ ἔτη, Δέσποτα!

Photos: Orthodox Observer/Brittainy Newman.

The passing of President Jimmy Carter, an Archon of our Ecumenical Patriarchate and a close friend of our Archdiocese, reminds us of a life rooted in faith, integrity, and service to all. His legacy of compassion calls us to reflect on our shared values. Eternal Memory!

The downfall of Assad's dictatorial regime marks a pivotal moment for Syria. We call upon the international community to assist in rebuilding efforts, ensuring that all communities, including the Christians of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch, can live in peace, dignity and mutual respect.

What can we learn from Saint Nicholas? All of us are called to live in service to one another, and that service may be eminently simple: a kind word, a gesture, or a smile. A gift that is truly given, with no strings attached. A prayer silently offered for the benefit of someone else.

On this Thanksgiving Day let us give thanks unto the Lord, Who has gifted us with life and the knowledge of His truth. I am enormously thankful for all of the faithful members of our Church, because it is through your prayers and support that our ministry of God’s care for the world is energized.

St. Iakovos Tsalikis, whose feast day we celebrate today, is especially near to my heart. When I signed the Act of Canonization for St. Iakovos - my final signature before becoming the Archbishop of America - I considered it a blessing from the Saint, that he will follow me throughout my whole life.

Today, on the Feast of the Entrance of the All-Holy Theotokos into the Temple, the Mother of God was brought close to that Altar of Sacrifice by the High Priest who himself dared to enter only once a year, and replaced the Temple of the Law by becoming Herself the Temple of the Incarnate God.

Yesterday, I warmly welcomed to our Archdiocese Dr. Theodoros Rousopoulos, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, and Despina Chatzivassiliou-Tsovilis, its Secretary General. Having known and respected both for many years, their visit was particularly enjoyable.

I have had the privilege to know Senior Rabbi Arthur Schneier for many decades, and the Appeal to Conscience Foundation, founded by Rabbi Schneier, holds a special place in my heart.

It was a pleasure to welcome Phedon Phedonos, Mayor of Pafos, to our Archdiocese, joined by Order of AHEPA Supreme President Savvas Tsivicos. I was impressed by the Mayor’s strategy to enhance higher education infrastructure in his city, forging connections with institutions from around the globe.

Once again, I was honored and humbled by your good wishes and attendance at my Nameday dinner. Our progress “in life, in faith, and spiritual understanding” must begin with our young people, which is why I wanted the proceeds from this Agape Meal to go to the Camping Programs throughout our land.

Εvery person, no matter who they are, or what they have done – for better or for worse – is worthy of God’s love. And if they are worthy of God’s love, then they are worthy of our love, too.