Archbishop Elpidophoros honors veterans, cites Kennedy on God-given rights

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• − opinion#3534 1 likes at the source

  Yeah I don't know, I just wish he'd stuck to praying for veterans instead of partly glorifying a country. It's not that I can't see the political and social reasons for it, and I'm not saying I have any problem with the archbishop personally... but our church is so tiny it isn't even on any list of institutions the government would want to take over, so I honestly don't see why we can't be upfront and frame prayers for veterans as our duty as Christians rather than our 'duty' as Americans.

  • − opinion#3536 1 likes at the source

    With respect, I wouldn't write off the influence of Greek Orthodox Americans in the diaspora, whom the Archbishop represents. The archdiocese keeps a good relationship with the government, and part of why is that it promotes good civic conduct. That relationship is genuinely helpful for Orthodox Americans.

    • − opinion#3540 1 likes at the source

      Honestly I don't feel strongly either way about how a bishop phrases a prayer for a civic holiday. And I agree the relationship is worth keeping up. What I keep objecting to is the idea that our bishop represents a diaspora. I'm not even sure Orthodox churches in America have ever technically fit that description, and even if they once did, I don't believe they do anymore. I don't think you meant anything bad by it, it just rubs me the wrong way. Edit: Fixed a typo.
• − opinion#3535 1 likes at the source

  "...Mr. President [Trump], we especially thank you for your commitment to Christianity and especially the Christians of the Middle East, who keep Christianity alive and thriving in the lands of its origin. ...Mr. President, you lead the world in championing freedom and peace between all People.... Through your leadership, you embody the values of our Christian faith and a love for the Gospel. You remind me of the great Roman Emperor Constantine, who founded and built the magnificent city of Constantinople, my birthplace, known today as Istanbul." -Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, White House Celebration of Greek Independence 2025

  • − opinion#3537 1 likes at the source

    What exactly are these quotes meant to prove?

    • − opinion#3541 1 likes at the source

      Any honor that doesn't line up with the Gospel, any honor handed out by twisting the Gospel, swapping it out for something else, or making a parody of it, isn't honor at all, it's dishonor. "For he who had received the authority to bind and to loose, and that authority reaches to the very Kingdom of Heaven itself and is both fearful and mighty, exclaims with a great, mighty and brilliant voice, But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach a gospel to you other than what we preached to you, let him be anathema. He who is so great a man, Paul, the never-silent trumpet of the Church, surrenders to anathema anyone who dares to receive or introduce any foreign doctrine to the Gospel, and he subjects to great curses not only others who would dare this, but also says it about himself; if he were seen to be obstinate, he urged equal judgement. He sets no limit on this fearful word of judgement but searches the heavens themselves." -St. Photius the Great, Mystagogy of the Holy Spirit
  • − opinion#3538 1 likes at the source

    It isn't our place as laymen to correct our bishops.

    • − opinion#3542 1 likes at the source

      On things that aren't theology, yes it is.
    • − opinion#3543 1 likes at the source

      We're a conciliar church. Not only can lay people correct our bishops, they can remove them from office entirely.
  • − opinion#3539 1 likes at the source

    He'd say the exact same things about a president who did the complete opposite of Trump. And that's the whole problem.