The Phoenix Greek Orthodox Church is awaiting a visit from Archbishop Elpidophoros of America on Tuesday evening. He was appointed to oversee the church in the United States in June by leadership in Istanbul, Turkey. Father Apostolos Hill said the visit coincides with an important holiday.
"His Eminence is coming to Phoenix to celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration, here in the area, and specifically at the monastery in Florence, but then also to meet all the faithful here in Phoenix and in Arizona," he said.
The decision to visit the Valley came about through a mutual desire from the archbishop to visit the Southwest and an invitation from the community. Father Hill said that having him come to Phoenix, of all places, and so soon after his installment, is an honor.
The archbishop is a bold speaker on various topics. Father Hill says he’s not afraid to speak out on controversial issues.
"With all the divisions in the world today, all the pain, the fear, the things that we’re mourning over now in America — we’ve already released a statement inviting everyone to come together and to oppose this kind of darkness that we’re all struggling against," he said. "So His Eminence Elpidophoros is one who is very bold in his statements and he champions the needs of those who have no voice."
The archbishop visited the Greek Orthodox monastery in Florence on Monday and he will be leading a service Tuesday evening at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Phoenix.
