Phanar hierarch speaks at US Conference of Catholic Bishops

The Phanar hierarch at the USCCB General Assembly. Photo: twitter.com/Elpidophoros

The head of the American Archdiocese of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, Archbishop Elpidophoros, spoke at the November General Assembly of the United States Catholic Bishops' Conference (USCCB), reports the Orthodox Times, emphasizing that this is the first time Orthodox hierarchs have attended the event.

The Phanar hierarch visited the USCCB General Assembly at the invitation of the President of the Conference, Archbishop Jose Gomez.

Addressing Catholic bishops, Archbishop Elpidophoros said he shared his heartfelt joy to be with them "for the first time in the history of our Sister Churches’ relation in this country".

“I am convinced that the future and mission of Catholic-Orthodox relations in the U.S.A. is to continue to bear witness to God’s presence in the world, faithful to the Spirit of Jerusalem that we received as a legacy,” he said.

The resource detailed: “Archbishop Elpidophoros was joined for this important ecumenical moment by a delegation from the Assembly of Bishops, including His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A.; His Grace Bishop Maxim, Serbian Orthodox Church in North, Central and South America and His Eminence Archbishop Alexander, Orthodox Church in America."

As reported, the head of the Phanar took part in the Eucharistic Congress with Pope Francis.

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