Elpidophoros of Bursa new Archbishop of America

While other websites simply bring you the news, here at  The Orthodox World, we try to analyze and add-value to it. +++ On May 11, 2019, the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, chaired by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, unanimously elected His Eminence Metropolitan Elpidophoros (Lambriniadis) of Bursa — who until today was serving, among other responsibilities, as the Abbot of the Holy Trinity Patriarchal and Stavropegial Monastery of Halki — to be the new Archbishop of America. His election followed the recent resignation of Archbishop Demetrios (Trakatellis). +++ The ascendency of Metropolitan Elpidophoros to the Archbishopric Throne of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America has been rumored for many years. Today’s announcement by the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate is attention-grabbing but not too surprising. Elpidophoros is in his early-fifties and, God willing, has many years, if not decades, to lead the Archdiocese of America. To begin, Elpidophoros is a stalwart supporter of the Ecumenical Patriarchate – likely a key factor in the decision of His All-Holiness and members of the Synod during the selection process. In 2014, for example, Metropolitan Elpidophoros published, “First without equals: A response to the text on primacy of the Moscow Patriarchate,” a controversial text in support of the Phanar and of the Ecumenical Patriarch. With Elpidophoros leading the U.S. Archdiocese, the Ecumenical Patriarchate has a trusted hierarch who will keep the interests of the Mother Church at the forefront. Metropolitan Elpidophoros arguably has the personal stature, international experience, spiritual background, and respect of many, which are consistent with the requirements of his new position. At his March 2011 consecration as Metropolitan of Proussa (Bursa), for example, hierarchs from the Churches of Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, Russia, Cyprus and Greece – including Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All-Greece and Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk – were in attendance. Elpidophoros studied at the Theological School of St. John the Damascene in Balamand, Lebanon, and has also served in various international organizations – including various theological dialogues between Orthodox and non-Orthodox – giving him an appropriate background to serve the diverse Orthodox community in the United States. His recent spiritual surroundings, serving as Abbot and leading the rejuvenation of the Holy Trinity Monastery of Halki, will also be helpful in America, as many have commented on the decline of authentic Orthodox spirituality there (to say nothing of the ongoing tensions between a certain group of U.S.-based monasteries and the hierarchs and leadership of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese). We wrote the following in our analysis of Archbishop Demetrios’ resignation last Saturday: Who the new Archbishop will be and how he is welcomed by the hierarchs, clergy, and faithful in America, will be watched closely by many. This is the first challenge Metropolitan Elpidophoros will have in his new role as Archbishop; that is, ensuring that he builds durable relationships with the hierarchs, clergy, and faithful in America. In many ways – spiritually, financially, administratively – the Archdiocese finds itself in a precarious position; for this reason Elpidophoros should begin his tenure with prudence, humility, and discretion. If upon his enthronement he immediately undertakes drastic and severe reforms, without setting the proper groundwork to do so in the first place, it may immediately poison his position as Archbishop and set back the much needed progress of the Archdiocese. Buy-in – both from clergy and laity – is required before trying to implement significant change. This requires inclusive leadership and an understanding of the personalities and personal needs of key players in the Archdiocese and sister metropolises. This in turn requires time and ongoing outreach to clergy and communities of faithful. Consistent with this theme, The Orthodox World suggests two practical points for consideration and implementation by the soon to be Archbishop Elpidophoros. First, upon your enthronement, immediately declare that you will not receive any salary or financial compensation until the financial position of the Archdiocese stabilizes and is on a sustainable long-term footing. This may roil some, but it is a necessary step to without delay gain the trust of the faithful. This will show real leadership, a personal commitment, and a readiness for personal sacrifice, first and foremost, for the betterment of the Church. We see little overall downside to this proposal. Second, embark on a listening tour. Get to know the people on the ground. The members of key parishes and communities who despite controversy and bad headlines continue the work necessary to sustain and grow the Church in America. While some clergy and hierarchs may be harder to persuade, with the trust, support, and goodwill of the faithful, you will develop and have the necessary capital to undertake reform and changes when the time is right. Between now and his enthronement, Metropolitan Elpidophoros needs to develop (if he hasn’t already) a vision of who he wants to be as Archbishop and the type of spiritual leader he hopes to be. As the saying goes, You never get a second chance to make a good first impression. There are many priorities and points that need to be addressed, both within the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and external to it, such as its relations with other Orthodox through the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States. How Metropolitan Elpidophoros decides to triage concerns and who he chooses to surround himself with, especially at the beginning of his tenure, will guide the course and narrative of his early years as Archbishop of America. As we do for all Orthodox, but especially the bishops who lead and guide the Church of Christ, we pray that the Risen Lord and God the Holy Spirit enlightens them all, including Metropolitan Elpidophoros, to make prudent decisions full of discernment for the betterment of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. Nikodemos The Orthodox World