New Orleans Greets Archbishop Elpidophoros with Jazz and Philoxenia - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (original) (raw)
Photo: Orthodox Observer/Brittainy Newman.
This weekend, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in New Orleans, Louisiana is hosting His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America for an Archpastoral visit. The parish community, now led by Cathedral Dean Rev. Fr. George Wilson, was the first Greek Orthodox Church established in North and South America.
Yesterday, Friday, March 14, 2025, His Eminence was welcomed by the cathedral’s clerical and lay leaders, sharing a meal at the French Quarter’s historic Antoine’s Restaurant. Addressing the community, His Eminence shared how moved he was by their hospitality.
Each attendee introduced themself to His Eminence, sharing their background, upbringing, and roles in the Church. Archon John Georges presented the Archbishop with an archival print of the church’s original building, and His Eminence was also greeted by a lively jazz performance.
In addition to spending time with New Orleans’s Greek Orthodox faithful, His Eminence also spent time yesterday engaging with the city’s vibrant Roman Catholic community. The Archbishop was given a tour of Notre Dame Seminary, where he offered a question-and-answer session, prayer for the wellbeing of Pope Francis, and lecture for seminarians, reflecting on the “seedbed of spiritual formation that we call ‘seminary.’” His Eminence also met with Roman Catholic Archbishop Aymond of New Orleans.
After taking a brief drive through the scenic campuses of Tulane and Loyola Universities, His Eminence completed the first day of his visit to New Orleans by presiding over the Second Salutations to the Theotokos at Holy Trinity Cathedral. In his homily for the occasion, the Archbishop shared how we can welcome joy and gladness “even in the midst of this season of repentance” that is the Lenten fast.