Archbishop Elpidophoros Leads Pastoral Delegation to Santa Monica Pier on January 27, 2025

Greek Orthodox Archbishop of America to Lead Pastoral Delegation to Los Angeles on  Monday, January 27, 2025 on the Santa Monica Pier

Los Angeles, CA – In response to the devastating fires impacting local communities, the Greek  Orthodox Archbishop of America, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, based in New York,  is visiting Los Angeles. During his visit, His Eminence is leading a delegation representing the diverse ministries of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America to offer Arch-pastoral support and preside over The Blessing of the Waters Ceremony, which is taking place on the westernmost side of the Santa Monica Pier at 3:00 PM on Monday, January 27, 2025. 

This special service is uniting clergy, the faithful, elected officials, and civic leaders from across  Southern California to seek the Lord’s guidance and grace in this time of crisis. The ceremony includes prayers to bless the waters and petitions for strength and protection for firefighters, law enforcement, first responders, and emergency workers who selflessly dedicate themselves to saving lives, homes, and communities. It also provides much-needed spiritual comfort and solace to those who have suffered devastating losses and are seeking hope in the midst of these challenging times. 

The centerpiece of the Archbishop’s visit is The Blessing of the Waters Ceremony, scheduled for  3:00 PM on Monday, January 27, 2025, at the westernmost side of the Santa Monica Pier. This will provide a magnificent photo opportunity. 

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros (Lambriniadis) of America, Most Honorable Exarch of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, is the eighth Archbishop of America elected since the  establishment of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in 1922. 

WHEN: 

Monday, January 27, at 3:00 PM  

WHERE: 

Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA  

WHO:  

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America 

His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco 

Debbie George, President of the National Philoptochos Society  

Demetrios Logothetis, Chairman of Leadership 100 

The Hon. Steven Counelis, Regional Archon Commander  

Christina Valassopoulou, Consul General of Greece in Los Angeles  

Clergy, faithful, elected officials, and civic leaders of Southern California