Archbishop Elpidophoros Commends Metropolitan Gerasimos’ Devotion
By Aphrodite Kotrotsios, Special to the Hellenic News of America
San Francisco, California – On October 28, 2023, at the Hotel Saint Francis in San Francisco, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco celebrated its centennial gala. The evening was filled with prayers, speeches, and heartfelt tributes to commemorate this significant milestone and to honor His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco.
The gala coincided with OXI Day, a day of remembrance in Greece, adding a profound layer of significance to the event. His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America presided over the gathering, offering an invocation and delivering a touching greeting.
Archbishop Elpidophoros began the evening with a prayer, expressing gratitude for the Holy Metropolis of San Francisco and invoking blessings upon its Shepherd, His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos. He commended Metropolitan Gerasimos for his nineteen years of devoted archpastoral ministry and asked for God’s grace to continue guiding him.
The Archbishop then extended his blessings to the entire assembly, the food, and those who had prepared it. He prayed for the attendees and their loved ones, wishing for the presence of the Divine in their hearts, minds, and souls. He concluded the prayer with words of praise and worship.
In his greeting, Archbishop Elpidophoros spoke of the significance of the occasion and the remarkable honoree, Metropolitan Gerasimos. He acknowledged the Theofanis Economidis Award bestowed upon His Eminence, named after Archon Ekdikos Theofanis V. Economidis, a distinguished figure known for his unwavering commitment to the Orthodox Faith and Hellenic Tradition.
The Archbishop emphasized virtues such as vision, devotion, stewardship, leadership, humility, and service, qualities that Metropolitan Gerasimos embodies. He praised the Metropolitan’s faithful duty, highlighting his selfless service to the Church and the Theological School. Archbishop Elpidophoros underlined how Metropolitan Gerasimos had embraced every task, always striving for excellence.
Metropolitan Gerasimos’ journey from layman to archdeacon to Archbishop’s Chief Secretary demonstrated his humility and dedication. When the Church called him to become a bishop, he approached the episcopal role with grace and humility. He served as Chief Secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod before his election as Metropolitan.
The Archbishop noted that the assembly gathered not merely to praise Metropolitan Gerasimos but also to draw inspiration from his life, which epitomizes faithfulness to Christ and the Church. Archbishop Elpidophoros concluded by quoting the Lord’s words, “We are unprofitable servants, for we only did those things which we were duty-bound to do,” and expressed his heartfelt appreciation to Metropolitan Gerasimos.
The centennial gala was a night of celebration, gratitude, and deep spiritual reflection. It honored Metropolitan Gerasimos’ unwavering commitment and contributions to the Metropolis of San Francisco and the Orthodox Church in America.
