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Orthodox Observer - August 1997

Archbishop Visits Carpatho-Russian Diocese

ARCHBISHOP SPYRIDON, flanked by the Very Rev. John Heropoulos (l), and His Grace Bishop Nicholas of Amissos, celebrate Vespers at the Carpatho-Russian Cathedral.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — The majestic strains of "Dostojin Jest" echoed once again through the halls of Christ the Savior Cathedral as more than 500 persons greeted His Eminence Archbishop Spyridon, Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, as he entered the church.

By Fr. Lawrence Barriger

This was the first time an Exarch of the Patriarchate made a formal visit to the Diocese since Archbishop Iakovos in 1983 for the installation of diocesan Archons, in 1984, for the funeral of Bishop John of blessed memory and for the enthronement on April 19, 1985, of His Grace Bishop Nicholas.

At the vestibule, Bishop Nicholas presented Archbishop Spyridon with the Cathedral handcross as a sign of recognition of His Eminence's office as Exarch of the Mother Church.

The traditional bread and salt, symbols of hospitality and welcome, were presented by the lay trustees of the Cathedral and Diocese.

At the conclusion of the vespers, Bishop Nicholas addressed the Archbishop, saying, "Today, the joy of the Carpatho-Russian faithful of the Ecumenical Throne is made complete, because for the first time in over 12 years, we behold the Exarch of our Holy Mother, the Great Church of Christ, standing in our midst ... I entreat you, Your Eminence to look around this great cathedral and behold the exaltation, the delight, the happiness, that your presence has brought into our midst today."

His Grace mentioned that it was from the Great Church of Constantinople that the Carpatho-Russian people had received the Orthodox faith of the Apostles through the hands of Sts. Cyril and Methodios.

Following Bishop Nicholas' address, Archbishop Spyridon spoke to the gathering.

"It is a great blessing to be here since this marks the first time as the Archepiscopal representative of His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, I come to visit my beloved brother Bishop, His Grace Nicholas and the faithful Christians under his spiritual care. It is a blessing because this gathering with Carpatho-Russians, Greeks, all of us Americans, truly reflects the Ecumenical Church of which His All Holiness is the head.

"Different cultures, different liturgical rubrics and customs, different languages, but the same Orthodox faith, the same Christian witness, the same spiritual father and thus one and only one ecclesia. Since my enthronement , His Grace Bishop Nicholas has been a faithful supporter and friend; always ready to come to my assistance as I "learn the ropes," as they say, in my new assignment.

"I am appreciative of that support and friendship. Together, we have built upon the good relationship of our two communities and strengthened our bond so that when our beloved Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew arrives in the fall, he will see not two communities, but with all the other dioceses under his spiritual jurisdiction, one community thriving under its cultural diversity. I thank you all for adding to this oneness; I thank you all for the steadfastness of your faith; I thank you for this welcome that you have given to me. Indeed, having been here this evening, I look forward with more anticipation to our visit here in November with His All Holiness, who tonight sends his blessings and greetings to you through me; but who nevertheless is eager to be among you."

At the conclusion of his message, Archbishop Spyridon, Bishop Nicholas and the other hierarchs proceeded to the site of the new diocesan chancery building for a ground-breaking ceremony.

[ Orthodox Observer, Vol. 62 - No. 1132, August 1997, p. 3 ]