His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, the spiritual head of the Greek Orthodox Church in the United States, has officially become a naturalised American citizen.
Photographs shared online show the Archbishop participating in a citizenship oath ceremony – the final step in the naturalisation process, during which applicants swear allegiance to the US Constitution and renounce prior national loyalties.
In a statement following the ceremony, Archbishop Elpidophoros expressed heartfelt appreciation for his adopted homeland.
“With gratitude and humility, I thank this great nation for welcoming me six years ago – and today, for granting me the honour of becoming an American citizen,” he said.
He described the occasion as one filled with “joy and renewed purpose,” pledging to “redouble” his service to both the Greek Orthodox faithful and the broader American community.
Quoting Scripture, he added: “As Scripture reminds us, ‘Every good and every perfect gift is from above’ (James 1:17) – and today, I receive this gift with thanksgiving and love.”
Source: Ekathimerini
