Orthodox Observer

On Friday, March 20, 2026, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America received at the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America His Excellency Archbishop Gabriele G. Caccia.

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America welcomed to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America headquarters Metropolitan Ambrosios of Korea and Exarch of Japan on March 19, 2026.

Before the civil war in 2011, there were about 2.5 million Christians in Syria, including around a million Greek Orthodox believers. Today, estimates of the Christian population range from 500,000 to a million, with slightly less than half being Greek Orthodox Christians.

The parish of Holy Trinity Church in Hicksville, NY was filled to capacity as parishioners gathered to witness the ordination of Sub-Deacon Christopher Arnadopoulos to the diaconate on Sunday, March 15.

Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II of the Georgian Orthodox Church, among the most monumental figures in Georgia’s modern history, died Tuesday at the age of 93. Read more at the link in our bio.

@ionianvillage invites you to read the following testimonial by Stelios Yamalis, who reflects on his experience and the profound impact IV Next has had on his spiritual journey.

The National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians is pleased to announce that the Saint Romanos Church Music Festival has received unanimous approval by the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Archdiocese of America. See the link in our bio.

The Organizing Committee of the 48th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress is pleased to announce that registration is now officially open for this historic gathering of the Church in America. Register at the link in our bio.

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America gave invocations at the New York State Capitol building in observance of the 205th anniversary of the Greek War of Independence.

At 11 years old, in 1941, little Anna Marakas climbed onto the organ bench in the choir loft at then Assumption Church in Oakland, California, and began to play. 85 years later, she is still playing. Read more about her lifetime of service at the link in our bio.

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America spent the day at the New York State Capitol on Tuesday, March 11, delivering invocations before both chambers of the New York State legislature.

The Parish Cybersecurity Subcommittee of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America invites parishioners nationwide to a free, one‑hour online session: “Cybersecurity Basics for Parishioners.”

Sixty clergy from throughout the Direct Archdiocesan District gathered with His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America at Saint George Greek Orthodox Church in Schenectady, New York, for their Annual Clergy Lenten Retreat. Link in bio.

Ernie Anastos, the veteran television news anchor whose steady presence and familiar voice made him one of the most recognized broadcasters in New York City for more than 40 years, died on Thursday morning at Northern Westchester Hospital. Read more at the link in our bio.

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America spent a full day at the New York State Capitol on Tuesday, March 11, delivering invocations before both chambers of the New York State Legislature. Read more at the link in our bio.

Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church in Boca Raton, Florida hosted the first Young Aspiring Chanters Conference welcoming more than 40 young men and women from across the United States who gathered to deepen their knowledge and love of the sacred art of Orthodox Christian chant.

Justice Hector D. LaSalle and associate Justices presented “Philotimo in Action: Greek-American Contributions to Faith, Justice, and Public Life.” There, Fr. Alex spoke about his role in continuing to encourage young Greek Americans to remain engaged with their communities.

In his sacred responsibility as described in the Charter of our Sacred Archdiocese, and in his pastoral oversight and fatherly care, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America has approved the ordinations found at the link in our bio.

The community of the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John the Theologian in Tenafly, New Jersey celebrated the first Saluations to the Theotokos and then attended the opening of an exhibit called Icons in Bloom presented by the St. Philothea Philoptochos Society.

Governor Bob Ferguson announced on Monday, March 9, 2026 that Angelis will succeed Justice Barbara Madsen following her retirement this spring.   Read more at the link in bio.