Phanar bishop: Those against service in church with LGBT flag lack kindness
St Bartholomew’s Church (Episcopal), New York. Photo: helleniscope.com
On 12 June 2023, the head of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in the US, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, stated that those who condemn Orthodox worship in a church with LGBT flags have no kindness.
During the Great Vespers St Bartholomew’s Church, which has an LGBTQ+ flag hanging over its entrance, Archbishop Elpidophoros said that the head of the Phanar "has deep concern and care for all of creation".
Explaining the reason why representatives of the Greek Archdiocese of America gathered in the Episcopal Church temple to celebrate Patriarch Bartholomew's name day, Archbishop Emmanuel said: "We celebrate the Ecumenical Patriarch’s name day here in a church of another Christian community because His All-Holiness is the very definition of ecumenicity."
"His All-Holiness acts like a spiritual wheel in the world – holding the traditions fast in the hub of the Holy Mother Church. But he reaches out as well through spokes that extend in love and compassion to all people. No one is ever beneath or unworthy of the love of God," said Archbishop Elpidophoros.
He noted that the service in the temple, over whose entrance hangs the LGBT flag and which belongs to a "different Christian tradition, is a sign of our expansive and embracing love for all people".
"It is a symbolic act that many will try to interpret through their own filters of grievance, prejudice, and lack of basic human kindness.," said Archbishop Elpidophorus.
As reported, one of the members of the chanting team refused to take part in a service in the temple with an LGBT flag, which was led by Archbishop Elpidophoros.
This chorister sent a group email to all the other members informing them that he "is not coming, because of the gay flag and the despicable events this church promoted – esp. the gay flag around the Holy Cross".
Read also
Shevchuk tells Budanov of UGCC’s “state-building role”
The head of the Uniates told the head of the Presidential Office that his Church was ready to partner with the state and presented him with a book on the work of special services in the Church.
Authorities decline to disclose Ukraine’s population size
The State Statistics Service acknowledged that it has up-to-date population estimates for the country, but has decided not to make them public.
Lithuanian govt vows to protect Orthodox Church from Russian intelligence
Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry has called for curbing the influence of Russian intelligence services on the Church, while an adviser to President Nausėda warned against labeling the entire structure a security threat.
During Ramadan, Patriarch Theodoros hosts Islamic iftar at his residence
Patriarch Theodoros of Alexandria hosted a meal for Muslim workers breaking their fast in the courtyard of the Patriarchate and thanked a sheikh for his “brotherhood.”
Lawsuit filed against Patriarch of Constantinople
A Turkish official has accused Patriarch Bartholomew and dozens of clergy of “illegal activity” and violating the Treaty of Lausanne.
OCU cleric buried with Church Slavonic funeral shroud
In the Ternopil Eparchy of the OCU, a cleric was buried under a funeral shroud bearing inscriptions in Church Slavonic.