In Atlanta, Georgia, the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America convened for its 13th Annual Meeting today, September 30, 2024.

Yesterday, after celebrating the Divine Liturgy at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation, hierarchs heard stories from the various Assembly of Bishops agencies, including Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry and International Orthodox Christian Charities, and attended choir and dance performances offered by parishes in the region.

The hierarchs met today to discuss matters of critical importance to Orthodoxy in the U.S., including updates from agencies (Orthodox Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Orthodox Christian Fellowship, Orthodox Volunteer Corps, Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry, Orthodox Christian Mission Center, and International Orthodox Christian Charities) and ministries (Mental Health Ministries, Inter-Parish Associations, and the Assembly of Bishops mobile app). Committee projects and motions and the 2025 Assembly budget were also discussed.

As chairman of the Assembly of Bishops, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America addressed the hierarchy this morning in opening remarks. His Eminence encouraged his fellow hierarchs to act as examples of “unity, solidarity, and fraternity” among their faithful, expressing his appreciation for their “spirit of synergy and goodwill.”

His Eminence also prayed “for a conclusion to this fratricidal war” between Russia and Ukraine, and called upon the Assembly to support the Patriarchates of Antioch and Jerusalem, referencing Israel’s use of “overwhelming force and retaliation [in Gaza and the West Bank]” and “outbreak of violence against Lebanon” which have caused “tens of thousands of unnecessary and innocent deaths.”

Insisting that “all…jurisdictions possess members whose families are affected, and…rightfully look to us for leadership and guidance,” His Eminence asked that the hierarchs be exemplars for their faithful by supporting Their Beatitudes Patriarch John and Patriarch Theophilos and “their respective flocks in Gaza, the West Bank, Israel, Lebanon, and Jordan.”

Photos: GOARCH/Dimitrios Panagos.