HALLOWAY, NJ – His Eminence, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America participated in the Rev. Dr. Demetrios J. Constantelos Memorial Lecture as a guest speaker. The topic of his speech was The Orthodox Church in the 21st Century: Challenges and Opportunities.

In his presentation, His Eminence emphasized that Orthodoxy remains a living tradition, present in the world to serve the world. He also made special note of the figure of Rev. Constantelos, saying, “tonight’s lecture is also dedicated to the memory of the Reverend Demetrios Constantelos, a unique scholar, a wonderful teacher, and compassionate pastor. These many personal and intellectual qualities explain his numerous accomplishments. He was a versatile and amazing individual who loved the Orthodox Church here in America and our Ecumenical Patriarchate.” In closing, His Eminence reflected on the importance of a genuine liturgical experience to rediscover the prophetic spirit of Christianity. “To paraphrase Martin Luther King Junior: ‘The ultimate measure of the Church is not where it stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where it stands at times of challenge.’”

The Rev. Dr. Demetrios J. Constantelos Memorial Lecture was sponsored by the Dean C. and Zoe S. Pappas Interdisciplinary Center for Hellenic Studies at Stockton University.

The lecture commemorated the memory and legacy of Rev. Dr. Demetrios J. Constantelos, Distinguished Research Scholar in Residence and the Charles Cooper Townsend Sr. Distinguished Professor of History and Religious Studies, Emeritus, at Stockton University. Rev. Dr. Constantelos was one of the founding faculty members of the college. In addition, in his role as a Greek Orthodox priest, he served several Greek Orthodox Communities.  He fell asleep in the Lord in January 2017.