NEW YORK – Vice Chairman of the Archdiocesan Council, prominent businessman and Community leader John Catsimatidis, in an exclusive statement to The National Herald, marked the Anniversary of the Enthronement of Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.

The entire statement follows:

“As Vice Chairman of the Archdiocese Council, I am overjoyed that we are marking the anniversary of the Enthronement of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America. This last year has been one of renewal, restoration, and – as far as the Saint Nicholas Church and National Shrine at Ground Zero is concerned – resurrection.

If we think of the Archdiocese as a ship, we were off course, taking on water, and without a captain. Then came the decision of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to elect Archbishop Elpidophoros, whose name means ‘bringer of hope.’ I remember that beautiful, sunny June day when thousands gathered in person and online to witness his Enthronement. When Archbishop Elpidophoros entered the Church, there was this great sigh of relief. And when he ascended the throne that was the moment that we all felt there was finally a steady hand at the wheel, and many of us were reminded of Archbishop Iakovos, and the leadership he brought to the Church.

From that day until now, we have all been blessed by the Archbishop’s honest talk, decisive action, and his caring manner. His smile lights up the room and his ministry inspires our hearts to believe that our Church can be great again. We have reversed course and are now on the path to a secure and bright future.

Despite all the challenges affecting our country right now, Archbishop Elpidophoros is giving us real leadership that we can all get behind. I’m proud to serve the Church under his invigorated and exciting ministry. I know that I speak for Greek Orthodox all across the country when I say: Congratulations Your Eminence for the first of many such anniversaries, and thank you for your leadership, your enthusiasm, and your love for all the Church.”