NEW YORK – His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America gave the benediction to close the third night of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on August 19, with a unifying message that harmonized with the event’s central theme “We the People.”

The Archbishop's speech in the form of a prayer was strongly social in nature, asking God to inspire all people to fight against injustice, inequality, and hatred in order to defend the common good.

The program for the third day of the DNC included speeches by the convention’s nominee for Vice President Kamala Harris, President Barack Obama, and former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

Archbishop Elpidophoros’ benediction follows:

“Let us pray. Most merciful and loving God, as we gather in soberness of mind and of heart for the sake of our nation and its future, we pray that You would shine the light of Your countenance upon the delegates of this convention, and upon Vice President Joe Biden for the highest office in the land.

“As we face the future as one American nation, bring us to our best selves and inspire our better angels, in peace, in fairness, and in generosity, that we may fight against injustice, inequality, and hatred, that we may achieve a common good, a greater good in the name of the Holy Trinity we pray. Amen.”

I prayed to God at @DemConvention as we face the future as One American Nation: Bring us to our best selves and inspire our better angels. In peace, fairness, & generosity. That we may fight against injustice, inequality, hatred. That we may achieve a common good, a greater good. pic.twitter.com/97wDM0z5dz

— Elpidophoros (@Elpidophoros) August 20, 2020