NEW YORK — His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America departed for Istanbul following the celebration of the Dormition of the Theotokos at the eponymous parish in Brooklyn, New York. The Archbishop will remain abroad through the Beginning of the Ecclesiastical Year (September 1st) and will be at the Ecumenical Patriarchate for the Synaxis of Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne, as well as the Feast of the Indiction.

Upon his return, the Archbishop will preside over the 20th Anniversary commemorations of September 11, followed by a visit to Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology for the feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross, for the start of the academic year and also to preside over the meeting of the Eparchial Synod. In addition, His Eminence will continue preparations for the coming Apostolic Visit of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the United States in October.