ΕΑΝ ΠΡΟΤΙΜΑΤΕ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ ΠΑΤΗΣΤΕ ΤΗ ΣΗΜΑΙΑ ΣΤΟ ΚΑΤΩ ΜΕΡΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΟΘΟΝΗΣ
PHOTO: The Evzones in St. Nicholas WTC… The “secular/national symbol overwhelms the small sacred/religious space of the “Shrine”…
The Federation should regroup and restore normalcy to its functions. “Normal” should mean this: the Archbishop has no role in organizational matters concerning the Parade, its relationship with the Presidency of Greece, and the Evzones. None. He remains in his ecclesiastical capacity and is informed appropriately by the Parade Committee on issues pertaining to the Parade – period.
By Nick Stamatakis
For nearly seven years, Helleniscope has chronicled the precarious balancing act of Archbishop Elpidophoros—Turkish-born and largely Turkish-formed—as he navigates between the “motherland and mother culture” (Turkey), the adopted homeland (America), and the “imagined” motherland (Greece and Cyprus). His constant swerving among these competing identities is not only unsustainable; it also exposes in detail why the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and its hierarchy are fundamentally out of place in the American context.
In the weeks spanning Holy Week and the Greek Independence Parade, this balancing act was on full display.
On Good Friday evening, the Archbishop invited Mayor Mamdani, a Muslim, to participate in the holiest of all Orthodox services, the Epitaphios, at St. Nicholas at the World Trade Center, even granting him the platform to deliver remarks. (For now, I will set aside the ongoing issue of joint services between Catholics and Orthodox at the “Shrine.”) Mamdani appeared again last Sunday at the Cathedral on 74th Street, addressing Greek officials, the Evzones, and an assembly of bishops and clergy on the morning of the Parade, along with dignitaries from Greece (I should note here that mayors usually come to march in the Parade with us – why not Mamdani?).
Meanwhile, for years, Elpidophoros has assured community leaders that Greek and American flags would be installed outside St. Nicholas WTC. Nothing has been done. One might ask: was an application ever even submitted to the Port Authority? I frankly doubt it.
At the same time, over the past four years, he has insisted that the Greek Presidential Guard, the Evzones, a supreme national symbol, be present at St. Nicholas and prominently accompany him, I dare say “shadow” him, during Parade events, as though he were their authority.
PHOTO: The excellent Corfiot Band Korakiana outside St. Nicholas…
Last Friday, outside St. Nicholas, the Archbishop’s representative, Fr. Evagoras, prevented the Corfiot band “Korakiana” from performing the Greek and American national anthems. The explanation offered was that Parade Chairman Lou Katsos had failed to communicate the schedule and that no one knew how to obtain the necessary Port Authority permit. While it is true that a permit is required – and Katsos’s communication “skills” throughout the Parade left much to be desired – it raises a larger question: how much trust can be placed in an Archbishop who has shown such disregard for both the Greek and American flags at that very location?
As for the planned Parade events at St. Nicholas WTC, the answer came from the NYPD, which, justifiably, refused to allow this year’s procession of the Evzones and others from the “Shrine” to Bowling Green. With that plan halted, the Archbishop would do well in the future to reconsider and cancel the additional Doxology at St. Nicholas. One Doxology, held at the Cathedral on Sunday, is more than sufficient. There is no reason to exhaust the Evzones – some of whom might better serve the community by visiting local schools that morning.
Looking ahead, there is hope that the Federation will regroup and restore normalcy to its functions. “Normal” should mean this: the Archbishop has no role in matters concerning the organization of the Parade, its relationship with the Presidency of Greece, or the Evzones. None. He remains in his ecclesiastical capacity and is informed, appropriately, by the Parade Committee on issues pertaining to the Parade – period.
What did you say? Would he then ask the parishes and schools not to participate in the Parade? Are you serious? Let him try this ONCE, and see how fast thousands would gather outside 79th Street shouting “Get the Turks out of our Church!!” I heard this argument from many STUPID community “leaders,” and I could not believe my ears!!! Let him try this and find out how fast he will be sent back to Istanbul!! He would never dare – so get this silly idea out of your minds!!
He is, of course, welcome at Parade events. But special speaking privileges should be limited, perhaps a very brief welcome at the Gala, no more. To his credit, Parade Chairman Lou Katsos attempted to move in this direction at the Cipriani Gala. However, as with many of his decisions, he overreached and overcorrected, denying Elpidophoros even a brief opportunity to address the audience at the Gala. That said, it is no secret that many have grown weary of the Archbishop’s repetitive and uninspired remarks.
At some point, Elpidophoros must sit down with his advisors – some of whom, frankly, offer little value – and reassess his role. He would likely earn greater respect and be more effective by confining himself to the sacred domain of the Church and leaving secular events, such as the Greek Independence Parade, to the appropriate civic bodies.
Even in Greece, where vestiges of the Byzantine tradition, blending the roles of Emperor and Patriarch, still linger, there is nothing resembling the level of confusion and overreach currently on display in New York. What we are witnessing with this Phanariot approach is not tradition – it is misalignment. Certainly a result of the contradictions and complexes of Elpidophoros himself….
April 28, 2026, n.stamatakis@aol.com www.helleniscope.com
DISCLAIMER: The views and statements expressed in this article constitute constitutionally protected opinions of this author.
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What a clown show!
Ruling from America, perhaps Elpi has aspirations of replacing Bart as supreme patriarch over all jurisdictions, while regularly reporting to his Turkish handlers.
Greek Orthodox religion is falling into the pits. Like everything else is.
He is not lost in the elite crowd. He is non existent. As far as we in America, North and South, and our Hellenic Government are concerned, he is taking up space and breathing our fresh air. Milking our faithful but ignorant millionaires and billionaires, so that he may funnel, “ launder” U. S. Dollars to Turkey and all those can “buy” there and in the Turkish Fanar. All for a single vote which “he believes” will land him on the patriarchal throne.
Who was that Greek-American comedian in the 90’s with the parody album?
“He’s a Super Greek, Super Greek! He’s Super Greeky! Yow!”
Overcompensate much, your Eminence?
He’s constantly putting himself at the center of events and attention, which comes across poorly. Especially now, when there’s so much going on in the world, we should be prioritizing prayer, vigils, and meaningful spiritual work instead.