On September 16, the solemn enthronement of the new metropolitan for the Orthodox congregation in the state of New Jersey took place.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Synod of the Patriarchate of Constantinople appointed Bishop Apostolos to this chair. The enthronement ceremony was led by Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, goarch.org reports.
In his sermon, Archbishop Elpidophoros addressed the new Metropolitan Apostolos, emphasizing the importance of pastoral ministry and spiritual fatherhood for the flock. He recalled the example of the service of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and expressed his conviction that the Metropolitan Apostle will serve Christ’s Church worthily.
“Dear Brother in the Lord, you will assume – for the first time in your episcopal service – the full mantle of responsibility for a local Church – in this case, the Sacred Metropolis of New Jersey. This is your vocation and calling in the Lord, one to which you have aspired with humility and grace, and one that you will indubitably serve with honor,” Elpidophoros said, addressing the new metropolitan.
“You are to be the spiritual father of both the clergy and the laity. And our Lord Jesus Christ has given to us – His Bishops – the key to understanding our awesome responsibilities,” he concluded.
