Archbishop Elpidophoros of America prayed for the speedy recovery, good health and long life of Pope Leo XIV during a ceremony in the United States honouring Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the former Archbishop of New York, with the Athinagoras Human Rights Award.
The Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the United States presented the award in recognition of Dolan’s contributions to Christian unity, religious freedom and human rights.
Elpidophoros invited those attending the ceremony to pray fervently for the Pope, whose kindness and piety, he said, were known throughout the world. He asked God to grant Leo XIV a full recovery, renewed health and the strength to continue his ministry.
Elpidophoros praises Dolan’s role in Christian unity
Speaking about Dolan, Elpidophoros described him as “a giant of the modern Roman Catholic Church, both in stature and in spirit”, calling him an outstanding spiritual figure in New York.
He praised the cardinal for communicating with people in a simple and direct manner and described him as a bridge between the old and new worlds.
Elpidophoros also said the Archons, who serve the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople with pride, deep faith and a strong sense of mission, honoured Dolan as a leading advocate of Christian unity.
He described the cardinal as a bridge-builder whose contribution was particularly important in today’s world, adding that he considered it a privilege to have worked alongside him.
The Archons of the Order of St Andrew the Apostle, who campaign to defend the rights of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople, praised Dolan’s contribution during his 16-year tenure as Archbishop of New York, from 2009 to 2025.
They particularly highlighted his concern for Christians and followers of other religions who face persecution because of their beliefs.
Archons highlight religious freedom and the Halki Seminary
Dr Anthony J. Limberakis, national commander of the Order of the Archons, described Dolan as a good friend and partner of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the Ecumenical Patriarchate in promoting ecumenical dialogue.
He praised the cardinal’s exemplary commitment to the Roman Catholic Church and his dedication to defending human rights, particularly religious freedom.
Limberakis also expressed gratitude for the progress towards reopening the Halki Theological School after 55 years of closure.
“We will not stop our efforts until its classrooms are filled again,” he said.
The reopening of the historic seminary remains an important issue for the Ecumenical Patriarchate and its supporters, who continue to advocate for the restoration of its educational mission.
Dolan praises the Orthodox-Catholic relationship
Accepting the Athinagoras Human Rights Award, Dolan said that the person presenting the honour mattered even more to him than the award itself.
He expressed particular gratitude to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, whose gracious words continued to move him, as well as to Archbishop Elpidophoros, the Archons and former Archbishop of America Demetrios.
Dolan described the friendship and support of the Archons as invaluable.
The ceremony also brought together senior US officials, including Michael Rigas, Deputy Director of the Office of Personnel Management, and Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Dolan emphasised the importance of the relationship between Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic communities in New York, describing their connection as one of the most significant bridges between communities.
He also praised those attending the ceremony as bridge-builders who help strengthen understanding and cooperation between Christian traditions.
(Source: AMNA)
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