Remarks
by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America
at the National Choir Federation Reception
Centennial Clergy-Laity Congress 

Marriott Marquis (Majestic – 6th Floor)
New York, NY
July 5, 2022 

Your Eminences, 

National Choir Federation Chairman, Nick Chimitris, 

Beloved Sisters and Brothers in Christ, 

To be here with our National Choir Federation is a central pleasure of the Clergy-Laity Congress. For nearly half of the life of our Archdiocese, you have given our Church wondrous contributions of music and fellowship, as well as concrete support for active participation in the Divine Services. Your legacy is pervasive throughout the Church, and you continue to provide opportunities for thousands of parishioners to make a joyful hymn of praise unto the Lord. 

Your work is vitally important, and I am eager to hear from you how you intend to take your very substantive record and bring forth new ways to renew our parishes and the liturgical life of our people. 

Your work of shared worship experiences is vital to weaving our Archdiocese together into a true choir where our voices blend melodiously. Through your efforts, there are literally numberless opportunities to renew and enhance the spiritual life of our people. For this and for your commitment to our communal liturgical life, I am very grateful to all of you. 

I acknowledge the rich history of the National Forum, together with the encouragement that was offered to you by my predecessor, the ever-memorable Archbishop Iakovos. There are many names that we remember with affection and deep appreciation – names like, 

Frank Desby, 

Presvytera Anna Gallos, 

George Raptis, 

Dean Limberakis, 

Maria Keritsis. 

And there are so many others to whom we are indebted for their love of our traditions. But this afternoon, I would like to recognize as our Centennial Honoree the inimitable Vicky Pappas, who has dedicated her life to the Forum. Vicky, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts! 

All of you have my deepest thanks for your service to our Archdiocese, and I look forward to the results of your continuing ministry to our Church. 

May our Merciful Lord grant all of you health, spiritual prosperity, and the endless joy of music and praise, as your talents continue to bear fruit in the life of our Church. 

Amen.