The new Greek Orthodox Archbishop of America was welcomed warmly in Washington DC during his first official visit since being appointed head of the American Church.

Archbishop Elpidophoros met with President Donald Trump at the White House Oval Office on July 16, before meetings with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and other officials of the administration.

The meeting with Trump was attended by Vice President Mike Pence and the Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar.

According to a press release from the Archdiocese, the meeting was “very cordial” and the Archbishop thanked the President for his “sensitivity” for the protection of Christians throughout the world.

The Archdiocese press release also stated that President Trump indicated “particular interest for the Orthodox Church” and promised continued support for the activities and the work of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

The Archbishop was accompanied by the Rev. Alexander Karloutsos, Vicar General of the Archdiocese, who is in Washington to participate in the annual Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom, organized for a second year under the direction of U.S. Ambassador-at-large for Religious Freedom Samuel Brownback, who is working under the aegis of the State Department.

Featured image / Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead

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Courtesy of Dimitrios Panagos, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America