The brief health adventure that Archbishop Elpidophoros of America encountered on Sunday morning, during his stay in Thessaloniki, had a happy ending.
The Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church of America felt a sudden discomfort while he was at the Holy Cathedral of Saint Nicholas in Aretsos, Kalamaria, however, his immediate mobilization and transfer to the hospital proved that it was merely temporary exhaustion.
The incident occurred on the day of the great Episcopal feast of Pentecost. His Eminence participated in the multi-archpriestly co-liturgy, concelebrating with the local pastor, Metropolitan of Nea Krina and Kalamaria, Mr. Justinos, as well as with His Eminence Bishop of Phocaea, Mr. Ioannis. The Divine Liturgy and the Great Vespers of the Kneeling Prayer, which traditionally follows the day of Pentecost, constitute a particularly demanding and long service. Towards the end of Vespers, the Archbishop seemed to be physically exhausted and complained of a slight feeling of unwellness.
Those present and his entourage acted with immediate reflexes. It was deemed imperative that there be absolutely no delay or risk, and so it was decided to immediately transport him to a central hospital in the city. This move was made with strict preventive criteria, in order for the Archbishop to undergo the necessary medical examinations and have his condition fully checked by specialists.
As determined by the medical staff, the causes of the discomfort did not hide any serious pathology, but were the result of external factors. Specifically, the high temperatures prevailing in recent days, combined with the Archbishop’s extremely heavy schedule of meetings, ceremonies and visits, led to physical fatigue.
In order to avoid any rumors and to reassure the flock in Greece and America, the Holy Archdiocese of America immediately issued an official statement about the incident. The statement fully clarified the day’s events, emphasizing that the slight malaise at the end of Vespers was due “to his particularly heavy schedule and the excessive heat of the days.”
The most important message of the announcement, however, concerned the evolution of his health, bringing relief to the faithful. As officially emphasized, the visit to the hospital was purely preventive, the tests were excellent and His Eminence was immediately discharged, now “absolutely healthy”, ready to rest and continue his duties.
