His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America arrived in Panama Wednesday evening, September 6, 2023 for an official visit. The Archbishop had been invited by His Eminence Archbishop Ulloa Mendieta of Panama for the 510th Anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese and Feast of Santa Maria La Antigua.
During the five-day visit, Archbishop Elpidophoros will visit the St. John Paul II Center and the Hogar Luisa, and be welcomed by the Interfaith Community of Panama.
His Eminence will meet with the President of the Republic of Panama Laurentino Cortizo at the Palacio de Las Garzas and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Her Excellency Janaina Tewaney at the Palacio Bolivar.
Today, Thursday, September 7, Archbishop Elpidophoros will offer remarks at a Theological Forum at the Catholic University of Santa Maria La Antigua about Religious Freedom and the Ecumenical Patriarchate and be welcomed at a dinner hosted by the Honorary Consul of the Hellenic Republic in Panama Mr. Spiro Skliros-Athanasopulos. On Friday, His Eminence will visit the Panama Canal for a tour of the Miraflores Locks and also visit the City of Knowledge Foundation. On Saturday, the Archbishop will attend the Holy Mass of Santa Maria La Santigua, the Patroness of Panama.
Sunday’s Divine Liturgy will be officiated by Archbishop Elpidophoros at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. Following the Divine Liturgy he will be greeted by the Greek Orthodox Community. On Monday His Eminence will visit the Atenea Institute, a local Greek School, where he will offer a Memorial service for its founder. Later in the day he will visit the Panama Clinic as well.
Archbishop Elpidophoros is scheduled to depart Panama on Monday, September 12.