On Sunday, January 4, 2026, the community of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Clearwater, FL, led by Proistamenos Protopresbyter Fr. James T. Paris, enthusiastically welcomed Archbishop Elpidophoros of America to preside over the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy.
The Archbishop is in Florida for the annual celebration of Holy Epiphany in Tarpon Springs which will take place on January 6.
Many attended the Divine Liturgy, including local retired clergy and Archons. In his Homily to those gathered, Archbishop Elpidophoros spoke about the meaning of the Theophany and Epiphany, “We call this feast “Theophany” – Θεοφάνεια – because it marks the first time in the history of the world that the only True God – the Most Holy Trinity – manifested clearly as distinct Divine Persons with individual characteristics. But we also call this Feast, “Epiphany” – Ἐπιφάνεια – which means “Appearing,” as in the last verse of the Epistle Reading for today: …καὶ πᾶσι τοῖς ἠγαπηκόσι τὴν Ἐπιφάνειαν Αὐτοῦ… but also to all who have loved His Appearing. So then, what is this “Epiphany,” this “Appearing” – and is it different from the Theophany in any way? At a most basic level of spiritual understanding, the words are interchangeable, indicating the same Feast. But if we dig a little deeper, we can see that the “Appearing,” is as much a personal experience as it is a reference to the historical Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ in the River Jordan. And by personal, I mean it relates to each and every one of us – to every baptized Christian, and to every Catechumen waiting for Washing of Rebirth – across all time and space.”
Following the service, a festive luncheon took place in the Church Hall.
Photos by Orthodox Observer/Dimitrios Panagos
