Archbishop Elpidophoros Offers Blessing to Democratic National Convention

Archbishop Elpidophoros delivered a blessing at the Democratic National Convention. Credit: Archdiocese of America

Archbishop Elpidophoros of America delivered a blessing on Tuesday, August 20, at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois.

It is a long-standing tradition that the Archbishop of America is invited to deliver an invocation at the Republican and Democratic party conventions prior to the presidential election.

Prayer of Archbishop Elpidophoros at the Democratic National Convention

Archbishop Elpidophoros prayed that “our eternal and ever-living God, the source of goodness and grace, will grant that the candidate for president of these United States, Vice President Kamala Harris, and her running mate, Governor Tim Walz, will serve in the highest offices of the land with love, with hope, and with faith in our nation” and “grant that the delegates will engage with their fellow citizens in a spirit of joy and duty, always seeking the best for our country.”

His Eminence also asked for “special blessings upon President Joseph R. Biden, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, and their entire family; for he has dedicated his entire life to service and sacrifice for the American people, and has stood with nobility and integrity on the world stage to lead in the best traditions of the United States.”

Reception in honor of Archbishop Elpidophoros

Archbishop Elpidophoros’ blessing of the Democratic National Convention was followed by a speech by former US President Barack Obama, who had already expressed his support for Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris in July.

In addition, a reception was held in honor of Archbishop Elpidophoros.

Notable guests included Senator Chris Coons; Senator Chris Van Hollen; Congressman John Sarbanes; Congressman Dina Titus; Congressman Chris Pappas; California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis; former First Lady Michelle Obama Chief of Staff Tina Tchen; and New York State Senator Mike Gianaris.

The event also welcomed the Ambassador of Greece to the United States, Ekaterini Nassika; the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the United States, Evangelos Savva; the prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist Dennis Mehiel; the Chairman of Manatos & Manatos, Mike Manatos; His Grace Bishop Timothy of Hexamilion; and Father Alex Karloutsos, Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne.

The 2024 US presidential election is fast approaching

The 2024 United States presidential election will be the 60th quadrennial presidential election and is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Democratic candidate Kamala Harris is running against former U.S. President Donald Trump, Republican.

Voters in each state and the District of Columbia will choose electors to the Electoral College, who will then elect a president and vice president to serve four-year terms.

The presidential election will be held at the same time as elections for the Senate, House, governor and state legislatures.