Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops holds pan-Orthodox Liturgy in Pittsburgh; more than 300 attend

On Sunday, Oct. 4, hierarchs of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America gathered at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Pittsburgh for a pan-Orthodox Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. More than 300 faithful from the Pittsburgh area attended, according to Orthodox Times and the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Eastern America, both drawing on the Assembly’s account. Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, the Assembly’s chairman, presided. Bishop Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Eastern America preached, saying that where love is present, God is present, “for He is love.”

At the end of the Liturgy, Elpidophoros presented the Medal of St. Theodora, the Assembly’s highest recognition, to Anne van den Berg for service to Orthodox Christian unity in the United States. Mark Arey, the other 2026 recipient, did not attend in person. The Rev. Fr. Eleftherios Constantine, dean of the cathedral, welcomed the hierarchs and wished them a productive Assembly meeting. A reception in the community hall followed. Orthros was led by the cathedral chanters; the Divine Liturgy was sung by the Pan-Orthodox Choir of Pittsburgh under Archpriest Thomas Soroka.