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Archdiocese of Αmerica: Clergy gather for shared breakfast at Clergy-Laity Congress

July 1, 2026 · 1 min read

On Tuesday morning, July 30, more than 400 hierarchs and clergy gathered for a cherished tradition of the Clergy-Laity Congress, the Clergy Breakfast. More than a meal, this is an opportunity for brothers in Christ to come together to break bread, reconnect, and reflect on the sacred ministry entrusted to them.

The morning opened in prayer, as Archbishop Elpidophoros of America offered the invocation, setting a tone of gratitude and unity.

Fr. Peter Orfanakos, President of the Archdiocesan Presbyters Council, thanked Archbishop Elpidophoros of America for his deep and continuous support of his clergy. He then addressed his brother clergy, reminding them that their ministry relies on steadfast belief and devotion.

“Brothers,” Fr. Peter said, “the future of our ministry will not be determined solely by plans or programs. It will be determined by our faithfulness. Faithfulness to Christ. Faithfulness to His Church. Faithfulness to the people entrusted to our care. Faithfulness to one another. And faithfulness to the work of renewal within our own hearts.” His words lingered in the room, echoing the shared commitment that unites the priesthood.

Metropolitan Philotheos of…

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💬 Comments (13) 🌐 Show original

Alexandru Radu

As we heard at the July meeting of our parish in Craiova, "renewal in our hearts" is not just a word, but a daily work.

Petru Munteanu

That's right, Alexander. At our parish in Iași, I read exactly this in a book at the store near the Saint Nicholas Church, and now it is part of my morning routine. What do you think about the fact that sometimes renewal is easier in field work than in prayer?

Alexandra Rusu

Yes, Petru, and here in Iași, at the shop near the Saint Nicholas Church, my mother used to read the same book before going to work in the fields. I believe that prayer while working is easier for those who know how to see God at work, but tell me, have you found a certain area in your field where prayer comes easier?

Ioana Stan

Yes, Alexandru, at the Church of Saint Sava in Constanța, after the service we also share morning bread, to remember that renewal begins with something to eat, not just with prayer. As Father Constantin used to say, before we pray, let's not forget to share the bread with those in front of us.

Ion Popescu

At Saint Nicholas Church in Iasi? I remember that in Cluj, near the Church of Saint Nicholas on Calea Victoriei, my wife used to read the Song of Songs in the garden before going to work at home. At our place, on the terrace behind the house, prayer comes easier when you are eating fresh bread from the garden. Then where do you like to say your prayer?

Viorica Lungu

At our parish in Sibiu, in the shop next to the Church of Saint Nicholas, I also find books on the shelves, but when I go to take care of the apple tree in the garden, prayer comes more easily than when I sit in the church. What do you say Peter, have you found an area in your field where the grass is firmer?

Ilie Nistor

At our parish in Crângași, after the morning service, we also have tea in the chapel - exactly as Alexandru says, renewal begins when you sit at the table with a glass of tea in your hand, not just in your mind.

Daniela Dobre

Yes, Elijah, in our parish after Mass the priest and a few elders often stay with a simple coffee in the courtyard and talk about exactly the same things - everyday faithfulness, not just plans. Your tea from Crângași sounds like a good start to renewal. How many do you usually collect?

Ilie Popa

Yes, Ioana, at our parish after the Liturgy, we also distribute warm buns or rolls, not just plain bread. Father Constantin is right that the renewal also goes through the table, that otherwise we are left with only words. Did you also see at Saint Sava how people's faces change when they receive something warm in their hand?

Bogdan Radu

Yes, at Saint Nicholas in Iasi, the morning prayer, with the sun coming in through the old windows, has something special. Here in Sibiu, on the small back balcony, it works best when I cut a fresh tomato from the garden and eat it with warm bread. What are you doing, Ion, do you read from the Song of Songs every morning or only when you feel like it?

Gabriela Gheorghiu

Yes, near that church in Cluj it was a quiet place, especially in the morning. Me too, on the back patio, prayer comes to me best after eating a ripe tomato from the garden with a little salt. Do you often read from the Song of Songs or more from the Psalms?

Cristina Gheorghiu

Yes, Daniela, you're right, everyday faithfulness is what keeps everything going, not the posters. At our place, after the service, the two or three of us stay with the father for a coffee in the church yard and we talk about exactly that - how to be closer to the parishioners without so many programs. How many old people usually come to you?

Anca Munteanu

Yes, Daniela, after Liturgy we sometimes stay with the father for a coffee in the yard and we talk more about how to be faithful in small things, not about lists of projects. How many old people usually come to you and what do they ask you most often?