Archbishop Elpidophoros Exhumes Remains of Bishop Gerasimos of Abydos for Canonization Process

Archbishop Elpidophoros of America exhumed the remains of Bishop Gerasimos of Abydos on Saturday, October 10, 2026, initiating the process for his canonization. The remains were moved to the chapel of Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology (HCHC), where Bishop Gerasimos was vested in new episcopal vestments and placed in a specially designed reliquary with a glass panel allowing his remains to be viewed. An icon was also placed there, and he is already being referred to as a saint and venerated by the faithful.

Bishop Gerasimos died in 1995 during open-heart surgery. He was originally buried behind the apse of the Holy Altar in the Holy Cross Chapel at the School, near Archbishop Iakovos, the former Archbishop of North and South America, and Metropolitan Silas of New Jersey, who was later elected Metropolitan of Saranta Ecclesies and reposed with that title.

The National Herald has learned that Archbishop Elpidophoros, since arriving in America seven years ago, has made securing Bishop Gerasimos’ canonization a priority. He consulted various clergy and laypeople, with a small group of retired clergymen advocating for the bishop’s canonization.

A two-day conference titled “Memories of the Beloved Elder in America” was held at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Boston on October 19 and 20, 2021, in memory of the late Bishop Gerasimos (Papadopoulos) of Abydos. As The National Herald previously reported, Archbishop Elpidophoros resubmitted the relevant supporting documentation to the Ecumenical Patriarchate two years ago, hoping for Bishop Gerasimos’ canonization in time for the 2024 Clergy-Laity Congress in San Diego, CA, where he intended to announce the development.

However, an obstacle arose as The National Herald disclosed in June 2024. The difficulty stemmed from objections submitted to the Patriarchate from America. As a result, the committee responsible for the matter did not proceed with its recommendation to the Patriarch Bartholomew and the Holy Synod.

Meanwhile, Archimandrite Bartholomew Mercado, professor of Canon Law and ecclesiarch of the School, sent an email message on Friday, October 9, informing the HCHC community of the upcoming special service. The email noted that the service would take place the following day, marking a significant step in the recognition of Bishop Gerasimos’ legacy within the community.

Source: Read the original report