On Thursday, December 4, 2025, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, during his visit to Athens, visited the “Ionian Center” of the Holy Metropolis of New Ionia, located in the district of Perissos.
The Archbishop was warmly received by Metropolitan Gabriel of New Ionia, who guided him through the Center’s facilities and the thematic park that surrounds it.
During the visit, Metropolitan Gabriel presented the multifaceted mission of the “Ionian Center,” which, once fully completed, aims to highlight the rich culture of Asia Minor, preserve its enduring historical memory, and showcase the profound spiritual heritage of the once-thriving homelands of the Asia Minor Greeks.
Archbishop Elpidophoros expressed his sincere admiration for this initiative of the Metropolis, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the Asia Minor legacy and ensuring the living continuity of the refugee Hellenism’s roots — a heritage deeply connected to the tradition of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Metropolitan Gabriel warmly thanked Archbishop Elpidophoros for his blessed presence at the “Ionian Center” and for the genuine interest he showed, noting the pastoral spirit with which the Archbishop consistently supports the work and mission of the refugee-rooted Church of New Ionia.
