Archbishop Elpidophoros of America was warmly received by the authorities of Chios and the Greeks of the Diaspora.
The Archbishop of America from today, Monday, September 6, 2021, until Thursday morning visits Myrovolos Chios, the place of origin of his ancestors.
The Archbishop arrived at around 12 noon with the flight of the Olympic Air at “Omiros” International Airport, as reported by anamniseis.net, where he was greeted with bouquets by two young girls in traditional costumes, Metropolitan Markos of Chios, Psara and Oinousses, the mayor of Chios, Stamatis Karmantzis, the wife of the governor, the president of the Union of Expatriates of Chios Pantelis Bournias, Stylianos Zervoudis and Michalis Koulouridis, the priests, Fr. Damaskinos Ghanas and Fr. Christos Pappas, the president of the Northern Chios Society “Pelineon” Agia Markella Dimitrios Moutafis, the former presidents of the Chian Federation George Almyroudis and Stavros Haviaras, the High Representative of AHEPA Savvas Tsivikos and other leaders of the Greek community and members of the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in America, and other Greeks of the Diaspora.
Upon his arrival, the Archbishop made statements and expressed his gratitude for Stylianos Zervoudis and the Greeks of the Diaspora who took the initiative to make this visit, as well as Metropolitan Markos of Chios, Psarres, and Oinousses.
“I am glad to step on the holy lands of my ancestors for the first time.” the Archbishop of America pointed out, among other things.
Archbishop Elpidophoros also said “I am very anxious to see the beautiful island, which I have only seen in photos and heard in stories, and judging by its people, it must be a wonderful island. I am very happy to be here and I look forward to walking and getting to know the whole island. I thank the authorities and everyone for the warm welcome and I express my love to everyone”.
Photos: Dimitris Tsakas