LAST UPDATED: 20.00
by Efi Efthimiou
With great joy and deep emotion, the Metropolis of Nea Ionia and Philadelphia warmly welcomed the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on Friday afternoon, November 22, 2024, marking a historic moment for the local Church.
The Ecumenical Patriarch arrived from Constantinople accompanied by a large Patriarchal entourage, including Metropolitans Joseph of Proikonnesos and Maximos of Silivria, the Grand Ecclesiarch Aetios, the Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne Eleftherios Chrysochoos, and distinguished members of the Patriarchal Office and Secretariat.
The reception, held at the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Theotokos, was attended by a large number of hierarchs, and state representatives – including Government Spokesman Pavlos Marinakis and Minister of National Economy Kostis Hatzidakis – as well as a large crowd of faithful who gathered to honor the leader of Orthodoxy.
Metropolitan Gabriel of Nea Ionia and Philadelphia greeted the Ecumenical Patriarch with warmth and emotion. Addressing the Patriarch, Gabriel emphasized: “We are a Church of refugees, Your All-Holiness, the flesh of the unforgettable homelands. We are deeply aware of our responsibility to preserve the heritage of the Hellenism of Asia Minor.”
In his address, Metropolitan Gabriel mentioned the Holy Icon of the Virgin Mary of Vourla, one of the most precious relics brought by the refugees from Vourla in Ionia.
“We stand here with beloved and kindred souls, in the Metropolis of Nea Ionia. Many times we have spoken of the sufferings and persecutions endured by the Hellenism of Ionia. For them, the Orthodox Church is the regenerative force that illuminates the life of the Romioi,” the Ecumenical Patriarch replied in his reply.
He went on to extol the virtues of Metropolitan Gabriel, describing him as a dynamic and pioneering hierarch of the Church of Greece, despite his young age.
The Ecumenical Patriarch and Metropolitan Gabriel then proceeded to Nea Philadelphia Square, which has been renamed “Patriarch’s Square”. Upon his arrival, the Ecumenical Patriarch had a cordial and brief exchange with the President of AEK, Mr. Iliopoulos. Patriarch Bartholomew was introduced by the Mayor of Nea Philadelphia.
The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was then taken to the Holy Trinity Church of Nea Philadelphia, where he presided over the inauguration of the new chapel dedicated to Archangel Michael. The chapel was built in memory of the late Michael Katsouris and is located in the courtyard of the Holy Church.
The Metropolitan of Nea Ionia recalled the tragic death of Michalis Kousouris, a supporter of AEK, who fell victim to fan violence. Monuments and statues have been erected to honor the memory of Michalis Katsouris with the hope that such an event will never happen again. Our Metropolis also decided to build this chapel in memory of Michalis.
I would like to thank the Mayor for his cooperation in making this project a reality, as well as the former President of AEK, Dimitris Melissanidis, the current President, Iliopoulos, and especially Michalis’ family. It is a great honor that the Patriarch is here to honor the memory of this unjustly lost young man and to condemn violence. The foremost leader of world Orthodoxy is here today.
The Patriarch offered prayers for the eternal memory of the tragically lost supporter of AEK, with whom our Ecumenical Patriarchate has special ties. As the Patriarch said, “Michalis paid with his life for his love of sport and AEK. He experienced the brutality of individuals who have no connection with the noble sentiments of fair competition. We reject and vehemently condemn fan violence.”
Next, Metropolitan Gabriel of Nea Ionia, together with the Ecumenical Patriarch and his entourage, went to the AEK OPAP ARENA stadium, where they met with the Archbishop of Athens Ieronymos, and were guided through the stadium grounds by the former AEK president Mr. Melissanidis and the current president Mr. Iliopoulos.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
