Archbishop Elpidophoros of America welcomed Metropolitan Apostolos, Geron of Derkoi, to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Headquarters.
The two Hierarchs, who share a longstanding personal and ecclesiastical association through their service at the Ecumenical Patriarchate, held a meeting and exchanged gifts. Among them was a gift from the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Archbishop Elpidophoros.
The Metropolis of Derkoi (Δέρκων) is one of the historic dioceses of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, situated in the European part of Istanbul. Its origins trace back to the early Byzantine period when Emperor Anastasius I (r. 491–518) elevated the ancient settlement of Derkos (modern-day Durusu) to city status.
Metropolitan Apostolos, who is traveling from Istanbul together with Deacon Daniel Zafeiris, will remain in the United States through May 14, visiting parishes and affiliated organizations in New York City and Washington, D.C. He was received upon arrival by National Chancellor Bishop Nektarios of Diokleia.
Following the meeting, department directors of the Archdiocese welcomed Metropolitan Apostolos at a luncheon held in his honor. Later in the evening, the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate are scheduled to host a dinner for the visiting Metropolitan, which Archbishop Elpidophoros is expected to attend.
Photos: Orthodox Observer/Dimitrios Panagos
