President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Konstantinos Tassoulas, visited the construction site of the “Ionian Center,” a major initiative of the Holy Metropolis of Nea Ionia, Filadelfeia, Irakleio, and Chalcedon.
President Tassoulas was warmly welcomed by Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece, together with Metropolitans Makarios of Aneon, Maximos of Ioannina, and Gabriel of Nea Ionia, who offered him a tour of the center and its surrounding thematic park.
During the visit, the President was thoroughly briefed on the vision, mission, and implementation progress of the project, which aims to become a modern, accessible hub for religion, education, culture, dialogue, and creative learning open to all citizens.
The visit was attended by numerous government and local officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, Minister of Labor Niki Kerameus, Minister of Health Adonis Georgiadis, Minister of Energy and Environment Stavros Papastavrou, Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis, Governor of Attica Nikos Hardalias, and the mayors of Nea Ionia, Nea Filadelfeia–Chalcedon, and Irakleio.
Also present were leading figures from Greece’s philanthropic and business sectors, such as Dimitrios Kalakos (Aigeas AMKE Foundation), Georgios Agouridis (Stavros Niarchos Foundation), Alexandros Exarchou (AKTOR Group), and Petros Souretis (GEK TERNA Group).
The Ionian Center aspires to become a vibrant, inclusive space that promotes spiritual growth, social cohesion, and cultural memory. It will offer free, safe access to educational and creative activities for citizens while also enriching the area with a new green public space.
More than just a local initiative, the Center is envisioned as a living bridge connecting contemporary Greek society with the historic memory of Asia Minor Hellenism—honoring the legacy of refugees from Ionia, Pisidia, Pontus, and Cappadocia. It reflects the Church’s enduring contribution to culture and public service in the modern era.
The construction is made possible through a strong public-private partnership, showcasing the power of collaboration in realizing projects of national and cultural significance.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas / Photos: Petros Abatzoglou
