Metropolitan Gabriel of Nea Ionia traveled to the United States at the invitation of Archbishop Elpidophoros of America to take part in the international conference of the Huffington Ecumenical Institute, held from 4–7 November 2025 at the Maliotis Cultural Center of Hellenic College Holy Cross in Boston. The conference, titled “Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches: Moving the Dialogue Forward,” gathered representatives of Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches, scholars, professors, and students.
During the proceedings, Metropolitan Gabriel delivered a presentation titled “The Bilateral Dialogue between the Orthodox Church and the Ancient Oriental Churches and its Prospects,” offering theological reflections and insights on the future of interchurch relations.
Before the conference began, he attended Great Vespers at the College Chapel of the Holy Cross, presided over by Archbishop Elpidophoros, with the participation of clergy, faculty, and students.
On Saturday, 8 November, the Feast of the Synaxis of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, the Metropolitan traveled to New York, where he presided at the festal Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Archangel Michael. The service drew a large congregation of clergy, faithful, and members of the Greek-American community who gathered to honor their parish’s feast day.
The following day, Sunday, 9 November, a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Church of the Resurrection in Brookville, presided over by Archbishop Elpidophoros and concelebrated with Metropolitan Gabriel and Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos. Archbishop Demetrios, former Archbishop of America, was also present in prayer.
At the conclusion of the service, Archbishop Elpidophoros warmly greeted Metropolitan Gabriel, expressing fraternal appreciation and extending name-day wishes. As a gesture of blessing, he presented him with a pectoral cross and an episcopal engolpion.
In his response, Metropolitan Gabriel conveyed heartfelt gratitude for the invitation and the warm hospitality, offering prayers for strength and abundant blessings upon the vital ministry of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
