Hellenic Red Cross honoured Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

With due ecclesiastical order and with feelings of joy and honour, the Holy Metropolis of Nea Ionia welcomed His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, on Friday, 8 May, at the premises of the “Ionian Centre” and at the Church of the Holy Hieromartyr George of Neapolis which is currently under-construction, on the occasion of the official honorary event organised by the Hellenic Red Cross in his honour, marking World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, in the presence of His Beatitude Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece.

His Eminence Metropolitan Gabriel of Nea Ionia, expressed during the splendid reception the joy and emotion of the clergy and faithful people of the Metropolis for the blessed presence of the First of Orthodoxy in Nea Ionia.

During the event, which took place at the amphitheatre of the Cultural and Youth Centre of the “Ionian Centre,” the President of the Hellenic Red Cross, Dr Antonios Avgerinos, awarded His All-Holiness the highest honorary distinction, the Golden Cross with a golden laurel branch, as a minimal token of recognition of his outstanding spiritual, philanthropic, social, and humanitarian work, as well as his enduring contribution to Orthodoxy, humanity, and the international community.

In his address, the President of the Hellenic Red Cross referred in particularly warm and moving terms to the revered person of the Ecumenical Patriarch, praising his global spiritual radiance, his invaluable pastoral and peace-making work, and his unceasing contribution to unity, reconciliation, and the protection of the human person and creation. At the same time, he underlined His All-Holiness’s constant concern for the suffering fellow human being and his practical support for every humanitarian effort.

In his reply, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew referred with deep emotion to the multifaceted work and invaluable enduring contribution of the Hellenic Red Cross to humanity and society, especially praising the spirit of self-sacrifice and selfless service that characterises its volunteers.

His All-Holiness also expressed his warm satisfaction at the completion of the ambitious project of the “Ionian Centre” of the Holy Metropolis of Nea Ionia, warmly congratulating Metropolitan Gabriel for this significant initiative and for his continuous care in highlighting and honouring the historical memory and spiritual legacy of the Asia Minor refugee Hellenism.

The official ceremony took place in the presence of numerous hierarchs, ministers of the Hellenic Government, members of parliament, representatives of local government, military leadership and security forces, figures from the business and academic worlds, as well as many distinguished guests, all of whom lent particular splendour and prestige to this honorary event.

Before the conclusion of the event, Metropolitan Gabriel of Nea Ionia offered, as an expression of filial love and deep respect, commemorative gifts, silver replicas of Asia Minor plates, to His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, as well as to His Beatitude Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece.

A commemorative gift was also offered to the President of the Hellenic Red Cross, Dr Antonios Avgerinos, expressing the appreciation of the local Church for the significant contribution and great humanitarian work of the Hellenic Red Cross.

The event was presented by journalist Eleni Chrona, and at its conclusion an impressive drone show took place, dedicated to the timeless universal values upheld and served by the Hellenic Red Cross since 1877 to the present day, as part of its broader effort to engage the younger generation and inspire the spirit of volunteerism and social offering.

The presence of the Ecumenical Patriarch at the “Ionian Centre” constituted a special blessing for the local Church of Nea Ionia, as it was the second time His All-Holiness visited the newly established venue, following his historic visit in November 2024.

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