Abp. Elpidophoros Joins St. Stephen's Centennial Celebration

NEA IONIA, GREECE — As reported by UOJ-Greece, the Holy Metropolis of Nea Ionia, Philadelphia, Heraklion and Chalcedon marked the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Church of St. Stephen with a festive Divine Liturgy that drew hundreds of faithful, clergy, and pilgrims to the historic parish.

The centennial celebration featured the participation of Abp. Elpidophoros of America, who traveled to the refugee-founded city to commemorate a century of the church's spiritual life. His visit underscored the enduring importance of St. Stephen's as a symbol of the Asia Minor Greek community that settled in Nea Ionia following the upheavals of the early 20th century.

The Divine Liturgy was celebrated under the presidency of Metr. Gabriel of Nea Ionia, Philadelphia, Heraklion and Chalcedon, with Metr. Ieronymos of Kalavryta and Aigialeia concelebrating. They were joined by numerous priests and deacons, while worshippers filled both the church and the surrounding streets, reflecting the significance of the milestone for the local Orthodox community.

The centennial observance highlighted the parish's century-long witness to the Orthodox faith and its continuing role as a spiritual center for descendants of Asia Minor refugees. UOJ-Greece was present throughout the celebration, documenting the liturgical events and the large turnout for audiences across the Orthodox world.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the first Divine Liturgy was celebrated in Vyksa Cathedral after more than 100 years.