In the presence of the President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, and His Beatitude Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, Ieronymos, the Holy Metropolis of New Ionia, Philadelphia, Iraklion, and Chalcedon commemorated its 50th anniversary (1974–2024) with a grand celebratory event. The event took place on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, under the title: “Exile and Refuge… Epirus – Ionia.”

This event was co-organized with the Holy Metropolis of Ioannina and served as a tribute to those—both clergy and laity—who have worked over the past 50 years to build and strengthen the administrative, parish, social, and cultural activities of the Metropolis. It also honored the memory of the late Metropolitans Timothy Matthaiakis and Constantine Farantatos, who contributed greatly to pastoral and charitable efforts.

The audience, which filled the ancient theater, was treated to a beautiful array of sounds, songs, and dances from Asia Minor and Epirus, showcasing the rich cultural ties between the two regions. The 20-member orchestra, “Elite Epirus Ensemble” from the Holy Metropolis of Ioannina, directed by musician Vassilis Kostas, along with a large group of dancers from cultural and refugee associations, took the audience on an emotional journey through the shared heritage of separation and longing.

The artistic and directorial oversight was by actor and performer Zacharias Karounis.

Acclaimed actors Tasos Nousias and Eleni Karakasi, along with renowned musicians Petros Loukas Chalkias, Socrates Sinopoulos, and Andreas Papas, mesmerized the audience with their performances.

The event’s sponsors were “Benetatos Law Firm,” “Salas International Group S.A.,” and Antenna Group.

Archimandrite Epiphanios Arvanitis, Chief Secretary of the Holy Metropolis of New Ionia, opened the event by highlighting its importance and expressing gratitude to all who contributed to its realization.

Before the event concluded, His Eminence Maximos, Metropolitan of Ioannina, acknowledged the strong cooperation with Metropolitan Gabriel and congratulated the musicians, dancers, and volunteers for their exceptional participation.

The event concluded with a speech from Archbishop Ieronymos, who praised the efforts of all involved, stating: “This spirit, which was palpable today in this venue, is something we seek but do not easily find. It is magnified when expressed in open spaces, particularly in our schools. Our tradition is so rich that it never exhausts itself and does not need foreign influences.”