A visit to the Holy Metropolis of Nea Ionia and Philadelphia was held on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 by the former Archbishop of Canterbury and Primate of All England, Rowan Williams, where Metropolitan Gabriel received him with a warm welcome.
During the meeting, which took place in the presence of priests of the Holy Metropolis, Gabriel initially briefed Archbishop of Canterbury on the history of the refugee Holy Metropolis, and then they discussed about pastoral issues, concerning the broad social and charity work of the Holy Metropolis, as well as issues of common religious interest, such as the major refugee crisis.
The former Archbishop of Canterbury pointed out the great offer of the Church of Greece during the economic and refugee crisis in our homeland, exposing its difficult role to the great problems of the people over the years, and praised Metropolitan Gabriel for the important charity work which takes place in the Holy Metropolis of Nea Ionia and Philadelphia.
Former Archbishop Williams thanked Gabriel for his love and his great hospitality, stressing that the work of a clergyman is not accomplished only within the temple, but continues beyond, since we all draw strength from our faith in God.
Metropolitan Gabriel donated tothe former Archbishop of Canterbury, an engolpion to remember his visit.