Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece had a meeting this morning with a distinguished delegation of Roman Catholic clergy and university professors from Trani, Italy. The delegation, led by Mons. Leonardo D’Ascenzo, Archbishop of Trani-Barletta-Bisceglie, was warmly received at the Holy Archdiocese of Athens during their visit to Greece.
During his address, Archbishop Ieronymos expressed his joy and gratitude for the visit, reminiscing about his own experiences in Italy as an educator and his admiration for its historical monuments and vibrant culture. He also recalled his meeting with Pope Francis during the Pope’s visit to Athens, emphasizing the strong connections between the Greek church and the Roman Catholic community. Archbishop Ieronymos spoke about the Greek church’s “Apostoliki Diakonia” programs and the students who visit Athens each summer to learn Greek.
Mons. Leonardo D’Ascenzo, speaking on behalf of the delegation, thanked Archbishop Ieronymos for the warm reception, describing the meeting as a valuable gift that they would treasure. He mentioned that their visit was inspired by their patron saint, Saint Nicholas the Pilgrim from Steiri in Boeotia, Greece. Mons. D’Ascenzo highlighted the purpose of their pilgrimage to explore and learn from Greek traditions, expressing their shared values of hospitality and welcome. He also noted their visits to significant locations in Boeotia, including Steiri, Saint Luke, and Distomo.
The meeting was attended by Protopresbyter Emmanuel Papamikroulis, Secretary of the Synodal Committee on Inter-Orthodox and Inter-Christian Relations.
Photos: Christos Bonis / Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
