Chapter 7 CHURCHES AND RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS

CHURCHES IN GREECE Dodecanese Islands are 4, and they also are semi-autonomous under the Ecumenical ΕΚΚΛΗΣIΑ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΑΔΟΣ Patriarchate. For addresses of dioceses see [CHURCH OF GREECE] p. 80.

Orthodox doctrine teaches that the Orthodox Church is the true, original Christian church, and that man can achieve eternal salvation and reward through the seven sacraments. The ritual of the church is highly traditional and richly complex.

During the Ottoman rule over the eastern part of Europe the Orthodox Church played a very significant role, not only as a religious but also as a governing entity, due to the autonomy that was granted to the Christian population. This is why we find today church records, of that

The Athens Cathedral [Μητρόπολις Αθηνών] period of time, that include not only vital records but also judicial records, land transfers The Church of Greece [Εκκλησία της Ελλάδoς, etc. For addresses of dioceses see p. 80. Ekklisia tis Ellados] is one of the Orthodox Churches, and it is the established church of CATHOLIC CHURCH the country. It holds a place of supreme importance in the life of the nation. Among no other people is the identity of church and state more thoroughly rooted. The church has exerted great power in Greece throughout its history and continues as a dominant force in modern Greece. Over ninety seven percent of the population of Greece belongs to the Church of Greece.

The Church of Greece became an independent national church in 1853. It is self governing, with its own primate, the Archbishop of Athens. There are total 80 dioceses belonging to the Church of Greece including the A Catholic Greek boy Archdiocese of Athens. The Church of Crete is semi-autonomous under the Ecumenical The Roman Catholics have three archbishops Patriarchate, and includes 8 dioceses including in Greece. These are in Athens, and the the Archdiocese of Crete. The dioceses of the islands of Naxos and Kerkyra [Corfu]

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There is also one Roman Catholic bishop over JEHOVAH WITNESSES the islands of Syros and Santorini. Especially during the last years the Jehovah Through the ages a strong argument existed Witnesses have gained a larger number of between the Orthodox Church and the Roman followers in Greece. Catholic Church, each claiming they are the continuation of the original church established by the Apostles. This argument had caused JEWISH SYNAGOGUES serious problems for those who belonged to one of these churches and married someone Large harbors in Greece were populated by a who belonged to the other. However this fair amount of Jewish people, therefore we situation has been smoothed in recent years. had Jewish Synagogues not only in Athens but also in towns such as Thessaloniki [Salonika], Halkis, Patras etc.

ORTHODOX CHURCHES IN OTHER COUNTRIES

AMERICA ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA

Agioi Apostoloi church in Pelasgia, Fthiotidos also known as GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

BAPTIST CHURCH The Orthodox Church of North and South America is called Greek Orthodox Church. It The Baptist Church has a very small number is a semi-autonomous church. The leadership of followers in Greece. of it consists of an Archbishop and his counselors the Archdiocesan Council, with its headquarters in New York. For the address CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF see end of this chapter, p. 80. LATTER-DAY SAINTS CYPRUS The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day CHURCH OF CYPRUS Saints maintains four branches in Greece. The number of its Greek members is small. Consists of one Archdiocese (stationed in Nicosia), and the following dioceses:

EVANGELICAL CHURCH  Pafou  Kitiou This church also has a small number of  Kyrineias followers in Greece. Most of them are not  Lemesou native Greeks.  Morfou

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TURKEY ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE the Ecumenical Patriarchate or the Archdiocese of Constantinople, or one of the In early years the Christian church was called Dioceses, according to the area you are Catholic and Apostolic Church. Later the interested in. If you write to the Ecumenical church was divided in the Eastern Catholic Patriarchate you can write in English. Do not Church also known as the Orthodox Church, ask information about your ancestor; only ask and the Western Catholic Church also known for the address of the Diocese to which the as the Roman Catholic Church or Catholic town of your ancestor belongs. The address of Church. the Patriarchate is given on p. 82.

In the following centuries the head of the 1. The Archdiocese of Constantinople Eastern Church was called the Patriarch, [Istanbul] covers the following areas: stationed in Istanbul (called Constantinople  Staurodromiou until the 1920's), in Turkey. The head of the  Tataoulon Western Church was called the Pope,  Bosporus stationed in the Vatican, Italy.  Ypsomatheion  Fanariou - Keratiou Kolpou The Ecumenical Patriarchate was over all Christians of Eastern Europe. Eventually one 2. The Dioceses in Turkey cover the by one the orthodox churches of each of the following districts: European countries became autocephalous  Halkidonos [independent church]. If your ancestors are  Imvrou & Tenedou from Asia Minor, Eastern Thrace, and  Prigkiponnison other parts of Turkey, you need to contact  Derkon

The Monastery of Agios Georgios [Saint George], Myloi, Fthiotidos. It was originally built during Byzantine times, renovated during the 1980’s.

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ADDRESSES OF DIOCESES, ARCHDIOCESES AND PATRIARCHATE

The addresses of the “Greek Orthodox Church of America” and the “Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia” are included on this list. A fine source for addresses of Greek churches in other countries is the book AΔίπτυχα της Εκκλησίας της Ελλάδoς [Diptyha tis Ekklisias tis Ellados], published by the Απoστoλική Διακovία της Εκκλησίας της Ελλάδoς [Apostoliki Diakonia tis Ekklisias tis Ellados], Athens, Greece. (See chapter 2, p. 25).

When contacting a diocese, the initial request of information should be made by regular mail not by phone. One of the reasons is to include money for the cost of the certificate. (See chapter 8, Research by Mail, pp. 93-97, and 108).

Name of Diocese Address of the Diocese Phone number & FAX

Aitolias & Akarnanias Iera Mitropolis Aitolias & Akarnanias Tel. 2631-028232 Mesologgion, Aitolias & Akarnanias FAX 2631-028701 GREECE

Alexandroupoleos Iera Mitropolis Alexandroupoleos Tel. 2551-026359 68100 Alexandroupolis, Evrou FAX 2551-021657 GREECE

America’s Archdiocese The Most Reverent Archbishop of the Tel. 212-861-2183 [Greek Orthodox Church in Greek Orthodox Church in America FAX 212-861-8060 America] 10 East 79th 10021 New York, N.Y. U.S.A.

Argolidos Iera Mitropolis Argolidos Tel. 2752-027328 21100 Nauplion, Argolidos FAX 2752-028361 GREECE

Athinon Arhiepiskopi Iera Arhiepiskopi Athinon Tel. 21-0323-7654 [Athens’ Archdiocese] Arheion Gamon kai Diazygion FAX 21-0322-4673 (only for marriage or divorce Agias Filotheis 21 certificates of people who lived 10556 Athens in Athens) GREECE

Artis Iera Mitropolis Artis Tel. 2681-27533 Arta, Artis FAX 2681-028610 GREECE

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Name of Diocese Address of the Diocese Phone number & FAX Athens See Athinon Arhiepiskopi

Attikis Iera Mitropolis Attikis Tel. 21-0801-3068 Grigoriou Lampraki 32 FAX 21-0801-1968 14510 Kifisia, Attikis GREECE

Australia’s Archdiocese Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia Tel. 02-698-5066 242 Cleveland St. FAX 02-698-5368 Redfern, Sydney N.S.W. 2016 AUSTRALIA

Crete’s Archdiocese Iera Arhiepiskopi Kritis Tel. 281-0284-876 (covers eparhia Temenous. For 71201 Irakleion, Irakleiou FAX 281-0289-817 other parts of Crete see under GREECE the name of the eparhia [district]).

Didymoteihou & Orestiados (address in Didymoteihon) Tel. 2553-022901 Iera Mitropolis Didymoteihou & FAX 2553-022901 Orestiados 68300 Didymoteihon, Evrou GREECE (or address in Orestias) Iera Mitropolis Didymoteihou & Tel. 2552-022532 Orestiados Saranta Ekklision 6 Orestias, Evrou GREECE

Dimitriados & Almyrou Iera Mitropolis Dimitriados & Almyrou Tel. 2421-047501 K. Kartali 227 FAX 2421-047405 38221 Volos, Magnisias GREECE

Dramas Iera Mitropolis Dramas Tel. 2521-032362 66100 Drama, Dramas FAX 2521-033014 GREECE

Dryinoupoleos, Pogonianis & Iera Mitropolis Dryinoupoleos, Tel. 2657-022203 Konitsis Pogonianis & Konitsis (address in Konitsa next page) 44002 Delvinakion, Ioanninon, GREECE

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Name of Diocese Address of the Diocese Phone number & FAX (continued from previous page) or Iera Mitropolis Dryinoupoleos, Tel.: 2655-022273 Pogonianis & Konitsis 44100 Konitsa, Ioanninon GREECE

Ecumenical Patriarchate Ecumenical Patriarchate Tel.: Rum Patrikhanesi 90-212-531-9670 34220 Fener, Halic, Istanbul FAX: TURKEY 90-212-534-9037

Edessis, Pellis & Almopias Iera Mitropolis Edessis, Pellis & Tel. 2381-023500 Almopias FAX 2381-029945 58200 Edessa, Pellis GREECE

Elassonos Iera Mitropolis Elassonos Tel. 2493-022245 40200 Elassona, Larisis FAX 2493-025146 GREECE

Eleutheroupoleos Iera Mitropolis Eleutheroupoleos Tel. 2592-022246 64100 Eleutheroupolis, Kavalas FAX 2592-024186 GREECE

Filippon, Neapoleos & Thasou Iera Mitropolis Filippon, Tel. 251-0223-141 Neapoleos & Thasou FAX 251-0223-283 Kavala, Kavalas GREECE

Florinis, Prespon & Eordaias Iera Mitropolis Florinis, Tel. 2385-028861 Prespon & Eordaias FAX 2385-028869 53100 Florina, Florinis GREECE

Fokidos Iera Mitropolis Fokidos Tel. 2265-028224 33100 Amfissa, Fokidos FAX 2265-029146 GREECE

Fthiotidos Iera Mitropolis Fthiotidos Tel. 2231-022287 35100 Lamia, Fthiotidos GREECE

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Name of Diocese Address of the Diocese Phone number & FAX

Gortynis & Arkadias Iera Mitropolis Gortynis & Arkadias Tel. 2892-022208 (covers eparhia Kainourgiou) 70400 Moirai, Irakleiou FAX 2892-023483 GREECE

Gortynos & Megalopoleos summer address: Tel. 2795-031217 Iera Mitropolis Gortynos & FAX 2795-031217 Megalopoleos 22007 Dimitsana, Arkadias GREECE winter address: Iera Mitropolis Gortynos & Megalopoleos Tel. 2791-022618 22200 Megalopolis, Arkadias FAX 2791-025026 GREECE

Goumenissis, Axioupoleos & Iera Mitropolis Goumenissis, Tel. 2343-043333 Polykastrou Axioupoleos & Polykastrou FAX 2373-043333 Iera Moni Panagias 61300 Goumenissa, Kilkis GREECE

Grevenon Iera Mitropolis Grevenon Tel. 2462-022404 51100 Grevena, Grevenon FAX 2462-028919 GREECE

Gytheiou & Oitylou Iera Mitropolis Gytheiou & Oitylou Tel. 2733-022214 Gytheion, Lakonias GREECE

Halkidos Iera Mitropolis Halkidos Tel. 2221-025078 Neofytou 44 FAX 2221-081060 34100 Halkis, Euvoias GREECE

Hiou, Psaron & Oinousson Iera Mitropolis Hiou, Tel. 2271-044045 Psaron & Oinousson FAX 2271-044046 82100 Hios, Hiou GREECE

Ierapytnis & Siteias Iera Mitropolis Ierapytnis & Siteias Tel. 2842-022400 72200 Ierapetra, Lasithiou FAX 2842-022786 GREECE

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Name of Diocese Address of the Diocese Phone number & FAX Ierissou, Agiou Orous & Iera Mitropolis Ierissou, Tel. 2372-022207 Ardameriou Agiou Orous & Ardameriou FAX 2372-023070 63074 Arnaia, Halkidikis GREECE

Ileias Iera Mitropolis Ileias Tel. 2621-022527 27100 Pyrgos, Ileias, FAX 2521-030592 GREECE

Ioanninon Iera Mitropolis Ioanninon Tel. 2651-026379 45110 Ioannina, Ioanninon GREECE

Kaisarianis, Vyronos & Iera Mitropolis Kaisarianis, Tel. 21-0722-4123 Ymittou Vyronos & Ymittou FAX 21-0722-3584 Ymittou 47-51 16121 Kaisariani, Attikis GREECE

Kalavryton & Aigialeias Iera Mitropolis Kalavryton & Tel. 2691-021777 Aigialeias FAX 2691-021634 # 83 25100 Aigion, Ahaias GREECE or Iera Mitropolis Kalavryton & Tel. 2692-022235 Aigialeias Kalavryta, Ahaias GREECE

Karpathou & Kasou Iera Mitropolis Karpathou & Kasou Tel. 2245-031222 85700 Apereion Karpathou FAX 2245-031000 Dodekanisou GREECE

Karpenisiou Iera Mitropolis Karpenisiou Tel. 2237-022191 36100 Karpenision, Eurytanias FAX 2237-023993 GREECE

Karystias & Skyrou Iera Mitropolis Karystias & Skyrou Tel. 2222-024040 34003 Kymi, Euvoias FAX 2222-022230 GREECE

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Name of Diocese Address of the Diocese Phone number & FAX Kassandreias Iera Mitropolis Kassandreias Tel. 2371-022310 63100 Polygyros, Halkidikis FAX 2371-023594 GREECE

Kastorias Iera Mitropolis Kastorias Tel. 2467-022334 Plat. Paulou Mela 1 FAX 2467-022334 52100 Kastoria, Kastorias GREECE

Kefallinias Iera Mitropolis Kefallinias Tel. 2671-022231 28100 Argostolion, Kefallinias FAX 2671-025177 GREECE

Kerkyras & Paxon Iera Mitropolis Kerkyras & Paxon Tel. 2661-039409 Arseniou 1 FAX 2661-041740 49100 Kerkyra, Kerkyras GREECE

Kissamou & Selinou Iera Mitropolis Kissamou & Selinou Tel. 2822-022128 Kissamos, Hanion FAX 2822-022128 GREECE

Kitrous & Katerinis Iera Mitropolis Kitrous & Katerinis Tel. 2351-023542 60100 Katerini, Pierias GREECE

Koou Iera Mitropolis Koou Tel. 2242-022230 85300 Kos, Dodekanisou FAX 2242-026530 GREECE

Korinthou Iera Mitropolis Korinthou Tel. 2741-022547 Krokida 4 FAX 2741-020340 20100 Korinthos GREECE

Kydonias & Apokoronou Iera Mitropolis Kydonias & Tel. 2821-051706 Apokoronou FAX 2821-027808 73100 Hania, Hanion GREECE

Kythiron Iera Mitropolis Kythiron Tel. 2735-031202 80100 Hora, Kythiron FAX 2735-031202 GREECE

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Name of Diocese Address of the Diocese Phone number & FAX

Lagkada Iera Mitropolis Lagkada Tel. 2394-022234 57200 Lagkadas, Thessalonikis GREECE

Lampis & Sfakion Iera Mitropolis Lampis & Sfakion Tel. 2832-022025 Spilion, Rethymnis FAX 2832-022016 GREECE

Larisis & Tyrnavou Iera Mitropolis Larisis & Tyrnavou Tel. 241-0238-860 Ioanninon 7 FAX 241-0617-684 41334 Larisa, Larisis GREECE

Lerou, Kalymnou & Iera Mitropolis Lerou, Tel. 2247-022211 Astypalaias Kalymnou & Astypalaias FAX 2247-022339 Leros, Dodekanisou GREECE

Leukados & Ithakis Iera Mitropolis Leukados & Ithakis Tel. 2645-022415 31100 Leukas, Leukados FAX 2645-025354 GREECE

Limnou Iera Mitropolis Limnou Tel. 2254-022474 81400 Myrina, Limnou FAX 2254-024042 GREECE

Mantineias & Kynourias Iera Mitropolis Mantineias & Kynourias Tel. 271-0222-446 Grigoriou E΄ 13 FAX 271-0226-926 22100 Tripolis, Arkadias GREECE

Maroneias & Komotinis Iera Mitropolis Maroneias & Komotinis Tel. 2531-022642 69100 Komotini, Rodopis FAX 2531-023439 GREECE

Megaron & Salaminos Iera Mitropolis Megaron & Salaminos Tel. 2296-027794 19100 Megara, Attikis GREECE

Mesogaias & Laureotikis Iera Mitropolis Mesogaias & Laureotikis Tel. 21-0663-2276 Thoukididou & Byzantiou St. FAX 21-0602-5101 19004 Spata, Attikis GREECE

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Name of Diocese Address of the Diocese Phone number & FAX

Messinias Iera Mitropolis Messinias Tel. 2721-023048 Mitropolitou Meletiou 10 FAX 2721-022994 24100 Kalamata, Messinias GREECE

Mithymnis Iera Mitropolis Mithymnis Tel. 2253-022337 81107 Kaloni, Lesvou GREECE

Monemvasias & Spartis Iera Mitropolis Monemvasias & Spartis Tel. 2731-026580 Lysandrou 5 FAX 2731-026581 23100 Sparti, Lakonias GREECE

Mytilinis, Eressou & Iera Mitropolis Mytilinis, Tel. 2251-028514 Plomariou Eressou & Plomariou FAX 2251-028514 81100 Mytilini, Lesvou GREECE

Naupaktou & Agiou Vlasiou Iera Mitropolis Naupaktou & Agiou Tel. 2634-027207 Vlasiou FAX 2634-027665 Georg. Athana 1 30300 Naupaktos, Aitolias & Akarnanias GREECE

Neapoleos & Stauroupoleos Iera Mitropolis Tel. 231-0611-129 Neapoleos & Stauroupoleos FAX 231-0629-300 56728 Neapolis, Thessalonikis GREECE

Neas Ionias & Filadelfeias Iera Mitropolis Neas Ionias & Tel. 21-0275-3400 Filadelfeias FAX 21-0275-3800 Leof. Irakleiou 340 14231 Nea Ionia, Attikis GREECE

Neas Krinis & Kalamarias Iera Mitropolis Neas Krinis & Tel. 231-0481-274 Kalamarias FAX 231-0451-588 Mitropolitou Hrysanthou1 55132 Kalamaria, Thessalonikis GREECE

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Name of Diocese Address of the Diocese Phone number & FAX Neas Smyrnis Iera Mitropolis Neas Smyrnis Tel. 21-0933-7583 Stratigou Plastira 70 17121 Nea Smyrni, Attikis GREECE

Nikaias Iera Mitropolis Nikaias Tel. 21-0491-9187 18450 Nikaia, Attikis FAX 21-0490-3968 GREECE

Nikopoleos & Prevezis Iera Mitropolis Nikopoleos & Prevezis Tel. 2682-026734 48100 Preveza, Prevezis FAX 2682-027953 GREECE

Paramythias, Filiaton & Iera Mitropolis Paramythias, Tel. 2666-022377 Giromeriou Filiaton & Giromeriou 46200 Paramythia, Thesprotias GREECE

Paronaxias Iera Mitropolis Paronaxias Tel. 2285-022233 84300 Naxos, Kykladon FAX 2285-024600 GREECE

Patron Iera Mitropolis Patron Tel. 261-0320-602 26110 Patra, Ahaias FAX 261-0320-602 GREECE

Peiraios Iera Mitropolis Peiraios Tel. 21-0451-9503 Akti Themistokleous 198 FAX 21-0451-2049 18539 Peiraia GREECE

Peristeriou Iera Mitropolis Peristeriou Tel. 21-0572-1148 P. Tsaldari 63 FAX 21-0574-8713 12134 Peristerion, Attikis GREECE

Petras Iera Mitropolis Petras Tel. 2841-032320 Neapolis, Lasithiou FAX 2841-031344 GREECE

Polyanis & Kilkisiou Iera Mitropolis Polyanis & Kilkisiou Tel. 2341-022248 (covers eparhia Kilkis) 61100 Kilkis, Kilkis FAX 2341-028625 GREECE

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Name of Diocese Address of the Diocese Phone number & FAX

Rethymnis & Aulopotamou Iera Mitropolis Rethymnis & Tel. 2273-027312 (covers eparhia Rethymnis) Aulopotamou FAX 2273-028714 Rethymnon, Rethymnis GREECE

Rodou Iera Mitropolis Rodou Tel. 2241-073480 85100 Rodos, Dodekanisou FAX 2241- GREECE 023274

Samou & Ikarias Iera Mitropolis Samou & Ikarias Tel. 2273-027312 83100 Samos, Samou FAX 2273-028714 GREECE

Serron & Nigritis Iera Mitropolis Serron & Nigritis Tel. 2321-022461 Kyprou 10 FAX 2321-058500 62122 Serrai, Serron GREECE

Servion & Kozanis Iera Mitropolis Servion & Kozanis Tel. 2461-036050 Har. Megdani 6 50100 Kozani, Kozanis GREECE

Sidirokastrou Iera Mitropolis Sidirokastrou Tel. 2323-022340 Sidirokastron, Serron GREECE

Sisaniou & Siatistis Iera Mitropolis Sisaniou & Siatistis Tel. 2465-021204 50300 Siatista, Kozanis FAX 2465-021204 GREECE

Stagon & Meteoron Iera Mitropolis Stagon & Meteoron Tel. 2432-022752 (covers eparhia Kalampakas) 42200 Kalampaka, Trikalon FAX 2432-024979 GREECE

Syrou, Tinou, Androu, Keas & Iera Mitropolis Syrou, Tinou, Tel. 2281-082582 Mylou Androu, Keas & Mylou FAX 2281-083013 84100 Ermoupolis, Syrou GREECE

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Name of Diocese Address of the Diocese Phone number & FAX

Thessaliotidos & Iera Mitropolis Tel. 2441-021550 Fanariofersalon Thessaliotidos & Fanariofersalon FAX 2441-022968 43100 Karditsa, Karditsis GREECE

Thessalonikis Iera Mitropolis Thessalonikis Tel. 231-0279-437 Vogatsikou 7 FAX 231-0230-722 54622 Thessaloniki, Thessalonikis GREECE

Thiras, Amorgou & Nison Iera Mitropolis Thiras, Tel. 2286-022260 Amorgou & Nison FAX 2286-022362 84700 Thira, Kykladon GREECE

Thivon & Levadeias Iera Mitropolis Thivon & Levadeias Tel. 2261-028330 Ag. Dimitriou 1 FAX 2261-028640 32100 Levadeia, Voiotias GREECE

Trifylias & Olympias Iera Mitropolis Trifylias & Olympias Tel. 2761-022217 24500 Kyparissia, Messinias GREECE

Trikkis & Stagon Iera Mitropolis Trikkis & Stagon Tel. 2431-027282 Apollonos 19 FAX 2431-026352 42100 Trikala, Trikalon GREECE

Veroias & Naousis Iera Mitropolis Veroias & Naousis Tel. 2331-022270 59100 Veroia, Imathias FAX 2331-025275 GREECE

Xanthis & Peritheoriou Iera Mitropolis Xanthis & Peritheoriou Tel. 2541-028305 67100 Xanthi, Xanthis FAX 2541-025581 GREECE

Ydras, Spetson & Aiginis Iera Mitropolis Ydras, Spetson & Tel. 2298-052207 Aiginis FAX 2298-052887 18040 Ydra, Peiraios GREECE

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Name of Diocese Address of the Diocese Phone number & FAX

Zakynthou Iera Mitropolis Zakynthou Tel. 2695-022233 29100 Zakynthos, Zakynthou FAX 2695-022348 GREECE

Zihnon & Neurokopiou Iera Mitropolis Tel. 2324-022203 Zihnon & Neurokopiou 62042 Nea Zihni, Dramas GREECE

Zakynthos

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