Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Austria
The Metropolis of Austria and Exarchate of Hungary and Central Europe is a metropolis of the Greek Orthodox Church founded in 1964. It is headed by Metropolitan Arsenios of Austria since 2011.
History
Greek presence in Austria can be attested to the 1st century CE based on archeological excavations. When diplomatic relations were set between the Byzantine Empire and the Duchy of Austria a marriage was arranged between Duke Henry II and Theodora Komnene, niece of Manuel I Komnenos.Before 1918 all Orthodox faithfuls in Austria-Hungary were under the spiritual jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Karlovci.
In 1924 the Ecumenical Patriarch founded the Metropolis of Central Europe, which included Austria, with its first bishop as Germanos (Karavangelis). When Germanos died on February 11, 1935, the Metropolis of Central Europe was absorbed into the Archdiocese of Great Britain. On February 17, 1963, the Metropolis of Austria, the Exarchate of Hungary and Central Europe was created with Chrysostomos (Tsiter) becoming its first bishop.
The diocese runs and operates the Greek National School in Vienna, which was opened in the 19th century. It is the oldest Greek diaspora school in existence.