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On [[November 26]], 1970, Fr. Gennadios was elected Bishop of Krateia, with his seat in Naples. This event was significant in that it was the first time an Orthodox [[bishop]] was resident in Italy since the [[schism]] of 1054. Having distinguished himself for his pastoral services in Italy, Bp. Gennadios was presented the Medal of Commander of the Italian Republic, a first for an Orthodox prelate. He also taught for ten years patristic theology at the Theological University Institute of San Nicola di Bari. He is fluent in Greek, Latin, Italian, and Spanish.
Among his duties, Bp. Gennadios represented the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Archdioceses of Austria and Italy in various conferences, meetings, and official functions, including accompanying the translation of the [[relics]] of [[Demetrios of Thessaloniki|St. Demetrios ]] from Italy to Thessalonika. It was at this occasion he was honored with the Gold Cross of St. Demetrios. Among other honors, Bp. Gennadios was presented a Gold Medal by the Commune of Rhodes for his guidance in Italy of the many students from Rhodes, the Dodecaneso, and other parts of Greece.
On [[August 26]], 1996, Bp. Gennadios was elected Metropolitan Archbishop of Italy. He was enthroned on [[October 27]], 1996.