On the afternoon of Saturday, June 20, 2026, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew attended and addressed an event organized by the PeopleCert Group at the Patriarchal Marasli School in the Phanar.
During the event, the “Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Award” was presented to Archon Exarch Athanasios Martinos, President of the Brotherhood of the Archons of the Ecumenical Throne “Panagia Pammakaristos,” while graduation certificates were awarded to the Greek Orthodox students who participated in the Group’s “English Language Teaching 2025–2026” program. Both initiatives are the work of PeopleCert founder and president Byron Nikolaidis, who hails from Constantinople.
In his address, the Ecumenical Patriarch spoke warmly about the honoree, Athanasios Martinos, and his wife, Marina, praising in particular their longstanding contribution to the Mother Church and to the Greek Orthodox community of Constantinople.
“Today, this Award is being presented to the Honorable Archon and Ecumenical Great Benefactor, Mr. Athanasios Martinos. You see, I am not the only one who is ecumenical!” the Ecumenical Patriarch remarked.
“We conferred upon Mr. Martinos the title ‘New Pavlos Skilitsis Stefanovik,’ as a most worthy successor to the benefactor who financed the complete reconstruction of the building of the Theological School of Halki, which reopened its doors in 1896 following the devastating earthquake of 1894. After 130 years, this complex will soon be delivered fully renovated, thanks to the generous contribution of Athanasios and Marina Martinos.”
The Patriarch emphasized that the name “Martinos” will remain indelibly engraved in the memory of the Greek Orthodox community for this generous donation, as well as for other benefactions, including the restoration of the Galata Urban School, now serving as a cultural center for the local Greek community, the magnificent Church of the Annunciation in Tatavla, and the Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos on Tenedos. Renovation works on community buildings on Prinkipo were also carried out through his sponsorship, while restoration of the Church of St. Athanasios in Tatavla is expected to begin soon, once again funded by the Archon.
After presenting the Award to Mr. Martinos, the Ecumenical Patriarch also praised the PeopleCert Group for its initiatives in support of the Greek Orthodox community, including projects benefiting his native island of Imbros, as well as for establishing the “Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Award.”
“Alongside this event honoring Mr. Martinos, the PeopleCert Group is also organizing the graduation ceremony for the students of the ‘English Language Teaching 2025–2026’ program. We once again commend and thank the Group, its esteemed Founder and President, Mr. Byron Nikolaidis, and his dedicated team for their contribution to education in Constantinople and Imbros. We also warmly congratulate the graduates on their success,” the Ecumenical Patriarch said.
The Ecumenical Patriarch congratulated the Greek Orthodox students who participated in the program and personally presented them with their language proficiency certificates.
Greetings were also delivered by Byron Nikolaidis, while addresses were given by Archon Laosynaktis of the Ecumenical Throne George Papaliaris, President of the Association for the Support of Greek Orthodox Community Foundations; George Doukidis, Professor Emeritus and Chairman of the Evaluation Committee of the PeopleCert Scholarship Program; as well as principals of the Greek minority schools and other speakers.
Among those in attendance were hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne, clergy, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Konstantinos Koutras, Consul General of Greece in Constantinople, and numerous members of the Greek Orthodox community and guests from abroad.
Photos: Ecumenical Patriarchate
