On the afternoon of Friday, February 14, 2025, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew held a special ceremony at the Patriarchal House in the Phanar, where he honored the Greek Minister of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports, Kyriakos Pierrakakis.
The event was attended by Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon, Offikialion Archons of the Great Church of Christ, Ambassador Konstantinos Koutras, Consul General of Greece in Constantinople, Georgios Kalantzis (Secretary General of Religious Affairs of the Ministry of Education), members of the Patriarchal Court, and associates of the Minister.
In recognition of his valuable contributions to the Church and the Greek Nation, as well as his steadfast support for the institution of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Patriarch Bartholomew awarded Minister Pierrakakis the Cross of Saint Andrew the First-Called Apostle, accompanied by the Patriarchal Honorary Decree (Pittakion).
In his address, the Ecumenical Patriarch praised the Minister, acknowledging his ongoing interest and dedication to the issues of the Mother Church. Deeply moved, Minister Pierrakakis expressed his profound gratitude to Patriarch Bartholomew for the exceptional honor bestowed upon him.
Earlier in the day, upon his arrival at the Phanar, Minister Pierrakakis, accompanied by his delegation, visited the Patriarchal Church, where he paid his respects before attending the ceremony.
Photos: Nikos Papachristou / Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
