Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew conferred the title of Archon Orphanotrophos of the Holy Great Church of Christ upon Dimitrios Samaras, a businessman from Thessaloniki, during a ceremony held at the Patriarchal Church on Saturday afternoon, September 26, 2026.
In his address, the Ecumenical Patriarch emphasized that modern challenges cannot be addressed through pragmatic decisions and technocratic interventions alone, without spiritual guidance. He also highlighted the importance of responsible entrepreneurship, social solidarity and the Church’s longstanding tradition of charitable work.
Referring to the responsibilities associated with the office of Archon Orphanotrophos during the Byzantine period, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew noted that the Church’s concern for vulnerable people has historically extended far beyond occasional assistance.
“Throughout the history of our Church, care for the vulnerable and practical assistance were not limited to occasional support but took the form of organized charitable work and multifaceted philanthropic activity. The Church’s social initiatives leave even the opponents of Christianity speechless,” he stated.
Ecumenical Patriarch highlights the importance of responsible entrepreneurship
Addressing the newly appointed Archon, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew praised his extensive business activities and commitment to social responsibility.
He emphasized that Dimitrios Samaras’s initiatives, social awareness and dedication to the philanthropic values of the Orthodox tradition provide an example of responsible entrepreneurship.
“Through your intelligence, your initiatives, your social sensitivity, the importance you attach to responsibility, commitment, human integrity and the spirit of solidarity, as well as your dedication to the philanthropic values of our Orthodox tradition, you demonstrate what it means to conduct business responsibly,” the Ecumenical Patriarch said.
He explained that economic activity should not be regarded as an end in itself but should serve principles that promote both the proper functioning of the economy and social justice and cohesion.
In this context, he recalled the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church, held a decade earlier, which warned that the principle of the autonomy of the economy, or economism, constitutes a serious threat to humanity and society.
The Council, he noted, advocated a “sustainable economy founded on the principles of the Gospel” (Encyclical, §15).
“The experience of humanity confirms that the great challenges of our time cannot be addressed on the basis of pragmatic choices and technocratic interventions without spiritual guidance,” the Ecumenical Patriarch stressed.
He added that Christian faith in the sacredness of the human person continues to make an invaluable contribution to understanding the concept of progress, which economic development and advances in science and technology should serve.
Contribution to Greek education and the Ecumenical Patriarchate
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew also referred to the new Archon’s origins in Macedonia, noting that his late parents had raised him according to Orthodox values and instilled in him respect for the Mother Church and love for Constantinople.
He highlighted Samaras’s activities as President of AHEPA’s International Chapter CH-601, Bosphorus, in Constantinople.
Among his contributions, the Ecumenical Patriarch mentioned his involvement in efforts leading to UNESCO’s recognition of February 9 as World Greek Language Day.
He also praised his support for the Patriarchal Great School of the Nation, Zografeion and Zappeion, as well as Greek community education in Constantinople more broadly.
The Ecumenical Patriarch emphasized the historical significance of preserving the Greek language, recalling the role Constantinople played in keeping it alive during difficult periods.
He further acknowledged Samaras’s contribution to Mount Athos, where he has served for more than a decade as Director-Supervisor responsible for coordinating the organizational structures and Technical Service of the Holy Community.
Through this work, he noted, Samaras has contributed to the management and promotion of the ecclesiastical and cultural heritage of Hellenism.
Congratulating him on his activities, the Patriarch expressed confidence that, as Archon Orphanotrophos, he would continue to devote himself to good works.
Cooperation with the University of Western Macedonia
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew also welcomed Samaras’s cooperation with the University of Western Macedonia in establishing and operating a professional postgraduate program entitled “Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental Management.”
He expressed particular satisfaction with this initiative, noting his own longstanding connection with the institution.
The Ecumenical Patriarch recalled that he had become the university’s first honorary doctorate recipient in 2005, just two years after its establishment.
In his response, the newly appointed Archon Orphanotrophos expressed his gratitude to the Ecumenical Patriarch for the distinction bestowed upon him.
The ceremony was preceded by Great Vespers and attended by Metropolitan Meliton of Philadelphia, Metropolitan Theoktistos of Phocis, Metropolitan Joachim of Prusa and Bishop Dionysios of Zinoupolis, who joined in prayer.
Members of the new Archon’s family and numerous faithful were also present.
Photo: Nikos Papachristou
