Greek-American businessman John Catsimatidis, who achieved the American dream by owning ten Red Apple Supermarkets in New York before turning 25, expressed his sorrow over the Turkish government’s decision to convert one of the oldest churches in the world into a mosque. “I don’t think that under the current atmosphere in Turkey it could be reversed,” Catsimatidis said in an interview with ANA-MPA. Today, Red Apple Group operates in the energy, aviation, retail, and real estate sectors, employing more than 8,000 people.
Catsimatidis visited Greece recently as a keynote speaker at the 4th International Conference of Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate on Religious Freedom held in Athens. In his interview with ANA-MPA journalist Katia Tsimplaki, he discussed the challenges faced by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, emphasizing that its primary adversary is the Moscow Patriarchate, which seeks to dominate the Orthodox Church. On the conversion of Hagia Sophia and the Chora Monastery into mosques, he expressed skepticism about Turkey reversing its decision.
Catsimatidis also spoke about Greek-American relations and the upcoming U.S. presidential elections. Regarding the 4th Synod of Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, he explained its aim to unify Archons worldwide—from Europe to North America, Australia, and Asia—to create a stronger force for protecting the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Orthodox Church. He noted that just before the Synod, he attended a celebration of the Knights of Malta in New York, an institution similar to the Archons, who protect the Ecumenical Patriarch. “They have 100,000 participants around the world. We have a long way to go to expand globally,” he said, emphasizing that Christianity is under attack worldwide. “We all need to get stronger to protect our religion, our way of life!”
ANA-MPA also asked John Catsimatidis about the war Russia is waging in Ukraine and its implications for the Ecumenical Patriarchate. “Russia aims to control the Ecumenical Patriarchate and transform it into a Russian asset. This issue arose many years ago, but we resolved it with President Clinton. Currently, we are working diligently to exert political influence within the United States—through Congress, the Senate, the executive branch, and the presidency. This is the only option the Archons have. They must influence the United States, as it is the only nation capable of protecting the Patriarchate and religious freedom,” he said.
When asked by ANA-MPA whether there could be a schism in Orthodoxy driven by the Moscow Patriarchate, Catsimatidis replied, “Russia is the sole threat to the Patriarchate. Russia would love to usurp the position of power held by the Ecumenical Throne in Constantinople. Strong believers in religious freedom in the United States are the only ones who can prevent such a schism.”
Regarding U.S. President Joe Biden, Catsimatidis expressed his satisfaction, noting Biden’s respect for Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and Father Alexandros Karloutsos (Father Alex). He stated that Biden would protect the Patriarchate.
Catsimatidis, a close friend of Donald Trump, consistently expresses his full support for Trump’s presidential candidacy. At the recent conference of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Athens, Catsimatidis and Father Alexandros Karloutsos introduced former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, whom Catsimatidis described as one of the five smartest people he’s ever met.
After attending the official dinner of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate at Zappeion, marking the end of their 4th Conference, Catsimatidis traveled to New York. There, he participated in an intimate dinner with 15 elite supporters of Donald Trump. He described Trump as being in good spirits and called the dinner “wonderful.” Commenting on the Supreme Court ruling that found Trump guilty of felonies, Catsimatidis said the dinner guests compared the trial to the 1992 American comedy “My Cousin Vinny.”
When asked who he thinks will be the next president of the United States, Catsimatidis stated that the result is still uncertain. He expressed his conviction that Donald Trump is tough enough to make a significant difference: “The election is five months away, and I believe it will be very close, around 50-50. President Trump has the advantage due to the numerous attacks within the United States. Americans are outraged by the influx of immigrants and drugs. Our universities are being influenced by foreign money. In my opinion, President Trump is the only one tough enough to address these issues. The United States needs a president strong enough to maintain respect from other nations. A weak president will ultimately harm Europe and the free world. Under President Trump, there was no war for four years, and the United States had global respect. A strong United States will keep Europe intact and create an even stronger NATO.”
Regarding Greek-American relations, John Catsimatidis described them as “excellent.” However, he emphasized Turkey’s strategic importance in the current global crisis, referring to it as “valuable in the new Cold War.” Catsimatidis elaborated, “Turkey’s position makes it valuable to the U.S. in the new Cold War dynamics involving NATO versus China, Russia, and Iran. The U.S. understands this. Remember what happened in Israel!”
When asked by ANA-MPA about Russia’s trajectory under President Vladimir Putin, Catsimatidis remarked, “The aggression of Russia and China began after President Trump’s departure from power. President Biden did not act decisively. Continued weakness in Washington’s response will allow China, Russia, and Iran to persist in their aggressive actions. Russia and Iran have grown very wealthy since President Biden tried to shut down fossil fuels in America. The price of oil doubled, enriching both countries. Iran became so wealthy that it started funding terrorist groups like Hamas, the Houthis, and Hezbollah. Under President Trump, Iran was limited to producing 400,000 barrels a day at about $50 a barrel. Under President Biden, Iran produces 4 million barrels a day at twice the price. This has made Iran very rich and capable of financing terrorism,” he said.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
