On Saturday, March 16, amidst a religious atmosphere, the Great Festive Vesper for the Sunday of Christianity, at the Patriarchal Church at the Fener, was officiated by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
After the ceremony, Ecumenical Patriarch bestowed the officium of Chief Protekdikos (First Legal Representative) on Mr. Panagiotis Pournaras, economist and prominent banker, who works in Geneva, Switzerland.
Addressing the new Chief Panagioti Pournara, Ecumenical Patriarch stressed that Mr. Pournaras masters the mechanisms by which economy works, “as a true Son of the Orthodox Church, but it is a truism that economic growth is worth only if it goes hand in hand with respect and the cultivation of spiritual and moral values”.
“We are certain that, as Chief Protekdikos, you shall continue and enhance your religious activities for the sake of the Greek nation”, stressed Ecumenical Patriarch addressing the new Chief Panagioti Pournara.
In his response, the new Chief thanked the Ecumenical Patriarch for the honor granted to himself and his family, and, referring to the significant ministry of the Mother Church, he emphasized the contribution of the Orthodox Center of Ecumenical Patriarchate in Sambezi.
