The title of Archon Orphanotrophos was bestowed upon the president of the construction company “Gefest” and Honorary Consul of Greece in Kherson, Pantelis Boumbouras, by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
In an interview with orthodoxtimes.com, P. Boumbouras emphasized the immense honor bestowed upon him by the Ecumenical Patriarch.
“Personally, I believe that this recognition has provided me with strength to pursue even greater accomplishments. I have come to realize once again that it requires the collective effort of both myself and all individuals to uphold our Orthodoxy, especially during these challenging times of testing,” he said.
He added: “I had the pleasure of discussing with the Ecumenical Patriarch, he asked me about Ukraine, although he knows a lot about the country where I live with my family. He shows compassion towards the Ukrainian people and never ceases to pray for them. The Ecumenical Patriarch is sure that justice will prevail and that justice lies on the side of the suffering Ukrainian people.”
Pantelis Boumbouras received the title of Archon from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Constantinople at the Cathedral of St. George the Great Martyr. The title of Archon is the highest one awarded by the Orthodox Church to laity for an outstanding contribution to the Church and society.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the Vespers on the occasion of the feast of the Sunday of Orthodoxy on March 23. In his homily, the Ecumenical Patriarch emphasized that, thanks to the new Archon, the Great Church experiences growth. “As the supreme institution of the Greek Nation and Orthodoxy, it steadfastly upholds the cherished traditions of Constantinople and the unwavering truth of faith in Christ,” he said. The Patriarch noted that “through selfless love for Ukraine, the Church finds a new ally, refuge, and valuable supporter in its mission to bear witness to goodness and engage in social outreach on a global scale.”
Pantelis Boumpouras is one of the most important philanthropists in Ukraine. Among his projects are the construction of the Greek Park in Odesa, the funding for participation in the “Young Leaders” program at the Kennedy School of Harvard University, the creation and funding for the study of Modern Greek in Ukrainian educational institutions.
Since the beginning of hostilities in Ukraine in 2014, he has been providing significant humanitarian assistance to the Ukrainian army and the affected civilian population. Together with his family he lives in Odesa and does not intend to leave the city due to the war. His construction company “Gefest” did not stop operating even during the most difficult times of the war, providing jobs to Ukrainians and boosting the local economy.
“You care about your brothers in need, and especially, in the last two years, for the long-suffering, brave and pious Ukrainian people. This practical support and love exemplify the boundless generosity of the human spirit, transcending ordinary limitations. You contribute to the construction, renovation and restoration of churches, you support the work of the Holy Metropolises and parishes. The Church needs such people,” Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew said, highlighting Boumbouras’ charitable work in Greece and Ukraine.
The Ecumenical Patriarch warmly congratulated the new Archon, and blessed his wife Theodora, and their three children. “We have full confidence that you will demonstrate yourself as deserving of the trust bestowed upon you by your Patriarch. Strengthened by the grace bestowed upon you during your ordination, witnessed by both God and humanity, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, you are called to continue your righteous endeavors as a member of the Brotherhood of Offikialioi ‘Panagia Pammakaristos,’ of which you are now a part. Behold the beautiful and sacred icon of Panagia Pammakaristos, the Guardian of the Brotherhood, who shall be your protector as well as that of your families,” he concluded.
In response, Mr. Pantelis Boumbouras expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Ecumenical Patriarch for the esteemed honor bestowed upon him, promising steadfastly to uphold and defend the rights of the Mother Church.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
