“We’ll miss Tsounis when he’s gone.” This phrase was humorously delivered by a witty yet serious Metropolitan known for his excellent relationship with the outgoing U.S. Ambassador.
The Metropolitan used this expression to emphasize the significant loss Orthodoxy would face without an American ambassador in Athens during these challenging times—someone who not only understands but deeply appreciates the unique dynamics and challenges of the Church.
George Tsounis departs with the new year, bringing changes to the relationship between the Church and the highest U.S. diplomatic authority in Greece. The Metropolitan sought to highlight that the departure of the Greek-American businessman from the ambassadorial office will be a significant loss for the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Church of Greece.
Tsounis maintained excellent relations with the Ecumenical Patriarchate, its dioceses (particularly with the Archbishop of America), and the Metropolitans of the Church of Greece. Primarily due to his Greek heritage, he understands the unique characteristics of the Orthodox Church and, of course, as a member of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He became more attuned to the Church and its dual diplomatic roles during the second year of his term.
Initially, his perception of the Church was shaped by the perspective of a specific Greek-American family with whom he was closely connected. This predisposed him to certain expectations about what he would encounter in Athens. With his experience, extensive contacts, and countless miles logged as the American ambassador in Athens, he mastered the intricacies of his role and ensured an early disconnection from the interests of this family.
Rumors suggest that he will remain in Greece for business, but it is certain that he will be missed by many Metropolitans, with whom he maintained an open line of communication. In Alexandroupolis, he discussed the region’s sensitive issues with Metropolitan Anthimos.
In Attica, he met with Archbishop Ieronymos and Metropolitan Gabriel of Nea Ionia, and in Messinia, with Metropolitan Chrysostomos. These were hierarchs with whom he maintained an open channel of communication, often consulting them on matters related to the Church’s involvement in national issues.
The Guilfoyle case
The Church does not have high expectations with the new U.S. ambassador in Athens. —at least for the first two years. Apart from the briefing and advice from her predecessor, Guilfoyle lacks a complete understanding of the Church’s role in Greek society. “It will take several months for her to fully grasp it,” remarked a young Metropolitan with closer ties to the Russian diplomatic side.
Guilfoyle’s only connection to the Church is through her friendly relationship with John Catsimatidis, the vice president of the Archdiocesan Council of the Archdiocese of America, with whom she is linked through their shared commitment to the Republican Party.
So far, the only hierarch with established contact with the new American ambassador is Archbishop Elpidophoros of America. Information from Athens and sources experienced in diplomatic matters suggest that the Church is unlikely to be among Guilfoyle’s top priorities.
It remains to be seen whether the new U.S. Ambassador to Greece will demonstrate the ability and, more importantly, the interest in adapting to the Greek context and recognizing the valuable insights the Church can provide to help her better understand Greek realities. Jeffrey Pyatt, Tsounis’ predecessor, identified these opportunities early on, while Tsunis grasped them more gradually but ultimately in time.
Melchizedek
*Published in the newspaper “Orthodoxi Alitheia”
