Archbishop Elpidophoros of America conferred the title of Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate upon Greek-American entrepreneur Christos Marafatsos in the United States.
Marafatsos, an advisor to former U.S. President Donald Trump, founder of Greeks for Trump, and close associate of U.S. Ambassador to Athens Kimberly Guilfoyle, received from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew the distinguished honor of Didaskalos tou Genous (“Teacher of the Nation”).
In a social media post, Marafatsos described the distinction as a sacred responsibility: to defend the Ecumenical Patriarchate, safeguard religious freedom, and serve the Orthodox Christian faith and Hellenic heritage with devotion—honoring both past and future generations.
Marafatsos expressed deep gratitude to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey, and the Archons who mentored him and entrusted him with this significant honor.
He also thanked his wife Andrea and their daughter Markella for their love and strength, as well as his parents and siblings for their support, guidance, and lifelong example.
“May God guide me to serve with humility and honor,” he concluded.
