Take Th. Kalmoukos, someone who dreamt of ordination by Archbishop Iakovos but found himself without having being ordained, wielding a (supposedly) journalistic pen instead. His perception of things appears vastly different. And when a… publication’s bank account starts drying up due to lack of subscriptions, suddenly, the skeletons of the ancestors of Muhammad the Besieger could be unearthed to convince us that something is going on in the Archdiocese of America.

The recent “uncovering” by the National Herald suggests Archbishop Elpidophoros is persona non grata on Mount Athos. Yet, after a clear read of the Athonite community’s announcement, we understand what they say right away: they talk about the baptism of an infant and what “messages” it sends to the Orthodox world.

We will analyze the timing of this “leaked” letter shortly. What exactly are they implying? Is a clergyman not duty-bound to baptize an infant? Imagine the “SYRIZA – Progressive Alliance” party’s leader, Stephanos Kaselakis, seeking baptism for his child and being denied by a Patriarch or Archbishop. Would one do such a thing? Clearly not.

Whether some like it or not, the Archbishop of America will make his second pilgrimage to Mount Athos, a place he’s frequented since his student days as a layman. Thankfully, reputable Greek media steered clear of such “news,” being able to discern expediency.

For the sake of clarity and in order not to confuse Ant. Diamataris’ employee, let’s address two unshakable facts, no matter how disturbing they may be: the Archbishop will officiate in two Athonite monasteries, and he’ll address as a keynote speaker the Central Board of Jewish Communities in Greece on Holocaust Remembrance Day—which is not an Israeli… union.

Perhaps it’s time for the Three Stooges of the Greek diaspora—Ant. Diamataris, Th. Kalmoukos, and the third overzealous bully-blogger—to reflect on their fixation with the Archbishop. This obsession might require a psychiatric inquiry.

N.K.

Article translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas

Natural disasters and isolated incidents that have affected everyone and are of concern for future generations.

Two major wars, in Ukraine and Gaza, are still ongoing and, without any doubt, will last for some time to come.

In Orthodoxy we see that church leaders cannot contribute to reconciliation and align with camps, either governmental, political, business. Let us hope that the new year will give them time to delve deeper into the essence and focus less on the ephemeral and human aspects.

For yet another year, Orthodox Times diligently monitored and documented the events significant to the church, and beyond, throughout 2023.

With an objective perspective coupled with an unwavering willingness to express opinions from the outset, Orthodox Times delivers the facts and news directly and validly.

The administration, alongside all those who work to accurately convey to you the events surrounding us – journalists, translators, and administrative staff – are committed that in 2024 we will be even more direct, consistently valid, and undoubtedly with a more increased critical approach.

We wish you all a Happy New Year. May 2024 be blessed and bright.

Efi Efthimiou

Orthodox Times

The case involving Antonis Diamataris needs thorough examination. As the publisher of the National Herald, his final commendation was directed toward Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis upon granting him a ministerial position. However, subsequent to these commendations, his stance shifted, even concerning the Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis who had appointed him.

Antonis Diamataris is the former deputy minister of the Greek diaspora, whom the media of the left-wing Greek party Syriza still remembers as the minister who was caught “with the goat on his back” (means that he was caught red handed). This is an expression everyday people in the village of Lemnos say, where he was born and raised as a child. But instead of a… goat he had a master’s degree in his pocket that he claimed to hold but, in reality, did not possess. At least he did not hold this masters degree at the time when he had this information it in his ministerial résumé.

At the Maximos Mansion (the offical seat of the Greek PM) everyone still remembers Antonis Diamataris’ Business Administration master’s degree he supposedly got from Columbia University . He is the publisher who, under the pretext of interest in the Greek community, always says mean things in his articles and his media outlet. Not only he speaks ill of important people among the Greek diaspora but also of ministers and other high-profile figures in several institutions. Lately he also spoke ill of the Greek Consul in New York.

He billed his resentment as an “opinion” for the sake of Hellenism and the Greek Diaspora. I guess that, since Mr. Diamataris has an opinion on every topic and person, others have the right to experess their opinion on him too. So, let’s examnine the case of this particular person, by examnining his own articles and opinions he puts forward through the National Herald.

Diamataris v. Greek Consul

Just the day before yesterday (13/12/2023) Antonis Diamataris criticized the Greek Consul General. Because he hosts (!) more art exhibitions than its predecessors and “receives many complaints” (sic), as at the last exhibition the Greek flag was used as an art inspiration. So, according to Mr. Diamataris, no artist can experiment with the Greek flag. Nor one can use it as an expression of art.

However, you can experiment a little with your resume as a minister (see main photo). Because the CV of Deputy Minister Antonis Diamataris in 2019 reminded me of Jackson Pollock’s abstract expressionism. It’s nice talking a little bit in terms of art.

So, the former deputy minister criticizes the Greek consul, the institutional person, in order to send him on a decent path. The exhibition, by the way, which is supported by the Greek consulate, gives voice and space of expression to women living in New York highlighting and promoting their diversity and talent. But this seems to be the fine print no one reads for Mr. Diamataris.

Art for him is probably traditonal Greek dishes in Mandela’s tavern in Sardes, Lemnos (the island he comes from).

Diamataris v. Greek government

Since Mr. Diamataris “resigned” from the government, due to the absence of his master’s degree, he doesn’t speak very highly of its members. It’s not just the Greek Consul. In the National Herald on 16.12.2023 they wrote an article against the former Greek Foreign Minister, Nikos Dendias, calling him “the Dauphin of the New Democracy party who is often” politically related to “Samaras and Karamanlis” (former Greek PMs from the New Democracy party).

There are multiple examples. On 15.12.2023 the National Herald implies that Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis is only the figurehead of the ministry, as he states that “… Ms. Papadopoulou is essentially” in charge of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs”.

Diamataris v. Ecumenical Patriarchate

In stark contrast to the positions of the USA, the Greek government, and the Ecumenical Patriarchate, in the same article (15.12.2023), the apparently ignorant author – who boasts that he was a press consultant in institutional positions of the Greek state – states that the Church of Ukraine “broke away from Moscow”. In other words, the Ecumenical Patriarch had no right to recognize the autocephalous Church of Ukraine and the Church appears to have been stolen (like the Parthenon marbles that were stolen by Lord Elgin) by the Patriarchate of Moscow.

Diamataris v… Diamataris

The most boring, of course, pattern of Antonis Diamataris is his interest in the Archbishops of America. His articles, when referring to the Archbishops, remind me of the story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. One day he praises them and the other day he criticizes them. For example, one day he praised and another day he criticized Archbishop Iakovos of America.

In May 1995, Antonis Diamataris wrote an article in the National Herald about Archbishop Iakovos: “The Archbishop of America could, if he managed to get rid of various personal complexes, offer substantial and valuable work to the Greek community and the Church of America. In this respect, his tenure can be considered as a big Greek tragedy and as an unfulfilled vision.” What a journalistic pattern! Today we praise him, tomorrow we criticize him.

But as you know, as the years go by, one may hope that people will forget what they have written. Antonis Diamataris, following late Archbishop Iakovos’ falling asleep in the Lord, tried to restore his reputation. After crucifying him first, he thought of restoring his reputation in a poetic style. So he writes on April 14, 2022, with his moving article entitled “Our Archbishop Iakovos”: “The Archdiocese of America continues to live thanks to the wind that Iakovos had blown in its sails”, adding – to move the reader even further – that “Iakovos left a gap that unfortunately has not yet been filled”.

Antonis Diamataris concludes in his article by saying that “we all recognized that Iakovos was the actual leader of the Greek Diaspora. No one is irreplaceable. But some leaders are easier to replace than others.”

A useful course at the Columbia University

Can Antonis Diamataris be interpreted? The former deputy minister from the island of Lemnos and current publisher? This Robin Hood of the Greek diaspora? It’s hard to tell. I suggest that those who want to examnine the case should attend the Lecture Course at Columbia University (no. UN2620) by E. McCaskill’ under the title “Abnormal Behavior”. This course gives 3 academic points for the degree and a certificate of studies.

Anyone who attends it can perhaps better interpret the publishing behavior of Antonis Diamataris and run for Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in Greece. But this time with a real degree.

*Carte Blanche Project is a pilot artist showcase program conceived and presented by
the Consulate General of Greece in NY in collaboration with the advisory arts committee comprised of Eirini Linardaki, Natasha Katerinopoulos, Lolita Koutoudi, and Panos Tsagaris. This program is made possible with major support provided by the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce.

The project aims to showcase the work of artists from Greece who live and/or work in New York. This is the first step of a developing initiative to boost their representation and presence in NYC by having bi-monthly art exhibitions hosted at the Consulate General of Greece in NYC.

Moreover, to recognize the plethora of Greek arts professionals in NYC, the arts committee will rotate annually for the various diverse voices of the community to be demonstrated and experienced by local audiences.

Georgia Lale is a visual artist and cancer fighter based in Brooklyn. Their work has been featured in art festivals such as Art in Odd Places (NYC), Venice International Performance Art Week (Italy), and the Brussels Nuit Blanche Festival (Belgium).

Lale’s work has recently been exhibited at A.I.R. Gallery, Border Project Space, Collar Works, Smack Mellon, and Shiva Gallery – among others. They have been invited to discuss their practice by the Dedalus Foundation, MoMA, and Yale University. Their #OrangeVest performance was presented at the Greek Pavilion of the 15th Venice Biennale of Architecture in 2016.

Article translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas

I would like to extend my congratulations to Mr. Lingeras for his thoughtful and insightful remarks in his recent letter. His article encapsulates a sentiment I wholeheartedly share, especially in its final paragraphs that I would like everyone to read and, therefore, stop any discussion in this regard. It’s time to put an end to unwarranted hostility towards a hierarch, who is not only qualified but also an academic. This hostility not only lacks reason but could also have dire consequences.

Archbishop Elpidophoros of America exemplifies a deep understanding of his church duties, rooted in his upbringing within an exemplary Greek family. A glimpse into his family life, particularly through encounters with his relatives, especially his mother, reveals not just his remarkable upbringing but also underscores his exceptional education and worthiness as an Archbishop. He is an irreplaceable figure, ideally suited for our times.

Recently, at a gathering of a women’s association in Boston, representatives from six different states—New York, California, Chicago, Boston, and Florida—shared their thoughts on Archbishop Elpidophoros.

Without exception, all the representatives fervently expressed their admiration for his character, praising his composure, competence, and adept handling of the church’s challenges and the current Greek-American community.

Not a single person from the group contradicted this general view about the Archbishop and his contirbution to the Greek American community.

He’s a sought-after figure at community events, widely invited and consistently striving for the betterment of various facets—be it community, Greek associations, youth organizations, or educational institutions. Mr. Lingeras’ closing lines in his article are absolutely valid. Hence, it’s imperative to cease any unwarranted and potentially harmful attacks now.

I’ve witnessed situations like this before, about who has the most power and who wins in the end. Enough is enough. As the Americans say…

This attempt to tarnish the Archbishop’s reputation seems to stem solely from personal motives. It’s not only newspapers or writers contributing to this negative portrayal but also “whistleblowers” pursuing their own agendas.

Leave the Greek diaspora alone. Also, let the Archbishop fulfill his roles as a head of a church and within the modern Orthodox world without interference.

To sum up, I’d like to reiterate that neither the Archbishop nor any institution covertly influenced these shared perspectives. Our observations stem from over five decades within the Greek American expatriate community. It’s our experience and sense of duty that drive us to share these humble views with your readers and the Greek diaspora.

*M.Ed.

Source: anamniseis.net / Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas

There’s been considerable recent controversy surrounding the purported ousting of Archbishop Elpidophoros of America from the Greek Archdiocese. Most of us are aware of the individual behind this cowardly scheme, but it’s crucial to dissect its apparent motivations.

When Archbishop Elpidophoros visited the Turkish House in Manhattan and shook hands with Erdogan, the then Ambassador of Greece to America, Mrs. Papadopoulou, allegedly advised against it. The Consul General of Greece in New York at that time, Mr. Koutras, purportedly spread rumors that the Archbishop disregarded Mrs. Papadopoulou’s directive, insinuating that his visit significantly harmed our nation’s interests.

However, when Greece’s Prime Minister, Mr. Mitsotakis, recently visited the Turkish House to meet President Erdogan, did he irrevocably harm our country’s national interests? Clearly not. Symbolism carries its own significance, subject to individual interpretation.

I personally believe that the current Consul General of Greece in Constantinople, Mr. Koutras, is the frontman of a cowardly scheme orchestrated by perennial predators of the Archdiocese. Through high-ranking officials of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they endeavor to remove Archbishop Elpidophoros from his role. Mr. Koutras is relentless in his pursuit and seeks to ascend to the position of Greece’s Ambassador to America someday.

In my humble opinion, any Ambassador of Greece to America must embody serious, brilliant diplomacy, possessing leadership acumen and profound critical thinking. Mr. Koutras lacks these important qualifications and is utterly unsuitable, not to mention potentially hazardous, for the role of Ambassador to America.

Should Archbishop Elpidophoros face consequences simply because he didn’t appease these predators, it won’t be the first time an Archbishop is ousted by the Archdiocese.

Your Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, stand firm! You are not at fault for curbing the embezzlement of the Archdiocese’s finances by these perennial predators, along with their lavish privileges like credit cards, luxury travel, and stays at five-star hotels. Your decisions were sound, and I believe our Diaspora appreciates your actions.

In conclusion, I publicly implore Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis, whom I supported in the recent elections, to promptly address this contrived church issue. This pointless perpetuation serves neither our homeland nor our Diaspora’s interests.

Moreover, the Archdiocese, as a non-profit organization based in New York, enjoys constitutional protection, including Archbishop Elpidophoros, under the “Establishment clause of the First Amendment,” often interpreted to require separation of Church and State. If the shoe fits, wear it! It’s time to acknowledge it!

*Commercial Real Estate and Business Developer New York 

Source: anamniseis.net / Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas

Falsehoods, which, one after the other, he then refutes or interprets as it suits him. In one of his many articles, he mentioned my name, having in his tone of writing an obvious and incomprehensible agony. So I owe him an answer. At least as far as I’m concerned. Let me explain:

– Since my name has been mispronounced, it is Kolokythas. He should not confuse himself with Halloween when one day he acts like a friend of the Archbishops and then “transforms” into their strict judge. As he did with the late Archbishop Iakovos, Archbishop Spyridon, and Archbishop Demetrios.

– I inform him that I am neither a man of the cassock nor do I aspire to ever be one. I am a member of the Journalists’ Union of Daily Newspapers. Unlike him, who tried many decades ago to wear the cassock and was persistently refused by Archbishop Iakovos. In the following articles, he is asked to tell us why he was refused ordination.

– We do not understand the “kaliarnta” he writes. It is good to address them to his peers who understand them.

– The “illegal website of Athens”, as he calls it, is the only means officially supported by the US State Department and has been recognized for its fight against propaganda and fake news spread in the Orthodox world for obvious reasons. It is a member of the Electronic Media Association and the only English-speaking and Greek-speaking media that persistently supports the Ecumenical Patriarchate and ALL its hierarchs. No discounts or footnotes. It does not operate from “subscriptions”. Moreover, it probably does not “look the other way” when these are not paid.

Friendly regards and until we meet again,

Nikos Kolokythas

Those who regularly read news regarding the Greek Diaspora will surely have been puzzled by the systematic “obsession” of the graduate of the School of the Holy Cross and current columnist Theodoros Kalmoukos to undermine again another Archbishop of America.

His latest target is Archbishop Elpidophoros of America. However, Archbishop Elpidophoros is not the first Archbishop to be attacked by Theodoros Kalmoukos. In fact, the columnist follows a strange pattern seen with his treatment of all Archbishops of America and Metropolitans of the USA: initially praising them, then vehemently attacking them.

Written words remain and prove the truth. Almost three years ago, on September 13, 2020, Theodoros Kalmoukos wrote about the “chaos inherited by Archbishop Elpidophoros… the ‘haunted’ and troubled construction site of the Church of St. Nicholas… the mortgaged offices of the Archdiocese… the mess within the Theological School.” He scorned the “pathetic individuals who attack him with ‘anonymous libels'” and “worried parishioners” advocating that “individuals behind such attacks should not hide.”

Kalmoukos didn’t spare Metropolitans either, harshly condemning the distorted charter, the so-called “Constitution” of the Archdiocese of America, calling for its abolition.

On May 3, 2020, he wrote: “I am talking directly about the abolition of the current strange system of the Metropolises, which admittedly has failed miserably because instead of solving problems it creates many new ones. It is also too expensive and ‘dangerous’ for the very unity and cohesion of our Church in America.”

Theodoros Kalmoukos himself once praised the current Archbishop of America, Elpidophoros, writing that “he managed to reconstruct our ecclesiastical life, thanks to his initiatives and leadership.”

And yet Theodoros Kalmoukos in March 2023 deems the Ecumenical Patriarch as… naive (!) who was lured into “suspending the Charter of the Archdiocese of America” and into “establishing a Committee consisted of clergy and laity to review and update it.” He wrote that decisions were “taken hastely and without proper caution”.

In September, he wrote that with the maintenance of the Charter, “the only certainty is that the problems will multiply and intensify and the deterioration of the Church in general will worsen.”

His latest article about an alleged attempt by the Greek government to turn the Ecumenical Patriarch against the Archbishop provoked anger, as Archbishop Elpidophoros of America met twice with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. One of the meeting took place recently at the Maximos Mansion. It is also no secret that he maintains excellent relations with a large number of government ministers and government officials.

The two possible explanations

We sought to find out why Theodoros Kalmoukos is so obsessed with the Archdiocese of America. The possible explanations given are two and one concerns personal reasons. Theodoros Kalmoukos, according to Greek diaspora, lives isolated in Boston after the pandemic and he no longer travels anywhere.

In 1976 he was admitted to the Holy Cross School in Boston, with the stated purpose of becoming a priest. He submitted a request for ordination, but it was rejected. According to them, his resentment over this failure led him to turn against all Archbishops of America, Iakovos, Spyridon, Demetrios and, now, Elpidophoros.

The second explanation considers… an economic dimension. The current Archbishop of America, Elpidophoros, was sent by the Ecumenical Patriarch in 2019 to New York and managed, in the midst of an unprecedented pandemic, to restart and complete the construction of St. Nicholas at Ground Zero, to stop the Holy Cross Theological School of going downhill shortly before the competent authorities revoked its functional certification, and to stabilize the Clergy Retirement Fund in America, which was mathematically heading for bankruptcy.

These successful actions of Archbishop Elpidophoros have increased his popularity among the Greek diaspora, clergy and laity. However, he disrupted funding streams for certain long-standing centers that had been draining the Church for the last twenty years. These “centers” are currently leveraging Theodoros Kalmoukos’ personal resentment against the Archdiocese of America for their own purposes.

But many Greek expatriates in America are now willing to talk about specific events and to go a few steps further, mentioning a list of names in New York and Athens and financial transactions related to these individuals…

The religious influence on civil society shapes political actions and reactions without the need for the Church to seek political expression.

For example, the Institute for Foreign Affairs (www.fainst.eu) has dealt with issues of religious diplomacy. It has already organized three international conferences that studied the scope of the church diplomacy and also the importance, symbolism, spirituality, and diplomacy of Mount Athos. The fourth conference planned for the beginning of 2024 will focus on the role of the older Patriarchates and particular attention will be paid to the Patriarchates of Antioch, Alexandria, and Jerusalem.

The religious pursuit or even the rejection of religious perceptions create a social dialogue that starts from the places of worship, in which the preacher of any religion analyzes the message of God. Preachers and believers engage in a spiritual and practical dialogue that shapes opinions, accepting the doctrine of each religion, which may in parts of society be considered obsolete, rigid, or even something that may be rejected. But social dialogue began with the establishment of religions and was confronted violently or through dialectics much later. Therefore, it influenced different religions from the moment people began to communicate. Pagans became Christians, Christians became Muslims, Russians, Slavs, Mongols, Huns, Goths, Ostrogoths converted to Christianity. Heresies and schisms were created in the world through social dialogue and theological pursuits. The ecumenical dimension of religion stands out throughout the world and does not only concern Orthodoxy.

The Ecumenical Councils of Orthodoxy have all the characteristics of diplomacy. Delegations of the Patriarchates meet in the places where the synods are held, recognizing that the Patriarch of Constantinople, who since the middle of the 5th century has been called and recognized as “Ecumenical” by the Orthodox world, has the exclusive right to invite the delegates. In accordance with diplomacy and general interreligious pursuit, a non-religious leader could perhaps challenge the title of the primate of Ecumenical Orthodoxy. However, no-one is entitled to expel him or make wars because they do not recognize the primacy of the Ecumenical Patriarch within the Orthodox world.

The fact that a layperson of another religion files a lawsuit against the religious leader of the Orthodox world points out a loophole within the legislation of the country that arbitrarily provides the legal framework to its citizens to challenge religious diversity but also any social diversity. This is deemed as a provocation against Ecumenical Orthodoxy. This matter goes far beyond the exhcange of views during religious dipomacy meetings. This is a serious matter of religious tolerance, as well as a fundamental human and minority right.

However, religious diplomacy does not stop interfering in international relations when it comes to social cohesion, mutual understanding and good neighbor relations. Interreligious dialogue is an essential aspect of contemporary transnational and public diplomacy.

CONCLUSIONS

In general, diplomacy is a unique option for the international community to avoid armed conflicts.

Culture, religion, economy, pilgrimage, tourism, that may be part of diplomacy, add qualitative cultural characteristics that make diplomacy more effective, as societies and leaderships of the states adhering to the UN system require.

Religious challenges entail harsh confrontation, whis is really dangerous for society cohesion and international understanding.

History shows that religious conflicts lead to extreme confrontations.

The interreligious dialogue and religious diplomacy, when they manage to overcome dogmatic contradictions, as the Catholic and Orthodox churches have achieved since 1965 with fraternal understanding, as well as the growing religious dialogue among the major religions, then religious reconciliation is promoted in societies through religious diplomacy. This contributes significantly to the creation of the necessary conditions for mutual understanding and the easing of international tensions.

Source: foreignaffairs.gr

The international community has not unanimously condemned the act, as it has been considered to fall within the scope of freedom of expression.

As the leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church, which is in the minority in our country, I cannot accept such an interpretation of freedom of speech.

When the holy book of a religious community is burned, it burns more than just a symbol or words on paper. The act insensitively breaks down the core parts of a person’s identity and personal hope. At the same time, the foundations of mutual respect and trust are destroyed.

In Finland, we have been able to do better so far. The law protects us against breach of religious peace. However, there is no reason to be proud: we too have recently seen racist comments justified on the grounds of freedom of speech.

Contrary to what many believe, unity and communion between people are not created by sameness, but by mutual respect. I would like to emphasize by saying that only by respecting others can we maintain our self-respect and earn the respect of others as well.

Orthodox Christianity and Islam have common roots in the Middle East, where the boundaries of religion and culture are spread across the soil of societies like an oriental carpet. We share a common affirmation of the message of the unity of God and the importance of prayer and ascesis.

A blind silkworm cannot see the fruit of its work: a beautifully patterned carpet and its rich color palette. But those of us who see it must appreciate it with gratitude.

Archbishop Leo of Helsinki and all Finland
Orthodox Church of Finland

When he was removed from office by the Prime Minister, some months later, he appeared proudly before him with a… frame with his degree, which was so big and that way he seeked to prove that he received his degree! Alas! Should the frame for his degree was bought a long time ago, he would not have been removed from his ministerial position.

Mr. Diamataris, editor of the once powerful and unfortunately heavily declining newspaper of the Greek Diaspora “Ethnikos Kirikas”, which is going through a crisis, has been more and more been discredited by the Greek diaspora in the USA.

I remembered him while I was reading his… extensive article titled “Elpidophoros, you are not Iakovos”. I searched to find out what Mr. Diamataris meant and searched for his articles on late Iakovos. I stumbled upon the best article he wrote in August 1995.

“Archbishop Iakovos,” wrote Mr. Diamataris, “has as series of personal complexes from which if he managed to get rid – but obviously did not succeed to do so – he could offer substantial and valuable work to the Greek diaspora and the Church of America.”

“The tenure of Iakovos,” continued Mr. Diamataris, “is a huge tragedy, a potential that remained unfulfilled.” Mr. Diamataris did not only critisize Iakovos but also Spyridon and Dimitrios and now Elpidophoros.

One day he glorifies them and the next day he crucifies them. He blows hot, he blows cold, our Greek diaspora is confused.

And now that they will be given the right to vote, there is no longer room for such …confusions!

Παρουσίασα σήμερα στον Πρωθυπουργό @kmitsotakis αντίγραφο του πτυχίου μου – MBA – από το Columbia. Τον ευχαριστώ θερμά γιατί έτσι συμβάλλει ουσιαστικά στην αποκατάσταση της αλήθειας και στην διόρθωση της αδικίας που έγινε σε βάρος μου. Στο τέλος, ναι, η δικαιοσύνη βασιλεύει. pic.twitter.com/3qqrFMZrlb

— Αντώνης Η. Διαματάρης (@AHDiamataris) November 21, 2022

A lot has been happening lately with the historic orphanage of Prinkipos and its restoration.

It is the largest and tallest wooden building in Europe, something like this does not exist elsewhere. If the Turkish government was at least serious enough, it would have supported with all its might the effort made by the Ecumenical Patriarch and the Greeks of Constantinople.

Let’s create the conditions for those who want to help restore the historic orphanage to come from abroad. But who should become more sensitive about the matter? When the government of Erdogan did not give permission for the Sumela Monastery to operate, would it actually care about the orphanage?

No matter how hard the Ecumenical Patriarch’s associate, Lakis Vigas, makes efforts about the matter, like and dozens of Constantinopolitans, these efforts are obviously a drop in the ocean.

Even the President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, contacted the Ecumenical Patriarch and they were trying to figure out how the Greek state could contribute to the restoration.

The other … great powers made promises that they would contribute to the restoration of the orphanage, but this is clearly some kind of a joke, according to ecclesiastical circles.

From the column of Greek edition orthodoxtimes.gr, Melchizedek