Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew hosted a special ceremony on Friday, February 14, 2025, at the Patriarchal House in the Phanar to honor Kyriakos Pierrakakis, the Greek Minister of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports.
The event was attended by Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon, Offikialion Archons of the Great Church of Christ, Ambassador Konstantinos Koutras, Consul General of Greece in Constantinople, Georgios Kalantzis (Secretary General of Religious Affairs of the Ministry of Education), members of the Patriarchal Court, and associates of the Minister.
Patriarch Bartholomew awarded Minister Pierrakakis the Cross of Saint Andrew the First-Called Apostle and the Patriarchal Honorary Decree (Pittakion) in recognition of his contributions to the Church and the Greek Nation, as well as his support for the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
In his speech, the Ecumenical Patriarch commended the Minister for his dedication to the Mother Church. Minister Pierrakakis expressed his gratitude for the honor bestowed upon him by Patriarch Bartholomew.
Earlier in the day, Minister Pierrakakis visited the Patriarchal Church before attending the ceremony with his delegation.
Photos: Nikos Papachristou / Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
