The Gennadius Library Overseers have chosen the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople as the recipient of the prestigious Gennadius Prize for 2025. This esteemed honor recognizes exceptional contributions to Greek learning and Hellenism.
The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, established in the 4th century CE, is renowned as the spiritual and administrative hub of the Eastern Orthodox world. It has played a crucial role in preserving Greek as a primary language of expression, integrating earlier pagan literary values, and incorporating Platonic and Aristotelian philosophy into Christian doctrine. For over a millennium, the Patriarchate has been a guardian of ancient, medieval, and modern Greek literary culture.
This year’s selection acknowledges the Patriarchate’s enduring dedication to upholding and promoting the essence of Hellenism throughout history. The Gennadius Prize will be presented at the American School of Classical Studies at Athens’ annual Gala on May 8, 2025, at Gotham Hall in New York City. A special documentary film featuring renowned scholars will debut during the event, highlighting the cultural legacy of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Andreas Zombanakis, Chair of the Gennadius Library Overseers, expressed, “This award celebrates the resilience and significant role of this ancient institution in preserving Hellenic culture over the centuries.” Maria Georgopoulou, Director of the Gennadius Library, added, “The Ecumenical Patriarchate’s enduring influence in disseminating Greek knowledge and safeguarding Hellenic heritage has shaped generations of scholarship and intellectual thought.”
Previous recipients of the Gennadius Prize include the A.G. Leventis Foundation (2016), Lloyd Cotsen (2017), the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (2018), Professor Curtis Runnels (2020), and Professor Mark Mazower (2021).
For inquiries regarding the American School’s 2025 Gala, sponsorship opportunities, tickets, and events planned for Gala Week, please contact Andrew Federico, Stewardship and Events Manager, at afederico@ascsa.org.
About the American School and the Gennadius Library
The American School of Classical Studies at Athens is the premier American institution in Greece dedicated to advanced study of all facets of Greek culture from antiquity to the present. Founded in 1881, it serves as the first American overseas research center and is supported by a consortium of nearly 200 universities, colleges, and academic institutions in the US, Canada, and Greece.
The Gennadius Library, located on the American School’s main campus in Athens and established in 1926, is a renowned repository of knowledge. Its collection of 150,000 titles includes rare books, manuscripts, artworks, and research materials that illuminate the diverse tapestry of Hellenism, Greece, and neighboring civilizations from ancient times to the modern era.
Photo: Dimitrios Panagos