The “Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew” Award Presented to Athanasios Martinos.

On the afternoon of Saturday, 20 June 2026, the “Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew” Award was presented to Athanasios Martinos, Archon Exarch of the Holy and Great Church of Christ and founder of the Athanasios and Marina Martinos Foundation, during a ceremony held at the Marasleio School in Constantinople. The distinction was conferred by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in recognition of Martinos’ longstanding contribution to the Romioi community of Constantinople and his enduring support for the mission and work of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

The award carried special symbolic significance as the ceremony took place in the heart of the Phanar, the historic seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. During the event, particular emphasis was placed on Athanasios Martinos’ contribution to projects supporting the preservation and revitalisation of the institutions of the Greek Orthodox community, foremost among them the complete restoration of the Halki Theological School. Recognition was also given to his support for the Galata Urban School, the Foundation of the Church of Panagia Proodromos in Tatavla, and the Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos on Tenedos.
As was noted during the ceremony, these initiatives extended far beyond the restoration of buildings and infrastructure. They have played a vital role in sustaining institutions that remain living points of reference for the historical memory, cultural identity, and continuity of the Greek Orthodox community.

In his address, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew spoke with deep emotion about the honouree’s many years of service, emphasizing that his contribution has been instrumental in strengthening education, preserving historical memory, and supporting the spiritual life of the Greek Orthodox community. He made special reference to the Halki Theological School, noting that nearly 130 years after the construction of its iconic complex, it is being delivered fully restored thanks to the generosity of Athanasios and Marina Martinos. The Patriarch highlighted this achievement as a landmark contribution to the future of Orthodox theological education and to the enduring presence of Hellenism in Constantinople.

Among other things, His All-Holiness stated:

“The name ‘Martinos’ will remain indelibly engraved in the memory of our Community. […] He continues the tradition of the great benefactors of the Nation and the Church, who played a decisive role in sustaining our course through critical periods and contributed substantially to the preservation of our cultural and spiritual identity.”

Referring to the personality of the honouree, the Ecumenical Patriarch stressed that he does not merely “give,” but truly “gives of himself,” describing him as the “embodiment of the culture of generosity and service.” He concluded by extending his heartfelt wishes to Athanasios Martinos, his wife Marina, and their family for good health and every blessing.

For his part, Athanasios Martinos described the distinction as a great honour and expressed his deep gratitude to the Ecumenical Patriarch and the organisers of the event. He emphasized that supporting education and the institutions of the Greek Orthodox community is a responsibility owed to future generations and is closely linked to preserving the historical and spiritual continuity of Hellenism in Constantinople.
He spoke in particular about the importance of the Halki Theological School, noting that it is an institution of exceptional significance for the Ecumenical Patriarchate and for Orthodoxy as a whole. “It is of great importance to our Patriarchate, so that we may have strong roots not only today but also in the future,” he remarked, adding that he and his wife Marina sought “to place a small stone in the foundation, so that this institution may remain here for many generations to come.”

The “Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew” Award, established by PeopleCert with the blessing of the Ecumenical Patriarch, is presented to individuals whose lifelong dedication serves the Greek Orthodox community of Constantinople and who make a substantial contribution to preserving its historical memory, educational heritage, and institutions.