App. Tzitzikostas was appointed as a Lord of the Ecumenical Patriarchate

Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas was proclaimed as a Lord of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in a special ceremony held at the Phanar.

Specifically, the title awarded to him is that of “Lord Kyaisotor,” an office that is being awarded for the first time, as mentioned in his address by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

“The Holy Great Church of Christ, always honoring the Christian way of life and the blessed progress of its children, today rewards your special good testimony, granting you, through the hands of our Humility, the high office of Lord Kyaisotor, being awarded for the first time,” said the Ecumenical Patriarch. And explaining, he emphasized that in the hierarchy of offices, the Lord Kyaisotor is immediately after the Grand Logothete.

Addressing Mr. Tzitzikostas, His All-Holiness emphasized among other things: “You are a personality of political and administrative life, with comprehensive education, with wisdom and experience. You combine dedication to public service with Orthodox Christian faith and respect for the Mother Church and its traditions. You have long served regional development in Greece, having been the Regional Governor of Central Macedonia and, from December 1, 2024, as Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism of the European Union, you are called to channel your dynamism into the service of the European idea, which has its deepest roots in Christian ideals.”

According to the relevant announcement, “His All-Holiness emphasized his certainty that during his term as Commissioner, Mr. Tzitzikostas will practically demonstrate his dedication to Christian values and his love for European culture and noted: ‘Through the formulation of policies for social cohesion and environmental protection, we urge you to always remain willing and steadfast in the service of the common good, faithful to the traditions of the Nation and Orthodoxy.'”

Concluding his address, Mr. Bartholomew pointed out: “You know well that politics is not simply an exercise of power, nor a field of competition and interests, but primarily a space for the realization of high ideals, democratic ethics, and ensuring the conditions for respecting human dignity, a struggle for justice, peace, and freedom. Europe, facing great challenges and crises today, needs people who serve these high ideals, against the arrogance of power, the extremes of economism, and the contemporary moral confusion. We urge you to continue your honorable service with confidence in God’s providence. Every Orthodox voice, in Europe and everywhere, must represent the culture of solidarity.”

For his part, Mr. Tzitzikostas, in his speech at the proclamation ceremony, addressing the Ecumenical Patriarch said: “The honor you bestow upon me concerns not only my person but primarily the values I serve through my public career.”

He also referred to Orthodoxy and the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and among other things, emphasized: “Orthodoxy throughout the centuries has been a beacon of light for Hellenism and Europe. And it continues to be. The Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Mother Church of Constantinople, remains the ark of our faith, but also the guardian of universal values. It is no coincidence that the European Union, with all its achievements and the challenges it faces, is based on the same principles that Orthodoxy has taught throughout the centuries: peace, justice, dialogue, and respect for every person. It is no coincidence that what we call and perceive as European culture, beyond and above the political structure that follows it, regardless of century and decade, has very specific foundations: Ancient Greek classical culture, the Roman legacy of law, and of course Christianity. These are our roots, and we must never forget them.”

“Today is a peak moment for me,” he said and then added: “A moment that I perceive not only as an honor but primarily as a heavy responsibility. A responsibility that I accept with respect. A responsibility that binds me to continue to serve with dedication the principles of social justice, sustainable development, and European cohesion. A responsibility to stand unwaveringly in favor of solidarity, a solidarity that our world so desperately needs, especially in the difficult circumstances we are experiencing. In these circumstances and challenges, in which we strive to cope, we need once again to turn to a universal discourse, a unifying discourse, based on universal principles and values, but at the same time modern. A discourse that understands, reflects, but at the same time guides. Because against the fragmentation and disintegration of the global community, against threats that belong to past eras, against the change of priorities and the intensification of rivalries, only such a discourse can be a balm, but also a beacon of hope and optimism. That is why we are more than fortunate that divine providence has brought us to the happy condition, all these very difficult years, to have at the head of our Orthodox Church a spiritual leader who employs this discourse. Who is a steady transmitter of these messages. Who serves with his attitude and words not only the Church but also the values it represents. And of course, I refer to His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, whose interventions are inextricably linked to the defense of human rights and values. Who, with his steadfast support, makes significant strides in the dialogue between Christian churches. Who, with his pioneering work, was the first to show the way for environmental protection. He is globally recognized as the “Green Patriarch.” However, with his overall stance, he has consistently served all these years an institution that is an Ark of Values.”

“Your All-Holiness, in your person symbolize centuries of struggles of our nation and our church. The church that walks unwaveringly, always managing to uphold the great ideals and universal values. You teach, with your example, humility, moderation, patience, and strong faith. These are the ideals we find in all the great personalities of Hellenism, in the great hierarchs and founders of our Orthodox Faith. Your work is truly remarkable. It is a legacy for us and for all future generations.”

Subsequently, the Commissioner referred to his “personal and long-standing” relationship with the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Mr. Bartholomew, saying that he looks forward “soon with feelings of emotion to the reopening of the Theological School of Halki, which will become a reality after your tireless efforts,” as he said.

“For me, this title is the culmination of an experiential relationship with the Church, but at the same time a new impetus to continue working for our great values. For more solidarity. For the support of social cohesion. For the creation of a more sustainable development model and a holistic understanding of our relationship with the planet and the environment. Because in this way I personally perceive today’s proclamation: As a confirmation that Orthodoxy is not only the ark of our faith. It is a living institution that engages with our time. It is based on the values of tradition, but at the same time opens up to the challenges of the future. This honor fills me with determination to continue my work with the same strength, inspiration, and dedication, for all European citizens. With these thoughts, I express my gratitude to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for this exceptional honor. I commit to being worthy of this high distinction and that I will continue to serve the principles that unite Orthodoxy, Greece, and Europe,” said Mr. Tzitzikostas, concluding his speech.

Diplomats, archbishops, and metropolitans of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the EU ambassador to Turkey, Thomas Ossowski, and a large crowd attended the proclamation ceremony. (6/4/25)