The Ecumenical Patriarch at the presentation of a book on Niochori Architect Vasilis Vigas

On Wednesday afternoon, September 2, 2026, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew attended the presentation of the book “Vasilis Vigas: His Life and Architecture,” held in the courtyard of the Church of Panagia Koumariotissa in Niochori, Bosphorus.

Speaking about the late architect from Niochori, visibly moved, were his son, Archon Megas Chartophylax Mr. Panteleimon Vigas, an active member of the Greek Orthodox Community; University Professor Ms. Eva Şarlak, who coordinated the event; and, of course, the book’s authors, architects Orkun Dayıoğlu and Nur Erdemci. The authors spoke at length about the professional career of their Greek colleague, focusing on the architectural identity of the buildings he designed and constructed.

Also, as part of the Community’s Cultural Festival “Theotokeia 2026,” the photographic exhibition “Journey into the History of Thrace” was presented by journalist, researcher, and publisher Mr. Osman Köker, featuring rare archival and contemporary photographic material.

The event was attended by the Metropolitans Athenagoras of Kydonies, Overseer of the Bosphorus District, and Grigorios of Ankara, Protosyncellus, the family of the late Vasilis Vigas,…