Ecumenical Patriarch: Modern challenges require spiritual guidance

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew conferred the title of Archon Orphanotrophos of the Holy Great Church of Christ upon Dimitrios Samaras, a businessman from Thessaloniki, during a ceremony held at the Patriarchal Church on Saturday afternoon, September 26, 2026.

In his address, the Ecumenical Patriarch emphasized that modern challenges cannot be addressed through pragmatic decisions and technocratic interventions alone, without spiritual guidance. He also highlighted the importance of responsible entrepreneurship, social solidarity and the Church’s longstanding tradition of charitable work.

Referring to the responsibilities associated with the office of Archon Orphanotrophos during the Byzantine period, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew noted that the Church’s concern for vulnerable people has historically extended far beyond occasional assistance.

“Throughout the history of our Church, care for the vulnerable and practical assistance were not limited to occasional support but took the form of organized charitable work and multifaceted philanthropic activity. The Church’s social initiatives leave even the opponents of Christianity speechless,” he stated.

Ecumenical Patriarch…