On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew conferred the high distinction of the Offikion of Archon Quaestor of the Great Church of Christ upon His Excellency, Mr. Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism. 

In his address during the investiture, His All-Holiness referred to the history of the Offikion, noting that it was the first time he was bestowing this particular title. He explained that in the Byzantine period, the Quaestor held responsibility for drafting imperial legislation and managing petitions from the people to the Emperor.

“He also served as the legal advisor to the Sacred Palace. As indicated by the Latin-derived title —rooted in the verb ‘quaerere’, meaning to inquire — the Quaestor also functioned as an investigator in criminal cases. Beyond these responsibilities, he rendered judgments in disputes brought forth by farmers and tenants against landowners, informed the Emperor of instances of illegality, and affixed the imperial seal to wills, which were only opened in his presence. Assisting the Quaestor were specialized secretaries, such as the Secretary for Correspondence, the Secretary for Appeals and Petitions, and the Secretary for Greek Affairs. In the hierarchy of the imperial Offikia, the Quaestor ranked immediately after the Grand Logothete.”

Congratulating the newly invested Archon, the Ecumenical Patriarch emphasized:

“You are a distinguished figure of political and administrative life, with a broad and profound education, prudence, and experience. You combine devotion to public service with steadfast Orthodox Christian faith and deep respect for the Mother Church and her sacred traditions. You have long served the cause of regional development in Greece and, since December 1, 2024, in your capacity as EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, you are called to channel your energy into the service of the European ideal, which finds its deepest roots in Christian values.

Justice and love, in the course of our civilization’s history, represent the utmost reverence for the sanctity of the human person. Human dignity cannot be founded merely upon naturalistic or rationalistic conceptions of existence; it requires a transcendent grounding. Created in the image and likeness of God, the human being possesses incomparable and inalienable worth, regardless of ethnicity, religion, social status, or cultural background, in accordance with the words of the Apostle Paul: ‘There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female’ (Galatians 3:28). Faith in Christ remains an inexhaustible source of vital truths for humanity and the world.

We are confident that, throughout your responsibility-laden term in Brussels, you will continue to manifest your commitment to Christian values and your love for European civilization. Our Modesty holds in esteem people of offering and accountability, such as yourself, Most Honorable Sir. By shaping policies in favor of social cohesion and environmental protection, we encourage you to remain ever-willing and unwavering in your service to the common good, faithful to the traditions of our Nation and of Orthodoxy.”

His All-Holiness then recalled the enduring and invaluable contribution of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, who, as he stated, uphold and spread the sacred traditions of the Church, support philanthropic initiatives, and strive to defend the rights of the Ecumenical Throne.

He added:

“You are well aware that politics is not merely the exercise of power, nor a field of competition and self-interest, but above all a realm for the realization of lofty ideals, democratic ethos, and the safeguarding of the conditions that ensure human dignity — struggles for justice, peace, and freedom. Today, as Europe confronts serious challenges and crises, it needs individuals who uphold these ideals in the face of power’s arrogance, economic extremism, and contemporary moral confusion. We urge you to continue your honorable service with unwavering trust in the providence of God. Every Orthodox voice —within Europe and beyond— must represent the culture of solidarity.

In closing, we extend once again to you, Most Honorable and beloved Archon, our heartfelt congratulations and warmest wishes. We also wholeheartedly welcome your family — your gracious spouse and revered mother, your beloved children, and all other honorable members of your entourage — and invoke upon all present and prayerfully gathered at this beautiful ceremony the abundant grace and saving mercies of the God of justice, peace, and love. Axios!”

In his response, the newly invested Archon expressed his deep gratitude to the Ecumenical Patriarch for the great honor bestowed upon him and affirmed his enduring commitment to supporting the global ministry of the Mother Church as a devoted Offikialios.

Present at the investiture ceremony were hierarchs of the Holy and Sacred Synod and other Archbishops of the Ecumenical Throne, Archons of the Great Church of Christ, the Ambassador, His Excellency, Mr. Thomas Ossowski, Head of the European Union Delegation to Ankara, diplomats, members of Mr. Tzitzikostas’s family, and numerous invited guests.

Immediately following the ceremony, His All-Holiness received His Excellency, Mr. Tzitzikostas and his family at the Patriarchal Office.