"Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew” Award 2026
Mr. Athanasios Martinos received this year’s “Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew” Award in recognition of his longstanding and selfless support for the Greek community of Constantinople.
Mr. Byron Nicolaides, Founder and CEO of the PeopleCert Group, described Mr. Athanasios Martinos as a modern-day national benefactor whose generosity sets an example for future generations.
In a ceremony marked by great solemnity and deep emotion, the “Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew” Award 2026 was presented to Mr. Athanasios Martinos, Archon Exarch of the Holy Great Church of Christ and Founder of the Athanasios and Marina Martinos Foundation, at the Marasleios School in Constantinople, in the presence of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
Established by PeopleCert with the gracious permission and personal blessing of the Ecumenical Patriarch, the “Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew” Award honours individuals who have selflessly served the Greek community of Constantinople over many years, making a significant contribution to preserving its historical memory, education and institutions.
The award recognises the lasting impact of Mr. Athanasios Martinos’s contribution to the life of the community. Through his longstanding support for educational, ecclesiastical and community institutions, he has played a vital role in preserving, improving and revitalising the Greek community’s historic institutions.
From the Halki Theological School and the Galata Greek School to the Foundation of the Church of Panagia Protopodon in Tatavla and the Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos on Tenedos, his work has gone beyond restoring buildings and infrastructure. It has helped preserve the Greek community’s historical continuity, spiritual heritage and collective memory.
