The Ecumenical Patriarch conferred the Offikion of Archon Quaestor upon Apostolos Tzitzikostas

On Tuesday, 3 June 2025, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew conferred the Offikion of Archon Quaestor of the Great Church of Christ upon Mr. Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Greece’s Commissioner to the European Union.

In his address, the Ecumenical Patriarch spoke of the history of the Offikion, noting that it was the first time he had conferred this title. He explained that, historically, the Quaestor held responsibility for drafting imperial laws and addressing petitions from the people to the Emperor.

“He also served as the legal advisor to the sacred Palace. As indicated by his Latin-derived title, stemming from the verb quaerere, meaning ‘to inquire’ or ‘to investigate,’ the Quaestor also acted as an investigator in criminal matters. Beyond these responsibilities, he adjudicated complaints brought by farmers or estate tenants against landowners, informed the Emperor of instances of illegality, and sealed wills, which were always opened in his presence.

The Quaestor was supported in his duties by specialised secretaries, including the one responsible for correspondence, the one for appeals and judicial petitions, and the one for Greek affairs. In the hierarchy of the Offikia, the Quaestor ranked immediately after the Grand Logothete.”

Congratulating the new Archon, the Patriarch emphasised: “You are a distinguished figure in political and administrative life, endowed with a broad education, prudence, and experience. You combine your dedication to public service with Orthodox Christian faith and reverence for the Mother Church and its traditions. You have long served the cause of regional development in Greece, having held office as Governor of Central Macedonia, and since 1 December 2024, as European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, you are now called to channel your energy into the service of the European ideal, which is deeply rooted in Christian values.

Justice and love represent, in the history of our civilization, the utmost expression of respect for the sanctity of the human person. Human dignity cannot be grounded solely on a naturalistic or rationalistic understanding of our existence; it requires a transcendent foundation.

Created in the image and likeness of God, the human being possesses incomparable and unsurpassable worth, regardless of nationality, religion, social status, or cultural background, following the words of St. 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 during your high-responsibility tenure in Brussels, you will tangibly demonstrate your commitment to Christian values and your love for European civilization. Our Modesty holds in high esteem people of service and responsibility such as yourself, Most Honorable Sir.

Through the formulation of policies that promote social cohesion and environmental protection, we urge you to remain always willing and steadfast in serving the common good, faithful to the traditions of our Nation and Orthodoxy.”

The Ecumenical Patriarch then recalled the timeless, invaluable service and ministry of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to the Church and the Nation, noting that they contribute to the preservation and transmission of sacred traditions, support philanthropic endeavours, and labour to uphold the rights of the Ecumenical Throne.

He added: “You know well that politics is not merely the exercise of power, nor a field of competition and interests, but, above all, a domain for the realisation of lofty ideals, democratic ethos, and the safeguarding of human dignity.

Europe, currently facing major challenges and crises, needs people who serve these high ideals in opposition to the arrogance of power, the extremes of economic reductionism, and the prevailing moral confusion of our times.

We encourage you to continue your faithful ministry with trust in God’s providence. Every Orthodox voice, in Europe and worldwide, is called to represent the civilization of solidarity.”

Concluding his remarks, the Patriarch expressed once again his heartfelt congratulations to the Most Honorable and beloved Archon, warmly welcomed his family—his gracious wife, his revered mother, his beloved children—and all the other esteemed members of his entourage, invoking upon all those present and participating in this beautiful ceremony the abundant grace and salvific mercies of the God of justice, peace, and love.

In his response, the newly invested Archon expressed his deep gratitude to the Ecumenical Patriarch for the great honour bestowed upon him and assured that, as an Offikialios (Archon) of the Mother Church, he would continue to support her ministry throughout the world.

In attendance at the investiture of the new Archon were Hierarchs of the Holy Synod and other Archbishops of the Throne, Archons of the Great Church of Christ, Ambassador Mr. Thomas Ossowski, Head of the European Union Delegation to Ankara, diplomats, the Archon’s family, and many guests.

Immediately following the ceremony, the Ecumenical Patriarch received Mr. Tzitzikostas and his family at the Patriarchal Office.

Source: orthodoxtimes.com