OFFICIAL BULLETIN
On the occasion of completion of 550 years since the Fall of Constantinople, the Academician-Professor Prince Ioannis Arkadios Laskaris Komnenos visited our country during 10–19 May, 2003 – a memorable day of the genocide of the Potians. His Highness arrived at Athens International Airport, “Eleftherios Venizelos,” in the afternoon of Saturday, May 10th from his permanent residence in Madrid. He was accompanied by his spouse, Princess Maria Isabela; his daughters, Princesses Maria Eugenia and Helen; the Heir Apparent, Prince Eugene III and Princess Zoe [the latter two are offspring of H.I.R.H. Prince Theodore IX, Protector and Chief of the Byzantine Dynastic House Lascaris Comnenus of Constantinople, resident in Venezuela and also elder brother of Prince Ioannis Arkadios].
On Sunday afternoon, May 11th, he visited the Acharnon Euxene Association, “The Captain Eukleidis,” where an official reception was prepared. He was greeted at the entrance of the institution by an honorary contingent of uniformed Pontians in the presence of the President Mr. Pavlos Gerontidis and members of the D.S. Afterwards, a speech was given by His Highness on the subject of “The Idea of Romania in Contemporary Europe” [Romania: a recent city founded in Northeastern Greece by Pontian expatriates who were expelled from their land by the Turk]. At the completion of the speech, the Mayor of Acharnon, Mr. Spyros Striftos, presented him with the Key to the City. In attendance was the Vice President of the Parliament of the Hellenes, Mr. Konstantinos Vrettos, and Members of Parliament, Messrs. Fountoukidis, Katsigiannis and Fotiadis, and the Olympic Winner, Mr. Haralambos Halidis. Subsequent to the event, His Highness dedicated the Library Hall of the Association, which also bears his name and Family Arms, and also attended the wedding reception of Mr. Syranidis at a local establishment, congratulating the newlyweds and extending to them commemorative gifts.
On Monday, May 12th, His Highness visited the offices of the “ORTHODOX COLUMN.” The international Theologian, Mr. Dionysios Makris, apprised him of the current international Orthodox ecclesiastical situation. The Prince displayed special interest in today’s prevailing circumstances that affect the aged senior Patriarchates, and in particular that of Jerusalem, where problems are numerous and difficult. Mr. Makris extended to His Highness a Plaque with the emblem of the newspaper as well as various editions. The distinguished guest awarded Mr. Makris the Decoration of the Cross of Saint Eugene of Trebizond, in recognition of his many years of journalistic presence in the ecclesiastical field, and wished him good fortune in the work of the newspaper. A reception followed in the editorial room for all the guests and newspaper staff. In the afternoon of the same day, His Highness spoke at the Athens National Kapodistrian University on the subject, “1453-2003: From the Fall of the City to the Rebirth of Romania.” The guests, who had flooded the ceremonial hall of the University, had the opportunity to exchange views with the speaker. Later, a reception followed on the open grounds of the University.
On Tuesday, May 13th, His Highness conducted a customary courtesy visit to the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt, where he was informed concerning the Library of Alexandria and was apprised of the inter-nation programs of cultural exchanges. Thereafter, a customary courtesy visit followed to the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, where he was apprised of the living conditions and problems affecting the Pontians in that country. Following the informational exchange, the Ambassador extended an official luncheon. That afternoon, the Prince received in audience personal friends and representatives of entities and associations.
On Wednesday, May 14th, His Highness visited the Mayor of Sparta, Mr. Sarantos Antonakos, at the building of the Mayoralty. This was followed by a local media interview and a customary courtesy visit to the Prefectural Governor of Laconia, Mr. Konstantinos Fourkas, at the building of the Self-governed Prefecture of Laconia. That afternoon, the Prince was scheduled to the “Archives of Nikiforos Vrettakos” and spoke at the Public Library of Sparta on the subject, “The Idea of Romania on the Threshold of the 21st Century.” After completion of the speech, the Municipality of Sparta extended an official dinner at a central hotel in that city.
The following day, His Highness visited the fort-city of Mystra and the Holy Monastery of Pantanassas, where the sisterhood and the Abbess Averkia reserved for him a warm reception. In the afternoon, he visited the Art Gallery and the ancient theater of the city, followed by a formal dinner in honor of the guest. The dinner was extended by the Commander of the Officers Association of the Garrison of Laconia.
On Friday, May 16th, a visit took place to the Archeological Museum of Sparta, followed by an official reception at the building of the Mayoralty. The reception was given by the Mayor of Mystra, Mr. Odysseus Katsougrakis. A reception followed at the Holy Monastery of Zerbitsa by the sisterhood and the Abbess Parthenia, including a formal ecclesiastical service and the setting of a monastic meal.
In the evening of Sunday [in Athens -- free hours were devoted to a visit of the Acropolis], the members of the Princely Family partook in a formal dinner reception, the proceeds of which were dedicated to the philanthropic ends of the international humanitarian organization, Albert Schweitzer. Present were ambassadors of foreign countries and organizations. During the event, distinguished personalities of Greek society were honored with the Decoration of Saint Eugene of Trebizond. Among them were the former Prime Minister and Honorary President of Areios Pagos [Supreme Court], Mr. Ioannis Grivas, doctors, professors, businessmen, and others.
On behalf of the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Eireneos, the Prince received the Grand Cross of the Order of the Cross-bearers of the All-Holy Sepulcher, and reciprocated by delivering the Insignia of the Order of Saint Eugene of Trebizond in the favor of the Patriarch.
His Highness was much pleased with his trip to Greece and, prior to his departure, stipulated that, “. . . I entreat God to give me few more years of life, so that I may witness that Turkey will become a member of the European Union, and thus whosoever pleases may be able to live in freedom in the City [Constantinople] and in Pontos . . . . As long as I have strength, I will propound Hellenism and I will struggle for its inalienable rights . . . .”
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