Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Attends Farewell Luncheon in His Honor Hosted by Calamos Investments at Rockefeller Center

Archon News

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Attends Farewell Luncheon in His Honor Hosted by Calamos Investments at Rockefeller Center

September 27, 2025
6:03 pm

At the conclusion of his Apostolic Visit to the United States, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on Thursday, September 25, 2025, attended a Farewell Luncheon in his honor at Calamos Investments in New York City. Hosting the luncheon was His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, along with Archons John Calamos, John Koudounis and Yannis Sianis. The luncheon also was held in gratitude to Rabbi Arthur Schneier, a distinguished human rights advocate and longtime friend of His All-Holiness, and Founder and President of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation.

Also attending were Hierarchs and representatives of various faith communities; Mrs. Mareva Grabowski, wife of the Prime Minister of Greece; the new U.S. Ambassador to Greece, Hon. Kimberly Guilfoyle; and numerous other dignitaries, Archons, and prominent figures.

In his remarks, the Ecumenical Patriarch thanked the hosts for their hospitality and acknowledged the significant philanthropic and social contributions of Calamos Investments. He also expressed his delight in seeing Chief Rabbi Schneier again.

Chief Rabbi Schneier spoke about his longstanding and close friendship with His All-Holiness, as well as his collaboration with His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, formerly of America; His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros; and the Spiritual Advisor of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Grand Protopresbyter of the Holy and Great Church of Christ, Father Alexander Karloutsos.

Following the luncheon, the Ecumenical Patriarch made a video call to bless Sophia Forchas, a 12-year-old Greek-American girl who was shot during an attack at her school in Minneapolis and is currently recovering. His All-Holiness wished her a speedy recovery and strength for her and her parents.