Archon George M. Marcus, the recipient of the 2023 Nicholas J. Bouras Award for Extraordinary Archon Stewardship, was recently interviewed in Εθνικός Κήρυκας/The National Herald. During the wide-ranging and illuminating discussion, Archon Marcus discusses his profound commitment to our Holy Orthodox Faith, his vision of the crucial need for the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and his admiration for His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. He also offers his vision for the future success and growth of the Orthodox Church as a whole. Archon Marcus recently donated one million dollars for the restoration of the cells, or lodging, at the Presentation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church of Stavrodromi in Pera, a suburb of Constantinople. George M. Marcus was invested as an Archon in 1991 and conferred with the offikion Exarchos.
George M. Marcus to TNH: Supporting Ecumenical Patriarchate and Uniting Orthodox Christians (Vid)
September 16, 2024
By Eraklis A. Diamataris
NEW YORK – In an exclusive interview with Ethnikos Kirikas/The National Herald, renowned businessman and philanthropist George Marcus shared his thoughts on the significance of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the future of the Greek Orthodox Church. Having recently donated one million dollars for the restoration of the cells at the Cathedral of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary in Pera, a suburb of Constantinople, Marcus discussed his deep connection to the faith and his admiration for Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
During our conversation, Marcus reflected on the importance of uniting Orthodox Christians across the globe and highlighted the vital role that organizations like the IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities) can play in fostering collaboration. With a vision of continued support for the Church and a passion for preserving its heritage, Marcus emphasized the need for organized efforts to strengthen the Ecumenical Patriarchate and ensure its lasting influence for generations to come.
Eraklis Diamataris: Mr. Marcus, first of all, we’d like to express our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude for your generous contribution. Secondly, we’d like to discuss the project at the Cathedral of the Entry of the Virgin Mary in Constantinople.
George Marcus: First, let me thank you. I believe your organization is remarkable and plays a vital role in maintaining our connection with the Greeks of the Diaspora. It’s an incredibly important mission that your publication undertakes. From my perspective, I’ve visited the Phanar several times over the years, most recently about four or five years ago with a group of friends, where we had the opportunity to meet the incredible man who leads our Church (Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew). During our conversation, he mentioned the issue they were facing after a fire, and the situation wasn’t good. I decided to do something to help and, at that time, committed to covering half of the amount needed to rebuild the structure. The discussion continued, and he was very enthusiastic. Afterward, we returned to the United States.
