On November 16, 2024, during the 11th edition of its Constantin Brâncoveanu Awards Gala, the Alexandrion Foundation presented a special award to His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for his humanitarian contributions and efforts to promote peace and dialogue among peoples.
In a video message, His All-Holiness stated: “We humbly recognize and respectfully honor this unique award, which is dedicated to the saintly Prince of Wallachia, Constantin Brâncoveanu, who was martyred along with his four beloved sons in this queen of cities, Constantinople, on the Feast of the Dormition in 1714.”
His All-Holiness added that “this profound historical and geographical association of your holy patron is in itself cause for extraordinary gratitude and exceptional joy on this wonderful occasion, but there is far more reason for us to rejoice at your moving gesture of love and devotion, and this is because of the important and intimate connection between the devout Romanian community in this city to the Ecumenical Patriarchate in general and to our humble person in particular.”
In the course of his remarks, His All-Holiness revealed his plans to visit the nation and Church of Romania in person in October 2025, at the formal invitation of His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of Romania. During that visit, he will be formally presented with the Constantin Brâncoveanu Award.
View His All-Holiness’ video message here.
The Alexandrion Foundation, a Romania-based humanitarian organization, noted that since the enthronement of His All-Holiness in 1991, he “has supported spiritual revival, Orthodox unity, environmental protection and interfaith dialogue. He is known as the ‘Green Patriarch’ and is recognized for his pioneering work on environmental protection, including the establishment of 1 September as a day dedicated to protecting creation. His global work has strengthened links with different Christian denominations and other religious communities, helping to build mutual understanding and peace.” His All-Holiness has also “supported dialogue in regions affected by interfaith tensions, such as the former Yugoslavia and the Middle East.”
Archon Dr. Nawaf Salameh, Founder and Chairman of the Alexandrion Group, stated, “From the first edition of the Constantin Brâncoveanu Awards Gala, the Alexandrion Foundation has aimed to promote the values that define a beautiful and developed society: knowledge, creativity, innovation, emotion, and commitment to humanitarian causes. As we navigate the challenges of the contemporary world, these values will guide us and our successors toward a better future. Together, we can ensure these values remain key pillars for our society and those who come after us.”
Archon Nicholas S. Kass, Executive Director for International Corporate Affairs for the Alexandrion Group and former State Department and White House official, stated: “His All-Holiness’ message of faith, love, tolerance, comity, and understanding speaks to all of us here in Romania and indeed across the world.”
Constantin Brâncoveanu Awards have been awarded annually by Alexandrion Foundation since 2014 in order to recognize the work and dedication of the prominent people in Romania and elsewhere who contributed to the development of knowledge in various fields.
