On April 23, 2025 at Kyma Flatiron in New York City, the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate (AEP) of the Direct Archdiocesan District and Northern New Jersey offered a unique and informative presentation on the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s struggle to secure property rights in Turkey. Along with the Hellenic Lawyers Association, which co-sponsored the event, the AEP offered an illuminating perspective on the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s efforts to deal with continuing Turkish government encroachment on historic properties of the Church.
Approximately 75 people attended, including many Archons, as well as Iphigenia Kanara, the Consul General of Greece in New York City. Among those in attendance was the AEP’s National Treasurer, Archon Peter J. Skeadas, who stated: “Congratulations to all the Regional Commanders for an excellent event with great turnout. The musical performance was truly special. In short, the event was a resounding success.”
The renowned chanter society, Romanos o Melodos, started off the evening with a beautiful mini-concert that included the Apolytikion of Saint George, as was fitting, since the event was held on his feast day. Romanos o Melodos also performed several deeply moving Constantinopolitan songs.
The featured speaker, Archon Anastasios (Tassos) Efstratiades, Esq., then gave the presentation “Ownership of Patriarchal Properties through the Turkish System of Foundations: A Historical Perspective and Recent Developments.”
Archon Efstratiades masterfully explained historical developments that led to the establishment of the vakif system, the centuries-old legal framework that forms the basis of ownership of property by religious institutions in Turkey, including the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He also discussed relevant recent court cases that have been decided or are in the process of being presented by the local courts and the European courts.
The AEP is enduringly grateful to Archons Michael Angeliades and Steve Tenedios, who graciously donated the Kyma space at cost for this all-important presentation. The AEP also owes a debt of gratitude to Leah Kats, who competently executed the logistical tasks that were required to make this event a success. Archon Joe Kokolakis, the Chair of the Archon Property Committee, was also in attendance, and supported the event throughout the planning stages.
Instrumental in making this presentation a reality were Archons Nikiforos Mathews, John Kassimitis, and Michael Neamonitakis, Direct Archdiocesan District Regional Commanders; Archons George Tsougarakis and Michael Camarinos, Northern New Jersey Regional Commanders; and Archon George Zapantis, Chairman of the Hellenic Lawyers Association.
