Dear Brother Archons and Friends of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate,
Among us Archons, there are numerous extraordinary men with unique and unforgettable stories. One of the most remarkable of all is that of Archon Emmanuel E. Velivasakis, PE, F.ASCE, whose inspiring book, Climbing the Peaks of the World: A Journey of Adventure, Perspective and Purpose, has now been published in English. It is available here.
Climbing the Peaks of the World is the story of Archon Velivasakis’s lifelong journey — from his youth in a small village in Crete to his singular achievements in engineering, leadership, and public service around the globe. Archon Velivasakis takes us from the rugged foothills of Crete to the boardrooms, construction sites, and centers of power across the world, recounting the challenges, setbacks, sacrifices, and triumphs that shaped his life and career, including his involvement in the restoration of the U.S. Capitol Dome, the structural design of the St. Nicholas Church at Ground Zero, recovery efforts at Ground Zero after 9/11, emergency responses to major earthquakes and natural disasters, and his firm’s design of record-breaking skyscrapers that redefined the world’s skylines.
All that is dramatic, fascinating, and enlightening, but this book is much more than simply a memoir. As he tells his rich and exceptional story, Archon Emmanuel also reflects on family, his devout Greek Orthodox faith, Hellenism, community service, and the lessons he learned while pursuing his dreams across several continents. In doing so, he gives us a story of perseverance, vision, and the enduring belief that no summit is beyond reach for those willing to pursue it with determination and integrity.
And so in Climbing the Peaks of the World, you will find inspiration, encouragement, and perhaps a few moments that resonate with your own life’s journey.
Congratulations, Archon Emmanuel, on the publication of this illuminating book, and thank you for your indefatigable efforts on behalf of our beloved Ecumenical Patriarchate!
Yours in the service of the Ecumenical Patriarchate,
Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis
Archon Grand Aktouarios
National Commander
