On February 12, shortly before the end of the Sunday service at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Paris, by the decision of the Ecumenical Patriarch, Professor Giorgos Prevelakis was appointed Archon-Teacher of the Family. The solemn consecration was performed by the Most Reverend Saint of France, Mr. Dimitrios, in the presence of the Greek Orthodox community and Ambassador D. Zevelakis. Mr. Dimitrios spoke in detail about the life and career of Prevelakis as a scientist, intellectual, writer and, in particular, an assistant and collaborator of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Holy Metropolis of France over a number of years. “You have always put your academic interests – even when they brought you to the Sorbonne – into the service of the Church, in the turmoil of the world, whose upheavals you follow closely.”

Who

George Prevelakis referred to his Cretan origin and his family history, which includes an earlier Master of the line, his uncle Pantelis Prevelakis. In addition to the responsibility and importance of the mission, he insisted on the concept of “Teacher of the Kind.” He defined the latter “as a broad family, which is not limited to the Greek-speaking nation, but extends to different languages ​​and is elected by other teachings, confessions; even religions. Regarding the many current crises, “which express division and competition, there is an urgent need for dialogue, communication and solidarity, which has found expression in the tragedy of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria,” he added.

Giorgos Prevelakis has been living and working in Paris for about 40 years. His message was received with great joy and excitement by those present: close relatives who arrived on this occasion from Crete, Boston, Ankara, Athens, friends, Greek and French colleagues, priests and parishioners. This ceremony was completed with the exhibition “Philotheistic Approach” by the artist Alecu Kirarinis, which was opened by Mr. Dimitrios in the reception room of the Metropolis, with works specially created and presented with the participation of the Citronne Gallery, whose constant partner is the painter.

The works revolve around the motifs familiar to the artist of the Dragon, Angel, dove, cypress – everything that symbolizes fear and hope, light and darkness, life and death. This exhibition represents an important cultural discovery of Metropolitan France. This is the first visual event, which, however, is fully integrated into the church context, as well as a series of lectures, speeches and other initiatives. The “Philotheistic approach” of Alekos Kirarinis is a bridge, a link between artistic creativity and church action.