Foundation News Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation Hosts Exclusive FOUNDERS Dinner During Archon Weekend
With the blessing and in the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, the Board of Trustees of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation (EPBF) presented a unique and exclusive FOUNDERS Dinner at the beginning of the annual Archon Weekend of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The FOUNDERS Dinner was held on Thursday evening, October 16, 2025, the first evening of Archon Weekend at the exclusive and landmark restaurant The Pool NYC in the Seagram Building in Manhattan.
The Dinner was presented in support of the EPBF, and was open to FOUNDERS in good standing (pledges up-to-date) of the EPBF. After a welcome and introduction from Archon Michael Neamonitakis, Chair of the EPBF New Members Committee, Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, Chair of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation offered a special greeting. Then followed a prayer and opening remarks from His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
His Eminence expounded upon the significance of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew receiving the Templeton Prize during his September 2025 Apostolic Visit to the United States, saying: “If the Templeton Prize event signifies anything, it tells us that our Spiritual Father is actively continuing his mission of peace, reconciliation and the preaching of the Gospel of our Lord as much in these days, as when he was first elected to the Sacred See of Saint Andrew 34 years ago.” He emphasized that “our work together, through the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation, is absolutely essential in order to secure a bright future for the Spiritual Lighthouse which is the Phanar.”
His Eminence continued “For our work together, through the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation, is absolutely essential in order to secure a bright future for the Spiritual Lighthouse which is the Phanar.
All of you have contributed to this historic undertaking, but I must call out the name of our Chair of the Foundation and the National Commander of the Order of Saint Andrew, Archon Megas Aktouarios Dr. Anthony Limberakis, for his leadership in bringing this dream to reality. As Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew said of him and of all of you, when we met at our Archdiocesan Cathedral on September 22nd:
“His aspiration for the Foundation was truly prescient and indeed prophetic, and all of you who are members and participants in this visionary undertaking have joined a truly exemplary undertaking that will have impact for generations to come. You are setting a new standard for commitment to the Mother Church, and your zeal for Her good estate is worthy of the highest praise.”
Adding a touch of wonder to the evening’s festivities was a live performance by Phil the Magic Man, the renowned mentalist and illusionist known for his captivating blend of comedy, sleight of hand, and mind-reading. His performance surprised and delighted all in attendance. With over 20 years of experience, Phil Deutsch has studied with some of the masters of his craft, including the legendary David Copperfield, and has performed for many respected and well-known celebrities, including Martha Stewart, Sylvester Stallone, Cameron Diaz, and many others.
