The Athanasios V. Botsis Foundation for the Promotion of Journalism presented the special distinction with the Orthodox Academy of Crete (OAC) “for completing half a century of action and highlighting its role as universal foundation renowned not only for its missionary work but also for promoting values and culture.”
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew sent a greeting saying,
“We welcome the special distinction awarded to the Orthodox Academy of Crete on the occasion of the completion of fifty years of pioneering contribution to culture, society, and intellectual development.
The Orthodox Academy of Crete, the source of pride of the Ecumenical Throne, has always been a place of witness to Orthodoxy, defending the universal human values of peace, justice and solidarity, a place of meeting and exchange.
In the history of Christianity, the Orthodox Academy of Crete will remain as the sacred place where the Holy and Great Synod of the Orthodox Church met on June 2016. The Athanasios Botsis Foundation honored an institution of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which represents its spirit, the spirit of openness, dialogue, respect for human dignity, freedom and eternal destiny of humankind.”
The award was received by the President of the Hellenic Republic, Prokopios Pavlopoulos, and the President of the OAC, Metropolitan Amphilochios of Kisamos and Selinos, who thanked the Ecumenical Patriarch for his inspirational words.