Patriarch Bartholomew tours AEK’s OPAP Arena – A historic visit honoring sports and tradition

“Remember that the Patriarch will always be by your side. Long live AEK!” the Ecumenical Patriarch declared at a dinner held in his honor – See photos below.

On Friday evening, Nea Filadelfia welcomed Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who attended the dedication ceremony (Thyranoixia) of the chapel built in memory of Michalis Katsouris.

After the completion of the ceremony, Patriarch Bartholomew visited the OPAP Arena, accompanied by Archbishop Ieronymos. Alongside Archbishop Ieronymos, the Patriarch toured the OPAP Arena and the AEK Museum, as well as the Museum of Refugee Hellenism. The two religious leaders were guided through the stadium’s facilities.

It was a highly honorable evening for AEK, as they hosted the Ecumenical Patriarch and the Archbishop. Club owner Marios Iliopoulos and former president Dimitris Melissanidis were photographed alongside Bartholomew and Ieronymos in front of the iconic Steel Double-Headed Eagle statue.

The Patriarch Will Always Be By Your Side

Following the stadium tour, an official dinner in honor of Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop Ieronymos was held at the “Byzantino” restaurant within OPAP Arena.

The dinner was attended by several notable figures, including Metropolitan Gabriel of Nea Ionia, Filadelfia, Irakleio, and Chalkidona, AEK owner Marios Iliopoulos, Dimitris Melissanidis, and the club’s board members.

Μια μεγάλη μέρα για την ΑΕΚ. Μία μεγάλη μέρα για την Νέα Φιλαδέλφεια. Ο Παναγιώτατος Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος επισκέπτεται σε λίγη ώρα την OPAP Arena!#aekfc pic.twitter.com/4zEmfvhSOE

— AEK F.C. (@AEK_FC_OFFICIAL) November 22, 2024

During his remarks at the dinner, Patriarch Bartholomew expressed:

Your Eminence Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Ieronymos,
Esteemed Hierarchs,
Distinguished Archon Mr. Dimitris Melissanidis,
Dear Guests,

It is with great honor and heartfelt joy that we are here tonight, welcomed by the members of the historic Athletic Union of Constantinople, AEK.

We are deeply moved and proud of the accomplishments of your club and wish you continued success and growth from the depths of our hearts.

The world of sports stands tall because of values like those embodied by AEK: the spirit of fair play, mutual respect, cooperation, and understanding. These ideals should inspire all aspects of human action, not just athletic pursuits. Let us ensure these principles are passed on to the next generation, paving the way for a better and more just future.

May you always remember that your Patriarch will forever stand by your side, until his last breath.
Long live AEK!”

Speech by AEK Owner Marios Iliopoulos

Marios Iliopoulos, owner of AEK, also spoke at the dinner, emphasizing the deep honor and gratitude he felt for the Patriarch’s presence. He shared how the Patriarch’s guidance and principles have been a source of inspiration throughout his life.

He highlighted that the year of Bartholomew’s enthronement, 1991, coincided with the start of his professional journey—a spiritual alignment he considered deeply meaningful.

Iliopoulos praised the values of “fair play” and unity that AEK represents, which were also underscored by the Patriarch during his toast. Both men emphasized how these values extend beyond sports into all facets of human life.

The evening concluded on a high note, with both Patriarch Bartholomew and Iliopoulos ending their speeches with an enthusiastic “Long live AEK!”

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