Greek-American tycoon John Catsimatidis has arrived in Athens to participate in the conference of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
The event, which begins Monday morning at the Stoa of Attalos and will continue at the Old Parliament House and Zappeion Hall, focuses on the protection of religious freedom, democracy, and human rights. Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is slated as the keynote speaker.
Prominent members of the Greek-American community have already arrived in Athens, including the Order of Archons’ U.S. Commander Antonis Diamataris, Deputy Commander Theodoros Bozonelis, and spiritual advisor Father Alex Karloutsos, along with well-known lobbyist Mike Manatos. Archons from 22 countries will participate in the conference, with nearly 300 delegates expected to attend.
Mr. Catsimatidis, chairman of Red Apple Group, whose wealth exceeds $US 4 billion, embodies the American dream. Born in 1948 on the island of Nisyros, he moved to a Harlem apartment in New York City as an infant with his family.
He studied electrical engineering at New York University, attending classes during the day while working at a small grocery store at night and on weekends. In his final year, he left university to work full-time at the grocery store. By the age of 25, he had already opened the first ten Red Apple supermarkets in Manhattan. He continued with the Gristedes supermarket chain and later invested in real estate, oil, and other economic sectors.
Mr. Catsimatidis is accompanied on his trip to Athens by his wife Margo Catsimatidis and close friends.