“We’ll Miss Tsunis When He’s Gone”: Reflections on a Diplomatic Legacy
The sentiment “We’ll miss Tsunis when he’s gone,” humorously expressed by a Metropolitan with a strong bond to the departing U.S. Ambassador, highlights the significant impact George Tsunis has had on the Church and Orthodox affairs during his tenure in Athens. This phrase underscores the void his departure will leave, especially during such pivotal times for Orthodoxy, as he has proven to be a unique advocate for the Church’s role and challenges.
As George Tsunis prepares to leave his ambassadorial post with the start of the new year, the Church of Greece and the Ecumenical Patriarchate are bracing for change. Tsunis’ tenure has been marked by his ability to bridge the gap between American diplomacy and Orthodox leadership, a feat shaped by his Greek heritage and his position as an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
A Legacy of Connection
Tsunis’ relationship with the Church deepened over time. Initially influenced by his ties to a prominent Greek-American family, his understanding of Orthodoxy was shaped further by extensive interactions with the Church’s leadership. His connections included the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, and numerous Metropolitans across Greece.
Through countless meetings and discussions, Tsunis became attuned to the Church’s unique role in Greek society and its intersection with national issues. He worked closely with prominent Church figures such as Metropolitan Anthimos in Alexandroupolis, Metropolitan Gabriel in Nea Ionia, and Metropolitan Chrysostomos in Messinia, often consulting them on issues of mutual concern.
While rumors suggest Tsunis may remain in Greece for business ventures, his departure marks the end of a collaborative era between the Church and the U.S. Embassy in Athens.
Challenges for the New Ambassador
The Church holds tempered expectations for Tsunis’ successor, Gilfoyle, who will need time to adapt to the Greek context and appreciate the Church’s significance. Despite receiving a thorough briefing from Tsunis, her understanding of Orthodoxy remains limited. A young Metropolitan with ties to Russian diplomatic circles noted, “It will take several months for her to fully grasp the Church’s role in Greek society.”
Gilfoyle’s primary connection to the Orthodox Church is through John Catsimatidis, vice president of the Archdiocesan Council of America, tied to their shared Republican Party affiliation. However, this relationship offers little assurance that the Church will become a priority for the new ambassador.
Currently, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America remains the only hierarch with an established connection to Gilfoyle. Diplomatic insiders suggest that Orthodoxy may not feature prominently on her agenda during the early part of her tenure.
Looking Ahead
The Church will observe closely whether Gilfoyle can adapt to Greece’s cultural and religious nuances and recognize the Church’s potential as a partner in navigating Greek societal dynamics. Both Jeffrey Pyatt, Tsunis’ predecessor, and Tsunis himself eventually appreciated the Church’s value in fostering a deeper understanding of Greece’s complex realities.
As the U.S. Embassy transitions to new leadership, the Church must prepare for a period of adjustment and, potentially, advocacy to ensure that its voice remains heard in diplomatic circles. For now, the legacy of George Tsunis serves as a reminder of what can be achieved when mutual respect and understanding guide the relationship between diplomacy and faith.