During the session of the Standing Holy Synod on April 9, 2025, and following a request by the Association of Organizers and Exhibitors of Greece (SOKKE), Saint Apostle Paul was declared the Patron Saint of trade fairs. 

It is a fact that, although almost every profession has its patron saint to protect and guide them, those working in the field of exhibitions have not enjoyed this privilege. SOKKE, under the initiative of its Vice President, Dr. Kyriakos Pozrikidis, and after thorough investigation, proposed to the Holy Synod that Apostle Paul be proclaimed the Patron Saint of trade fairs, as he is directly linked with the commercial world. 

In Apostle Paul’s persona, Europe recognized someone who, through his presence and teachings, infused its aged body with the Life of Christ and inspired its citizens in shaping a new civilization centered on Christ’s teachings about brotherhood. It is no coincidence that most of the European capitals dedicated their Cathedrals to Apostle Paul, nor is it coincidental that referring to the post-Christ European civilization without mentioning the presence and teachings of the Apostle to the Nations, Paul, is impossible. 

As we know, Apostle Paul primarily preached the Word of God in synagogues or city markets, where traders and entrepreneurs gathered—similar to what happens today in trade fairs. 

We would like to extend our gratitude to Hieromonk Evdokimos, with whom the search for a Patron Saint began two years ago; Elder Ephraim Vatopaidinos, Abbot of the Holy Patriarchal and Stavropegic Monastery of Vatopedi on Mount Athos, for his blessing on our endeavor; His Eminence Metropolitan of New Krini and Kalamaria, Justinos, who, with his profound theological knowledge, guided us to Saint Apostle Paul as the Patron Saint; His Eminence Metropolitan of Thessaloniki, Filotheos, who embraced the association’s request; all members of the Holy Synod; and, of course, its President, His Beatitude Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, Ieronymos II. 

About SOKKE 

The Association of Organizers and Exhibitors of Greece is a non-profit organization founded in 2022 with the purpose of representing the exhibition industry both locally and internationally. Its mission is to contribute to the development of Greece’s exhibition industry and the companies operating in this sector through organized actions and representing the interests of the sector to national and international authorities, prioritizing the overall growth of the sector, maximizing economic benefits for the national economy, and enhancing Greek exports. 

For more information, you can contact the SOKKE Secretariat:
Phone: +30 210 4283608
Email: sokee@sokee.gr