Athenagoras I of Constantinople

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Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras I (Greek: Αθηναγόρας Αʹ), born Aristocles Matthaiou Spyrou (Greek: Αριστοκλής Ματθαίου Σπύρου; 6 April 1886 (25 March) – 7 July 1972), was the 268th Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople from November 1948, until his death in July 1972, serving as the primus inter pares (first among equals) and spiritual leader of Eastern Orthodox Christianity worldwide. Prior to his election to the Ecumenical Throne, Athenagoras served as the Archbishop of North and South America (GOARCH) from 1930 to 1948, where he played a pivotal role in organizing the Greek Diaspora.

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