Prince Constantine (centre) received in a formal audience by His Eminence Metropolitan Dorotheos II of Syros (right) at the Metropolitan Palace in Ermoupoli.
As part of his ongoing official visit to the Cyclades during the bicentennial celebrations of the naming of Ermoupoli, Prince Constantine was received in a formal private audience by His Eminence Metropolitan Dorotheos II of Syros, Tinos, Andros, Kea, and Milos at the Metropolitan Palace.
The historic audience underscores the deep ecclesiastical and structural ties that have bound the House of Zaccaria de Damalà to the spiritual life of Greece. Central to the meeting was the celebrated legacy of the Prince’s ancestor, Mayor Ambrosios Damalas (1808–1869), who guided Ermoupoli through its mid-19th-century golden age. The Metropolitan and the Prince recalled Mayor Damalas’s extensive works of faith and philanthropy, notably his foundational support in erecting the historic Priestly School at Agios Georgios in 1853 and establishing the Municipal Boys' Orphanage in 1855 to safeguard the area's youth.
Crucially, the dialogue illuminated the dynasty's broader legacy of spiritual and national stewardship within the Greek Orthodox Church. Discussions highlighted the eminent contributions of the Prince's historical relative, Nikolaos Damalas, the renowned theologian who faithfully served the Church of Greece as its Royal Commissioner (Basilikos Epitropos).
During the warm exchange, Metropolitan Dorotheos II expressed his deep appreciation for the Prince's visit and his dedicated efforts to actively search out and preserve his ancestral roots. The two leaders engaged in a wide-ranging discussion on current social, historical, and cultural challenges facing the Aegean community. Prince Constantine reaffirmed the House’s firm intention to cultivate targeted philanthropic partnerships with the prominent institutions of Greek society, carrying forward the patronal and protective duties established by his ancestors.
To ensure its precise nuances are accessible to an international audience, the Chancery has provided a complete English translation of the official press communiqué issued by the Holy Metropolis of Syros below.
Visit of Mr Constantine-Paul Damalas, Descendant of the Mayor of Ermoupoli Ambrosios Damalas, to the Most Reverend Dorotheos II
This morning, the Most Reverend Dorotheos II welcomed to his office in Ermoupoli—where he is currently participating in the grand Bicentennial Celebrations marking 200 years since the naming of the city—Mr Constantine-Paul Damalas, the current Head of the House of Zaccaria de Damalà.
Mr Damalas represents a historic dynasty with deep roots in the East dating back securely to the 13th century. He is a direct descendant of Ambrosios Damalas (1808–1869), the visionary historical Mayor of Ermoupoli, who played a foundational role during the "Golden Age" of Syros and marshalled a lineage of prominent national benefactors.
Notably, Ambrosios Damalas served as Mayor across two vital terms from 1853 to 1862, an era widely celebrated as the brightest structural and cultural period of the city. During his mayoralty, key infrastructure was achieved: major roads were opened connecting the city to Poseidonia, Manna, and Talanta; Othonos Square was beautifully formed; and city streets were extensively paved. He also pioneered the construction of the water reservoir at Nisaki and spearheaded the erection of the Priestly School at Agios Georgios. Furthermore, he stood at the forefront of the historic founding of the "Hellenic Steam Navigation" company and, in 1855, took the personal initiative to establish the Municipal Boys' Orphanage of Ermoupoli. During his second term, the city expanded into the aristocratic Vaporia district, a municipal café was constructed at Nisaki, and he generously donated a portion of his private property to expand Othonos Square.
Today, Mr Constantine-Paul Damalas, who remains actively engaged between the United States and Greece, is working dynamically to bridge this historic gap and renew the long-standing dynastic bonds of the House with his ancestral homeland. He has established it as a primary goal for himself and the House to actively contribute to the premier institutions of Greek society with which his ancestors were deeply connected. Among these is the Church of Greece, where another distinguished relative from the family’s past, the eminent theologian Nikolaos Damalas, historically served with distinction as Royal Commissioner.
The Most Reverend Metropolitan Dorotheos II warmly thanked Mr Damalas for his historic visit, exchanged valuable perspectives with him on contemporary social, historical, and cultural matters, and cordially congratulated him on his noble dedication to tracing and honouring his ancestral roots.
Ecclesiastical Press Coverage
The official audience was prominently featured by major Orthodox news agencies and regional media: