In a modest and very touching ceremony held at the Patriarchate of Alexandria in November 2008, His Beatitude Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa Theodoros II conferred the Office of Great Lady of the Patriarchal Throne on Mrs. Vardinoyannis, saying: “Mrs. Marianna V. Vardinoyannis has moved us all with her sensitivity and constant presence by the side of the children. She is the mother of all the children of the world and a remarkable member of our society, who is always found by the side of those who need her ”.
This paramount title of honour is conferred on people, who are distinguished for their inspired and long social and intellectual work; Mrs. Vardinoyannis was very touched and thanked the Patriarch for this great honour: “The title of the Great Lady of the Patriarchal Throne”, said, “is of paramount honour for me and it is difficult to find the words to express my feelings. This moment is one of the most important moments of my life as this title represents the values and ideals of Orthodoxy which I have as a guide to enlighten my efforts all these years, while at the same time it means a solid intellectual and mental bond with the Patriarchate of Alexandria. The symbolic meaning of the Title as well as the essence of the mission assigned to me today encourage me to contribute even more to the holy fight of the Patriarchate for building a better world where solidarity, culture and education will constitute the foundation of peace, international understanding and development, not only in Africa, but in the entire world”.