The first children of a gay couple to be baptised Greek Orthodox was preceded by his Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America at the Panagia Faneromeni Church in the southern Athenian suburb of Vouliagmeni.
The children of fashion designers Evanggelos Bousis and Peter Dundas, Alexios and Eleni, were baptised on July 9 and received many warm wishers from social media users,
“Yesterday was truly a special moment not only for my family and me but for our entire Greek Orthodox Church…Thank you to our great spiritual leader, his Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, for christening the babies and not turning away any child or member of our faith,” George Bousis, brother of Evanggelos Bousis, wrote on Facebook on Sunday.
“This is the progress and leadership we need in our church, where no person should ever be denied our Lord because of what they are, how they choose to live their lives, and who they love,” he stated.
George Bousis was also chosen as baby Alexios’s godfather. He stated on social media that “This will forever be a moment I’ll cherish and a commitment I’ll always hold to guide, love, and protect him every step of the way.”
Eugenie Niarchos, daughter of Phillip Niarchos and granddaughter of Stavros Niarchos, served as godmother to the couple’s daughter, Eleni.
Italian model Bianca Brandolini was also chosen to be a godmother of the couple’s daughter.
Following the christening, the couple held a party at the Athens Riviera. Famous Greek pop star Anna Vissi was invited to the event and even sang her greatest hits.
Dundas and Bousis are well known figures in the fashion world.
Dundas is a designer and has worked for big names like Roberto Cavalli, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Emilio Pucci. He also started his own label, Dundas, and even dressed Beyonce at the 2017 Grammy Awards. Bousis, his husband, is also his partner in business.
