Σαμούρης, Εκκλησιαστικα - Ipatias 7-9

        Samouris inherited this rich tradition in the most meaningful way possible: these days he is the only practitioner of authentically Byzantine Fine-Art with clients that include all the highest-profile ecclesiastical institutions of the Orthodox Church, from the Patriarchate down, as well as famous personages like Fidel Castro, the late shipping-magnate Yannis Latsis and his family, Barbara Bush, England's Prince Charles, Constantine, the former King of Greece and many others.

        But it wasn't always so. Samouris was born into an affluent family that ended up in dire straits due to an earthquake in 1981 when the scion himself was fifteen years old. He managed to finish college in microbiology, a profession he never pursued, preferring instead to work odd jobs, including bartender. Soon enough it was time to serve his compulsory stint in the military, and upon discharge to get married and immediately, despite economic hardships, to have children.

        In need of income to meet his obligations to his young family and possessor of an aptitude for handiwork, he embarked on a career as a self-taught jeweler, imitating designs of professionals whom he admired. He showed his work in an Athenian exhibition, gaining enough recognition to be encouraged. He pursued his ambitions for three years, showing five times in Athens and selling enough of his handicrafts to stay afloat financially.