The persecution and systematic decimation of   Christians all over the world and, in particular, in the Middle East have created an urgency for America's voice of freedom of religion to be heard. In reaction to this urgent need, Congress enacted in December 2016 the Frank R. Wolf Act, which President Obama signed into law.

   Dr. Papanicolaou is ideally suited for this post. He is fluent in four languages (English, Spanish, French and Greek), and speaks some Russian and Italian. He was raised in the Greek Orthodox Church, and is an ordained Minister in the Evangelical Church.  He holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Harvard University, and MBA from Columbia University, and a Doctorate in Theology from Phoenix University of Theology.

   He has extensive experience in international cultural and religious affairs as one of three Co- Founders of the World Public Forum "Dialogue of Civilizations" an NGO registered in Vienna, Austria ( www.wpfdc.org ).  The WPF has brought together for five days in each of the last 15 years Heads of State, Prime Ministers, top leaders of all the major faiths and top academicians and more than 600 VIP's from more than 60 countries, to interact on religious and cultural differences.

 Dr. Papanicolaou heads the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Knights of Malta, a one-thousand year old Christian Ecumenical Order that has disbursed tens of millions of dollars of medicines and medical supplies to the needy around the world, regardless of their religious affiliation. His organization also speaks out in favor of persecuted Christians around the world.

   He has had extensive business experience as an owner of ocean-going cargo ships, as a former controlling shareholder and Chairman of Aston Martin Lagonda Holdings in the U.K. (maker of the famous Aston Martin cars) and as an investor in real estate including marinas.  He understands the interplay of business, government, and culture.

   Dr. Papanicolaou is a great nephew of Dr. George Nicholas Papanicolaou, inventor of the "Pap Test" for women's' cancer screening.  He continues his family's humanitarian tradition, and has been honored with top decorations for his work by Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden, and the Ukraine.

   In his third book, he has issued a clear call for violent followers of religion to finally learn how to "live and let live".