NEW YORK, NY –GreekNews USA
A ten-year memorial service for the late Nicholas J. Bouras, Archon Depoutatos, was held at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine in New York City on Sunday, January 7th, following the Divine Liturgy officiated by H.E. Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.
Joining His Eminence were Rev. Protopresbyters of the Ecumenical Throne Alexander Karloutsos and Andreas Vithoulkas, Dean of Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church & National Shrine, Rev. Protopresbyter Peter Delvizis of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Westfield, NJ, Rev. Fr. Samuel Davis of St. Simon of Cyrene Orthodox Mission in New Brunswick, NJ [OCA] and Archdeacon Dionysios Papiris. Archon Bouras passed away on December 22, 2013. His beloved wife Anna Bouras was also remembered.
His Eminence stated that Archon Bouras “is among the leading benefactors in the history of this Archdiocese. But always – and I repeat, always – without fanfare. His generous heart was turned to good in silent and humble adoration, and the gifts that he bestowed were given to glorify God – never himself.”
“If you need proof, consider the fact that the Foundation in their name, has continued to bless and bestow upon the Church a continuous stream of beneficence. This continued charity is a reminder to us all of the power of the Resurrection – that life and living, and even giving, goes beyond death”, His Eminence added.
“Archon Nicholas was by no means the most prosperous member of the Omogeneia, but I would say that he may have been the richest…because he understood value of his prosperity, and how to help others. He was generous to a fault, more than simply responsive to a request. He did not wait to be called to do good with the goods of his life. He offered first and without judgment” said Archbishop Elpidophoros.
Hon. B. Theodore Bozonelis, National Vice Commander of the Archons and trustee of the Nicholas J. and Anna K. Bouras Foundation stated that Nicholas Bouras reviewed the plans for the Shrine and was the first to make a substantial donation for its construction. He also recounted the memorial tribute given by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who described Archon Bouras’ humility and philanthropy in this way: “He was righteous in his ways, generous in his heart, faithful in his soul, and noble in his spirit.”
Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, National Commander of the Archons remarked that Nicholas Bouras “through the Bouras Foundation, continues to perform an indispensable diakonia for the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Church at large. Even in death, he still works to secure that the life-giving spiritual treasures of our Ecumenical Patriarchate will continue to enlighten the world”.
The service concluded with a vasilopita cutting and a reception hosted by the Nicholas J. and Anna K. Bouras Foundation at Skinos Restaurant. Archon Mike Manatos got the flouri [coin].
