BOSTON, MA – [Photos: Areti Bratsis]
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston held its 40th Annual Ministry Awards Dinner on June 14, at the Agganis Arena in Boston, a milestone celebration attended by more than 800 clergy, honorees, family members, and friends.
Seventy-three dedicated parishioners from 54 communities throughout New England were honored for their countless hours of volunteer service and their steadfast commitment to the life and ministries of their local parishes and the Church.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Metropolitan’s Award to Rev. Fr. Peter Chamberas and Rev. Fr. Andrew George, two beloved clergymen whose decades of faithful ministry have touched countless lives throughout New England.
Guests were welcomed with greetings from Jane Kourtis, President of the Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos Board; Rev. Fr. Thomas Chininis, President of the Clergy Brotherhood; and Symeon Tegos, Consul General of Greece in Boston. In his remarks, Consul General Tegos offered a heartfelt farewell to the community as he concludes his service in New England, expressing his gratitude for the friendships and memories formed during his four years of service.
The sold-out event was emceed by Nick Antonakas and Maria Wilson.
The Metropolis Scholarship Committee, led by Nicholas Kourtis and John Anton, presented eight scholarships through the St. George Hellenic Benefit Society of Tsamantas, Greece Scholarship Fund and the Charles C. Condes Memorial Scholarship Fund, recognizing outstanding young people and encouraging their continued academic and spiritual growth. This year’s recipients are Angelica Anousis, Andy Bello, Ana Dobrot, Eleni Georgountzos, George Giannopoulos, Christina Tsetsakoy, Vasilios Tsiotos, and Manuel Tsoukatos.
Attendees were also treated to a beautiful cultural presentation by the Sons and Daughters of Alexander the Great Dance Group, whose performance showcased the rich traditions and heritage of Hellenism.
Panos Coufos, Executive Director of the Saint Methodios Faith and Heritage Center, shared a presentation on the Center’s Legacy Campaign, an initiative established to expand the facilities and ensure that future generations will continue to benefit from the ministries of the Metropolis of Boston Camp and the many programs hosted at the Saint Methodios Faith and Heritage Center.
In his Archpastoral remarks, Metropolitan Methodios reflected on the significance of the 40th anniversary of the Ministry Awards Dinner. He emphasized that the strength and vitality of the Metropolis and its parishes are rooted in the love, dedication, hard work, and commitment of the thousands of faithful men and women who have served their communities throughout the years.
His Eminence also highlighted another significant milestone: the 40th Anniversary of the Philoxenia House, established in 1986 as a ministry of Christian love and hospitality. He noted that every year Orthodox Christians and their families travel to Boston seeking medical treatment at the city’s world-renowned hospitals. The Philoxenia House provides these guests with a welcoming home, offering comfort and support during some of life’s most challenging moments.
Metropolitan Methodios shared that guests have come from Greece, Cyprus, Georgia, Albania, Russia, Ukraine, and throughout the United States. He noted that during the past month alone, the Philoxenia House has welcomed families from Georgia and Ukraine who arrived seeking hope and comfort during difficult times. Through the generosity of countless volunteers and benefactors, these families found not merely a place to stay, but a true home away from home—a place of rest, dignity, peace, and Christian love.
The 2026 honorees are:
Voula and Peter Danas (Sts Constantine & Helen Andover, MA), Kathryn “Kathy” VanKuilenburg (St. Athanasius Arlington, MA), Dr. Lambros Karris (St. George Bangor, ME), Constantine T. Kechris (Boston, MA Annunciation Cathedral), Maria Bougas [Boston, MA (St. John)], Panagiotis Georgacopoulos (St. Katherine Braintree, MA), Demetrios and Aliki Sarantopoulos (Annunciation Brockton, MA),
John Bogdan Campanelli (Dormition Burlington, VT), Alexandros and Eleftheria Tsitos (Sts Constantine & Helen Cambridge, MA), Anastasia Kazarian (St. George Centerville, MA), June Chiavaras Quill (St. Nicholas Clinton, MA), Peter and Susan Bourikas (Nativity – Assumption Cohasset, MA), Ileana Saros (Holy Trinity Concord, NH), Argiri (Sylvia) Ghionis (Annunciation Cranston, RI), Christina Menounos (Holy Trinity Danielson, CT), Joyce Davidopoulos (St. George Dartmouth, MA), Paraskevi Stamelos (Annunciation Dover, NH), Thomas Alexopoulos (St. Luke East Longmeadow, MA), Emmanuel Karakatsanis (St. Demetrios Fall River, MA), Nicole and John Moorshead (Holy Trinity Fitchburg, MA), Robert W. Lavallee III (Sts Peter & Paul Haverhill, MA), Marianne M. Karas (Holy Trinity Holyoke, MA), Nathan William Sotis (Assumption Ipswich, MA), Georgia Anna Libbares Tasoulas (St. George Keene, NH), Soterios Peter Karagianis (Taxiarchai Laconia, NH), Hon. Peter James Goranites and Rosemary Rogers Goranites (Holy Trinity Lewiston, ME), Nicholas and Mandy Zervoglos (St. Nicholas Lexington, MA), Fotis T. Relias [Lowell, MA (Holy Trinity)], Stephanie Gulezian [Lowell, MA (Transfiguration)], Zoe (Vrees) Haskell (St. George Lynn, MA), Stathis and Theohare Kapellakis [Manchester, NH (Assumption)], Georgia Sousa [Manchester, NH (St. George)], Lesley Faye Barnette and Karen Lynn Rheaume [Manchester, NH (St. Nicholas)], Stephanie and Phil LaFond (St. Gregory the Theologian Mansfield, MA), Demetrios Gakis (St. Anargyroi Marlborough, MA), Dennis Malvers and Cassandra Stellos-Malvers (St. Phillip Nashua, NH), Fotini Zelepos (St. Sophia New London, CT), Dr. Bruce Beck and Dr. Kimberley Patton (Annunciation Newburyport, MA), Anastasia Yfantis (St. Vasilios Newport, NH), Kathryn Williams (St. Spyridon Newport, RI), George Efthimiou (Holy Trinity Norwich, CT), George Karalis (Assumption Pawtucket, RI), George T. Glaros and Marie Laure Glaros (St. Vasilios Peabody, MA), Jonathan Walter Douhan (St. George Pittsfield, MA), Angelo Sotiropoulos (Holy Trinity Portland, ME), Yianni (John) Birmbas (St. Nicholas Portsmouth, NH), Elias and Soumela Minasidis (St. Nectarios Roslindale, MA), Theodora Sfikas (Dormition Somerville, MA), Liza Pappas (St. George Springfield, MA), Nick Yiokarinis (Taxiarchai Watertown, MA), Joseph Gliniecki (Sts. Constantine & Helen Webster, MA), Philippa and Peter Condakes (St. Demetrios Weston, MA), Solomon (Sam) Kattar (Annunciation Woburn, MA), and Dorothy Fotos (St. Spyridon Worcester, MA)
