NEW YORK, NY – By Revekka Papadopoulou
Greek-American businessman George J. Tsunis has been officially confirmed by the United States Senate as the next Ambassador of the United States to Greece following a voice vote late in the evening on March 10, 2022.
The U.S. State Department notes that Archon Tsunis’ “legal and business acumen, strong commitment to public service, and demonstrated ability to build broadly based partnerships make him a well-qualified candidate to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Greece”.
“I am proud to announce that George Tsunis, a member of New York’s vibrant Greek-American community, has been confirmed as the next U.S. Ambassador to Greece”, said U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer. “With his deep connections in the Greek-American community, his ability to speak the language, and his knowledge of Greek history and culture, George Tsunis will make an outstanding ambassador and will serve our country well, and I am happy to have supported his nomination”.
In congratulating Ambassador Tsunis, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros posted on twitter: “Beloved son of the Church, member of our Leadership Council, Chairman of the Bicentennial of the Greek Revolution. A Proud American who offered so much to his community and country. May God bless you, @GTsunis on your confirmation to be the next U.S. Ambassador to Greece. Άξιος!”
Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, National Commander of the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, remarked: “It is altogether fitting and proper that a man of the character of Archon George Tsunis would be chosen as the U.S. Ambassador to Greece. Archon George has devoted a major part of his life to the service of the Church and the Greek community; now he will be able to continue that service on a platform commensurate with his extraordinary abilities. Ambassador Tsunis’ father of blessed memory, Archon James Tsunis would be deeply proud of his son as he serves with distinction his beloved nation, his Πατρίδα and his Church…and we share that sentiment! AXIOS!”
Archon Tsunis said: “I am honored and humbled by this appointment, which is both a tremendous honor and an immense responsibility.”
The son of Greek emigrants from Nafpaktos, Archon Tsunis earned a bachelor’s degree from New York University and a law degree from St. John’s University. He practiced law at Long Island, New York’s largest law firm, Rivkin Radler, before founding Chartwell Hotels which owns, develops and manages hotels throughout the Northeast and Middle Atlantic states. In addition, he is Chairman of Battery Park City Authority that manages a 92-acre planned development on Manhattan’s lower west side.
He is also a Trustee for the New York City Convention Development Corporation and the New York City Convention Operating Corporation. Earlier, Tsunis served as the chairman of the Nassau University Medical Center, a large public safety net hospital with a focus on providing care to vulnerable communities.
Tsunis is the recipient of numerous awards including the Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award for Long Island Cares and the lifetime achievement award for civic engagement for Long Island Business News. He was invested as an Archon on October 22, 2006 and conferred with the offikion Hypomnematografos. He received the Saint Paul’s Medal, the Greek Orthodox Church of America’s highest recognition for a layperson, from His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios. Archon Tsunis has also received the Federation of Cypriot American Organizations “Justice for Cyprus” Award, and is a member of Leadership 100 and the Hellenic Leadership Council (HALC). He is an active member of St. Paraskevi Church in Greenlawn, New York and Dormition of the Virgin Mary Church in Southampton, New York. Archon Tsunis is also a steward of the Church of the Resurrection in Brookville, New York.
Archon Tsunis is also a Founder of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation, demonstrating his indefatigable commitment to the Holy Mother Church of Constantinople and its ability to carry out its sacred mission in perpetuity.
