NEW YORK, NY – GreekNewsUSA [Photos: Archons/ John Mindala]
The Prince’s Trust, a youth charity founded in 1976 by the Prince of Wales, now King Charles III, was the recipient of the 2023 Archon’s Athenagoras Human Rights Award.
On behalf of the Trust, the Award was accepted by Pavlos, Vice President of Prince’s Trust International and the eldest son of the late former King Constantine of the Hellenes at the Annual Athenagoras Human Rights Award Banquet held during the Archon Weekend on October 21 at the New York Hilton Midtown Grand Ballroom with over 600 Archons and guests in attendance.
His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, in a message commemorating the occasion, stated: “In recognizing the Prince’s Trust with the Athenagoras Human Rights Award, we acknowledge the profound impact this organization has made in fostering a more just and inclusive society. This award underscores the vital role that organizations like the Prince’s Trust play in ensuring that the fundamental rights and dignity of all individuals are upheld”.
In a similar vein, Archbishop Elpidophoros praised the Prince’s Trust International, which, he said, “has had multiple impacts throughout the globe, and especially in Greece during the economic troubles of the last decade. With a reach that is as wide as it is inclusive, this labor of love and investment in the future has truly brought positive influences into the lives of young people, and shared with them opportunities for enhanced lives”.
In a letter from Buckingham Palace that was read by the Chief Executive Officer of Prince’s Trust International, Will Straw, King Charles said: “I really am so pleased that The Trust’s work continues to go from strength to strength, having, in recent years, expanded from its mission in the United Kingdom and now to be supporting young people in twenty-three countries, including Greece and the United States of America where we recently launched our Enterprise Challenge programme in New York and Chicago”.
Accepting the Award Pavlos stated: “During these times when our world is being tested by major threats, it is now more imperative than ever to support our society and stand by our youth in every possible way. The right to work is a human right, enshrined in the UN’s universal declaration. Every young person deserves the chance to be employed or start their own business as an entrepreneur. It makes life worth living and our mission at The Prince’s Trust is to empower young people to build their own future”.
Archon National Commander Limberakis noted that “The Prince’s Trust is a shining example of the Christian Faith put into practice, with innovative and effective programs that have helped over a million young people turn their lives around”.
Mike Emanuel of Fox News was the Master of Ceremonies.
Cappella Romana, the Byzantine Chant Ensemble that made headlines around the world chanting at the Coronation of King Charles III, offered a musical tribute.
National Treasurer Peter J. Skeadas, presented the Archon Class of 2023 consisted of: Michael Amiridis, Louis George Apostol, Gerasimos Athanasatos, John Michael Athas, Robert Peter Badavas, Michael Dimitri Bousis, Michael Damian Camarinos, Christos Frank Chrisafides, Thomas John Cox, Spiro Ioannis Dongaris, Apostolos Fisfis, Craig Lawrence Godshall, Gregory James Halvatzis, Spiro Kailas, Nicholas Spyridon Kass, James Ketis, Dimitris Kyriazis, John Konstantine Lazares,Nikolaos Letsios George Panagiotis Liakeas, Nabeel Jameel Issa Madanat, Vasilios George Marutsos, Antonis Mistras, Michael P. Neamonitakis, Chris G. Pallis, Peter John Panton, George Nicholas Papas, George N. Pappas, Nicholas James Pappas, Jimmy Theo Patronis, Jr. ,Anthony John Payiavlas, Phillip J. Philliou, George Pete Psefteas, Harry Gregory Ruska, Samuel William Spanos, Theodore Speros, Andrew Nick Theodore John Vasiliou, Kevin M. Wilcox.
The Service of Investiture of the new Archons took place at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity on Sunday October 22. Archbishop Elpidophoros concelebrated the Divine Liturgy with Metropolitans Gerasimos of San Francisco and Apostolos of NJ and Bishops Joachim of Amissos and Athenagoras of Nazianzos.
