Archon Michael Karloutsos is the new Deputy Chief of Protocol for the U.S. State Department, headed by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.
In his new capacity, Archon Karloutsos, who assumed his position on July 23, will be directly involved in promoting cross-cultural exchanges and building new bridges of understanding between people and governments throughout the world.
Archon Karloutsos brings 25 years of experience to his new position. In the mid-1990s, he formed MAK Consulting in Philadelphia, a company specializing in international business development, public relations, logistical support, crisis management, and government affairs.
Archon Karloutsos was appointed to the Order of St Andrew the Apostle on Oct. 31, 2010, by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew with the offikion of “Eftaxias” for his leadership in protocol and logistics for the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
He has been directly involved in many events involving the Orthodox Christian Church.
In 2001, he spearheaded the coordination with New York City and St. Nicholas Church, the only religious structure destroyed in the 9/11 attack, in the attempt to recover holy relics.
In 2014, he served as chairman of the 42nd annual Biennial Clergy Laity Congress held in Philadelphia.
Also in 2014, he served as trip director for the historic visit to Jerusalem of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Roman Catholic Pope Francis.
In 2016, he coordinated a “Trip of Peace” to the island of Lesvos to raise awareness of the issue involving thousands of refugees with the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Pope Francis, and Archbishop Ieronimos of Greece among the participants.
Also in 2016, he served as logistics coordinator for the Holy and Great Council, which took place on the island of Crete.
Regarding his new position, Archon Karloutsos said in an interview with The National Herald, “This is a dream come true. My entire life I wanted to serve our country, the United States of America, and to be able to do it right now under the current administration under these circumstances in which the world finds itself is an incredible honor, but also a great challenge.”
“The selection of Archon Karloutsos for this important position in the U.S. State Department is a major achievement for him and as well as for the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate,” said Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, National Commander.
Archon Karloutsos and his wife, Anastasia, live in Philadelphia. They have four children, Alexander, Konstantina, Stylianos, and Michael Jr. He is the son of Rev. Fr. Alexander Karloutsos and Presbytera Xanthi Karloutsos.
(Photo: Sean Hawkey)
