At the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s annual Bouras Award Dinner on Friday, October 17, 2025, Archon Alexander Pritsos received the 2025 Nicholas J. Bouras Award for Extraordinary Archon Stewardship. The award is presented annually during Archon Weekend in New York City to an individual who has demonstrated extraordinary and incomparable stewardship to the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate (AEP), empowering Archons to vigorously pursue securing religious freedom for the Mother Church of Constantinople.
His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew sent his personal congratulations to Archon Pritsos, stating: “Since your investiture as Archon Hieromnimon in 1992, you have exemplified steadfast faith, sacrificial giving, and quiet strength. As the only person ever to hold the office of Sergeant at Arms of the Order, you have provided logistical leadership, often behind the scenes, ensuring that the many ministries and events of the Order, such as the Archon Weekend, the Athenagoras Award Banquet, and national meetings, are executed with excellence and dignity.”
After detailing many of Archon Pritsos’ other selfless labors on behalf of the Holy Mother Church, His All-Holiness added: “Because of these manifold labors—many unseen yet indispensable — you have awakened the admiration, gratitude, and affection of so many faithful servants of the Church.” That admiration, gratitude and affection were on abundant display on Friday evening.
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America noted that “for over thirty years, since his investiture as an Archon in 1992, Alex has served the Order with the same energy and commitment with which he served the Saint Nicholas Parish in Flushing – where he was President of the Parish Council. His service was recognized by the ever-memorable Archbishop Iakovos, who awarded him the highest commendation of our National Church, the Medal of Saint Paul.”
His Eminence added: “As for his service on the Archdiocesan Council, I found it so valuable that I elevated him to the status of being a Senator for Orthodoxy and Hellenism, so that he could be a permanent advisor to the Council and offer his depth and breadth of experience. But for all his multifaceted activities on behalf of the Church, it is in his heart where the light of Christ burns most brightly, in his love for his Lord Jesus Christ and his absolute fidelity to the Mother Church of Constantinople.”
Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, National Commander of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, stated: “For decades now, Archon Alex Pritsos has been a living embodiment of what it really means to give one’s time, talent and resources in support of our Holy Mother Church of Constantinople, the Orthodox Christian Church throughout the United States, and the mission of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. It is highly fitting to recognize his long years of selfless service by naming him as the recipient of this prestigious Award. Axios!”
The Hon. B. Theodore Bozonelis, National Vice Commander of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and trustee of the Nicholas J. and Anna K. Bouras Foundation, then offered a resounding and extensive toast to Archon Alex, hailing his deep dedication to the sacred mission of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and his extraordinary diakonia to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Upon receiving the Award, Archon Pritsos expressed his profound gratitude to His All-Holiness; His Eminence; the Archon Spiritual Advisor, the Grand Protoprebyter of the Holy and Great Church of Christ, Father Alex Karloutsos, and Presbytera Xanthi; Archon National Commander Dr. Limberakis and his wife, Dr. Maria Limberakis; the Archon National Vice Commander, Judge Bozonelis and his wife Helen, Archon National Treasurer Peter J. Skeadas and his wife Aphrodite; Archon National Secretary Kosmas (Gus) Pablecas and his wife Gail; and his own beloved wife of 52 years, Maritza, and their children and grandchildren.
Archon Pritsos also stated that “to be singled out with the Nicholas J. Bouras Extraordinary Stewardship Award is an honor I receive with immense gratitude. I met Mr. Bouras in 1990. His legacy of stewardship is truly extraordinary and set a very high bar for us to follow. He embodied philotimo, philanthropia, and philoxenia — love of honor, charity, and hospitality — and set a towering example of what it means to be a faithful steward. To have my name associated with his, is a profound privilege which I do not take lightly.”
Archon Pritsos explained that “for me, the term ‘extraordinary stewardship’ means accepting that nothing we have is truly ours. Our time, our talents, and our treasures are all gifts, entrusted to us and our only job is to manage those gifts wisely, so they may grow ensuring they multiply for the benefit of others.” He emphasized that “this award is not a finish line. It is a powerful reminder that our work is never done, it continues, and our responsibilities deepen. I leave tonight with a heart filled with gratitude and a renewed commitment to upholding the spirit of Nicholas J. Bouras — acting honorably, be generous in my heart, and with my soul anchored in faith.”’
In his Acclamation, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros stated of Archon Pritsos that “for all his multifaceted activities on behalf of the Church, it is in his heart where the light of Christ burns most brightly, in his love for his Lord Jesus Christ and his absolute fidelity to the Mother Church of Constantinople. As early as the Visit of the late and ever-blesséd Patriarch Dimitrios in 1990, Alex has offered his considerable experience and his outstanding abilities in service to the First Throne of Orthodoxy. He never says, ‘No,’ and he is always prepared to make whatever sacrifice is needed for the benefit of the Mother Church. He truly is Her devoted son! Beloved Alex, you are the beating heart of the Order of Saint Andrew, and we love you with the same love with which you love the Church. We have to thank your wonderful spouse, Maritza, for sharing you with us all these years, and all your family.”
The evening concluded with a benediction from His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros.
