His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, on Friday, April 4, 2025 offered praise and gratitude to Father Alexander Karloutsos, Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Spiritual Advisor of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, on the occasion of his 80th birthday.
His Eminence spoke about the priest who is known worldwide simply as “Father Alex” after presiding over the Service of the Akathist Hymn at Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Southampton, New York. The Akathist Hymn was celebrated at the beginning of the East Coast Retreat of the John Halecky Jr. 21st Annual National Archon Lenten Retreat.
At the conclusion of this powerful and moving service, His Eminence called attention to Father Alex’s remarkable energy, expressing wonder that Father Alex could actually be turning 80 on Saturday, April 5, 2025 when he was still so active and tireless in service to the Church. His Eminence also expressed his gratitude for the fact that Father Alex has continued to share his remarkable talents with the Archdiocese of America even after his official retirement.
Father Alex has loved the Church, His Eminence explained, with an intensity and devotion that is worthy of a true child of God. “You have conducted yourself,” His Eminence said to Father Alex, “with the highest values of the priesthood.” His Eminence observed that the Akathist Hymn for the Fifth Friday of Holy and Great Lent, on which the complete service is observed, was auspiciously positioned on the day before Father Alex’s birthday, as on that day, the Church expressed reverence and love for the All-Holy Mother of God, whom Father Alex had served in God’s Holy Church so effectively for so many years.
His Eminence also praised the architecture and iconography, as well as the deep commitment of the people, of Dormition of the Virgin Mary Church, where Father Alex has played such a pivotal role. His Eminence expressed gratitude also to Presbytera Xanthi Karloutsos and to their children and grandchildren. He told Father Alex that His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew “holds a special place for you in his heart.”
At the conclusion of his remarks, His Eminence presented Father Alex with an icon of the Panagia, the mother of us all.
Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, National Commander of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, then invited all those who were present to come to the solea for a group photo of all who were giving birthday greetings to Father Alex as his eightieth birthday approached.
After a Lenten Fellowship dinner, the East Coast Retreat of the John Halecky Jr. 21st Annual National Archon Lenten Retreat began. As at the West Coast Retreat, which took place the previous weekend at Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church in Pasadena, California, Father Stavros Akrotirianakis provided wisdom and insight in his capacity as the Retreat Master, offering his first remarks on the theme, “Renewing Our Call to Be Disciples: Understanding Who We Are Called to Be and Recommitting Ourselves to Our Sacred Charge.”
The retreat continues on Saturday, April 5. A reception and dinner will be held on Saturday evening in honor of Father Alex on the occasion of his 80th birthday.
