With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey, more than 250 Greek Orthodox Christian faithful gathered on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint John the Theologian in Tenafly, New Jersey, to honor the 35-year Patriarchal ministry of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
The Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in New Jersey and the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey hosted the evening of prayer, education and tribute, which drew clergy, Archons, FOUNDERS of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation, diplomatic representatives, seminarians, Philoptochos leaders and lay faithful from across the region.
The extraordinary turnout reflected the leadership of the evening’s event co-chairs, Archon Michael D. Camarinos, Esq. and Archon George A. Tsougarakis, Esq., Regional Commanders of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in New Jersey, whose work affirmed the Archons’ sacred mission to defend, support and promote the Holy and Great Mother Church of Constantinople. The dinner host and benefactor was the Pangregorian Enterprises, Inc. and P.G.E.I. of America Charitable Foundation, Inc., under the leadership of Archons Anthony Papamarkos and Chris Karamanos.
The evening began with Hierarchical Great Vespers, celebrated in anticipation of the Name Day of His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos, the Synaxis of the Twelve Holy Apostles on June 30. His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos thanked the faithful for their prayers and recognized the Rev. Protopresbyter Emmanuel Pratsinakis, who has served the Church for nearly 51 years, presenting him with a pectoral cross in honor of that milestone. Joined by Metropolis Philoptochos President Eleni Constantinides, His Eminence then presented Walking with Christ scholarships totaling $48,000 to nine seminarians of the Metropolis; the generosity of the Philoptochos and faithful of the Metropolis made these scholarships possible.
Following Vespers, the Archon Symposium took place in the Rev. Fr. Socrates C. Tsamutalis Cultural Center, where the cathedral youth dance group opened the program with Constantinopolitan dances. Archon Camarinos offered the welcome, expressing gratitude to His Eminence, the clergy, the cathedral community, the Archons, the FOUNDERS, and all who made the evening possible. Archon Tsougarakis then introduced the featured speaker, Archon George E. Demacopoulos, PhD, Historian and National Council Member of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Archon Demacopoulos offered an illuminating presentation on the historical significance of His All-Holiness’ ministry as Ecumenical Patriarch, tracing the initiatives of his 35-year tenure — his global witness for Orthodox unity, religious freedom, environmental stewardship and interfaith dialogue — and the enduring role of the Ecumenical Patriarchate as the Sacred Center of the Orthodox Christian faith.
Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, Archon Grand Aktouarios, National Commander of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Chair of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation Board of Trustees, then offered a video presentation and address, lauding the transformative ministry of His All-Holiness, praising the pastoral leadership of His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos, and speaking to the vital work of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation in securing the future of the Holy Mother Church.
Dr. Limberakis stated: “What an evening it is. The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey and the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate have joined hands to host this celebration here at the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John the Theologian — and we do so in a year of triple significance, for as the Archons mark sixty years of service to the Mother Church, we gather to honor the historic milestone in the life of our Ecumenical Patriarch, the longest serving Archbishop of Constantinople in the history of Christianity and the June 30th Name Day of our beloved Metropolitan of New Jersey, His Eminence Apostolos, the Feast of the Synaxis of the Holy Apostles.”
“Allow me to extend our heartfelt thanks,” Dr. Limberakis also said, “to the two Regional Commanders who chaired this evening — Archon Michael D. Camarinos and Archon George A. Tsougarakis, who, by the way, saved the Church millions of dollars when he was in private practice and negotiated the return of Sacred Manuscripts and countless other legal challenges. And Brother Archon Michael Camarinos, the care, the coordination, and the love of the Mother Church that you poured into bringing us together are felt by every one of us in this room. These evenings do not assemble themselves. On behalf of all gathered here — thank you, to you both. And a special note of congratulations to Archon Michael and Lauren Camarinos who this very day celebrate their 15th Wedding Anniversary! CHRONIA POLLA!”
His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos offered the Hierarchical response, thanking the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint John the Theologian, the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Philoptochos, the Pangregorian Enterprises, Inc. and P.G.E.I. of America Charitable Foundation, Inc., and all those who were present for their Name Day wishes and for recognizing the 35 years of His All-Holiness’ extraordinary ministry.
“In the person of His All-Holiness,” His Eminence said, “we behold a Patriarch who exemplifies the patristic ideal of sacrificial service, pastoral responsibility, and evangelical love. For thirty-five years he has kept alight the lamp of Orthodoxy at the Sacred Center of our faith, offering to the world a compelling witness of truth, reconciliation, and hope.”
The Hon. Ifigenia Kanara, Consul General of Greece in New York, and the Hon. Kyriakos Pogiatzis, Consul General of Cyprus in New York, also offered greetings, extending their best wishes for His Eminence’s Name Day and reflecting on the dynamic global witness of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
Among those in attendance were more than 30 Archons and 20 FOUNDERS of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation, along with board members and faithful supporters. The Archons extend their gratitude to the clergy, Philoptochos, donors, volunteers and faithful whose participation made the evening a resounding success.
