An overflow crowd filled The Muses, the banquet hall at Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Southampton, New York, on the evening of Saturday, April 5, 2025, to celebrate the eightieth birthday of Father Alex Karloutsos, Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Spiritual Advisor of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The celebration and tribute to Father Alex took place after the conclusion of the John Halecky Jr. 21st Annual National Archon Lenten Retreat on the East Coast, which was held on Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5.
Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, National Commander of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate (AEP), welcomed the attendees and spoke of his love for Father Alex and his remarkable accomplishments. Dr. Limberakis then drew the attention of the crowd to a full color, lavishly illustrated book that each attendee received. The handiwork of graphic designer Archon John Mindala, the book contains numerous photographs of Father Alex with His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and other ecclesiastical leaders, as well as with every U.S. President since Jimmy Carter and many other key political and cultural figures.
The book also contains a fascinating narrative history by historian Matthew Namee of Father Alex’s activities among the great and powerful of the world on behalf of His All-Holiness, Archbishop Iakovos of blessed memory, and much more.
Father Peter Karloutsos, the younger brother of Father Alex, then spoke about the “incredible ministry” that his brother “has offered to so many people in so many ways.” He noted that from an early age, Father Alex demonstrated that nothing would stop him from taking on any task, no matter how difficult, and seeing it through to completion. “My brother,” said Father Peter, “has always been a man of vision.”
Demonstrating the power of that vision, Father Alex’s son-in-law, Father Constantine Lazarakis of Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Southampton, then announced along with parish council president, Konstantinos (Gus) M. Karpathakis, that the Dormition parish was going to become a FOUNDER of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation, which Father Alex did so much to establish. Dr. Limberakis was then presented with the parish’s initial donation of $10,000.
The Hon. B. Theodore Bozonelis, National Vice Commander of the AEP, noted that in his heart and soul, with the support of Presbytera Xanthi, Father Alex is first and foremost a devoted priest and Spiritual Advisor of the AEP. “Father Alex,” said Judge Bozonelis, “exemplifies the Great Commission in the Gospel of Matthew, ‘Go and make disciples of all nations.’ What Father Alex has done and continues to do is make us all want to be those disciples. Very few have done so much.”
Archon Michael Psaros stated that “Father Alex has had the most consequential ministry in the history of our archdiocese.” He noted that Father Alex has the χάρισμα (charisma, spiritual gift) of being able to look at everyone he meets, from busboys to presidents of the United States, and appreciate them for the person that they are. “He is a true priest,” said Archon Psaros, “selfless, humble, who gets up every morning with one purpose, to serve the resurrected Christ.” Archon Psaros announced that Saint Nicholas Church and National Shrine in lower Manhattan was also becoming a FOUNDER of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation (EPBF).
Father Alex’s children, Anastasia, Olga, and Archon Michael then spoke, sharing endearing reminiscences of Father Alex as their father. Anastasia related a charming story of how Father Alex hurried in to join her at a dance recital when she was a child, immediately after his flight to Washington to accompany Archbishop Iakovos to the White House was cancelled due to a bomb scare. “I couldn’t be prouder of both my parents,” said Olga. “I love you so much.” Added Michael, “He can make everyone feel so special.” A short while later, two of Father Alex’s nephews offered more reminiscences of Father Alex’s positive impact upon their lives.
Philanthropist Archon Dennis Mehiel then spoke about how he came to know Father Alex during Mehiel’s run for Congress in 1987, and how Father Alex had sparked his return to his Greek roots. Father Alex, he said, is “the point person that everybody goes to if they need or desire anything for the Greek community.” He detailed how Father Alex had worked tirelessly to raise money for the construction of Saint Nicholas Church and National Shrine, and said that the Church and Shrine would not exist today were it not for Father Alex.
Broadway impresario Archon Nick Scandalios said: “Father Alex inspired me to keep the faith when I wanted to let it go. I am not unique. There are thousands and thousands who have been inspired by Father Alex.” He stated that for all his accomplishments, at the end of his life he would recall with the most pride that he had served as Father Alex’s altar boy. Archon Mike Stefanos, who gave the world the renowned Dove Bar, spoke movingly about how Father Alex came to his aid when his children lost their mother at an early age.
Stressing Father Alex’s concern for the poor and needy amid all his work with the great and powerful, Father Constantine Lazarakis told of how Father Alex interrupted an important call from the White House in order to take a call from a destitute parishioner who could not pay for her rent or prescriptions. Once Father Alex had arranged for the poor woman’s needs to be cared for, he called the White House back.
Archon Savas Tsivicos, Supreme President Order of AHEPA, then noted that Father Alex had touched his life in so many ways, and asked the crowd, “Is anybody willing to bet that Father Alex wouldn’t be able to sell ice to the Eskimos? Or penguins?” He recounted that his involvement in the AEP, Leadership 100, and the EPBF all came from his association with Father Alex. “You have made a difference,” said Archon Tsivicos to Father Alex, “not only for the Church and not only for your family, but for all of us.”
Archon Jim Speros said that Father Alex embodies the saying, “Service is the rent we pay for the space we occupy while we are here.” He presented Father Alex with a sports jersey t-shirt emblazoned “KARLOUTSOS 80.”
Archon Dean Poll, along with Michael Karloutsos, made the momentous announcement that a statue of Father Alex will be erected in Latzio, Greece, where he was born.
Dr. Limberakis spoke of the close relationship between Father Alex and His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, and to crown the evening, a video of His All-Holiness’ birthday greeting to Father Alex was then shown. His All-Holiness spoke of his “love and friendship” with Father Alex, and expressed, “personally and on behalf of the Mother Church, recognition and gratitude for all that he has offered, with eagerness, competence, and effectiveness, both to it and to the demanding ministry of the Patriarch.” His All-Holiness noted that U.S. President Joe Biden awarded Father Alex the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022, and offered his Patriarchal blessing and fervent prayer that Father Alex would enjoy many more years. “May he continue,” said His All-Holiness, “to see the Ecumenical Patriarchate radiating the timeless values of Christianity.”
Then Father Alex took the podium and expressed his love for all those in attendance. Above all, he spoke movingly of Presbytera Xanthi, saying, “My wife is the perfect presbytera.” He also spoke with emotion of his love for the Church: “I believed, and I still believe, in the nobility God calls us to.” He recited the song, “Yesterday, when I was young, the taste of life was sweet,” and added: “I’m old. I’m eighty, and I can tell you, it’s still sweet.”
It was a fitting capstone to an evening of affectionate tribute to this remarkable man that God in His love and mercy has given to His Church for over half a century.
Download a commemorative book of Father Alex’s life distributed during the evening.
