At an extraordinary event hosted by Archon John S. Koudounis at Chicago’s historic United Center on March 7, 2026, Archon John P. Calamos received The Hellenic Initiative Lifetime Achievement Award. This historic celebration of Hellenism was brought about largely through the efforts of Archon Koudounis, with over 13,000 people filling the United Center in what The Hellenic Initiative called “the largest gathering in history of the Greek diaspora in support of Greece.”
As a result of the tireless labors of Archon Koudounis, leaders of the Greek diaspora from across the United States, Canada, and around the world came to Chicago to join in honoring Archon Calamos, as well as to enjoy a sold-out performance of the celebrated Greek artist Konstantinos Argiros, whom Archon Koudounis invited to perform as the crowning element of a unique and unprecedented presentation celebrating Hellenic pride, philanthropy, music, and unity to protect the Greek nation, Greek people, and Greek culture. View video of the event and remarks from Archon Koudounis here.
Archon John P. Calamos, the founder of Calamos Investments, is as a pioneer in the financial industry, a fulfilled member of Leadership 100, a member of the Faith Endowment, and a Grand Benefactor of the St. Nicholas National Shrine. He is also the Chairman of the National Hellenic Museum in Chicago. He and his beloved wife Mae are fulfilled FOUNDERS of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation. John P. Calamos was invested as Archon in 2015 and conferred with the offikion Eftaxias.
Archon John S. Koudounis is a member of the Archon National Council and is the Chair of the Investment Committee of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation. Archon Koudounis also serves on the Board of Directors for The Hellenic Initiative and the National Hellenic Museum. He is an active member of Leadership 100 and a major donor to the St. Nicholas National Shrine and the Panhellenic Scholarship Foundation. He and his cherished wife Joanne are fulfilled FOUNDERS of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation. John S. Koudounis was invested as Archon in 2016 and conferred with the offikion Eftaxias.
