Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, National Commander of the Order of St. Andrew of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, or the Archons as they are better known, was honored with the prestigious “Man of the Year” award at HANAC’s (Hellenic American Neighborhood Action Committee) lavish 40th Annual Gala, held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York City, the venue of choice for this yearly celebration that has come to mirror in growth and success the organization’s advancement.
The entire Order of the Archons was also honored with HANAC’s “Humanitarian Award” which was presented to National Secretary John Halecky. National Treasurer James C. Fountas introduced the honorees and spoke about the Order and its mission.
Evangeline Douris, the charismatic HANAC’s Chairman, extended her congratulations to the honorees and praised their work, while expressing her gratitude to all “loyal benefactors for their unwavering support over the years, as well as “to Margo Catsimatidis, our Diner Chariman this year, for always being there for us.” She also expressed a very special thanks to all the committee members that worked for the event and “of course, Tina Kiamos, always available to direct and give us answers to our questions.”
Very Reverend Alex Karloutsos, the Archons’ Spiritual Advisor, offered the Invocation. Greek American comedian Basile was Master of Ceremony, accompanying his presentation with his staple, one of a kind humor.
The Order of St. Andrew of the Ecumenical Patriarchate was organized on the Sunday of Orthodoxy, March 10, 1966 when then Archbishop Iakovos conferred upon thirty laymen of the Church the various Offikia or Offices of the Ecumenical Patriarchate on behalf of then Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras. They were honored because of their love, loyalty and support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and their contribution to its advancement and welfare.
The Offikia for the Order of St. Andrew derive from some of the most prestigious offices of the ancient world. Originating in the Ancient Greek City-States, these civic offices were transformed when the Roman Empire embraced the Christian faith during the fourth century. As a consequence of this transition, not only were the office holders important leaders of the Christian Community, the offices themselves took on specific religious responsibilities for the service and promotion of the faith in the Roman/Byzantine Empire. The ancient order of Archons is, in fact, the oldest and most prestigious honor that can be bestowed upon a layman in the entire Christian world.
The fundamental goal of the Order of St. Andrew is directed at an ongoing concern for religious freedom and the defense and advancement of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
HANAC is a nonprofit service organization founded in Astoria, New York in 1972 by George T. Douris in response to the needs of the growing immigrant community of New York City. The mission of the agency is to develop and administer the operation of service programs for the betterment of the community and to provide these services to any and all who are needy without discrimination as to race, creed, national origin or other defining characteristic.
HANAC’s initial concern with the needs of the new immigrants, the elderly, the youth and their families, has shaped the direction and growth of its services to this day.
Based upon its performance and record of 40 years, the agency has become one of New York City’s largest and most successful multi-service organizations. HANAC provides a wide range of programs from 17 locations to diverse and multi-ethnic communities, touching the lives of over 30,000 individuals annually.
“I have been involved with HANAC since its genesis and it is very close to my heart. I know first hand how it has helped thousands of people throughout the city,” Evangeline Douris concluded.
