“We’re Back!” Annunciation G.O. Church’s Annual Stewardship & Mistletoe Gala

by Chris Salboudis

On Saturday December 3, 2022, after a two-year hiatus resulting from the pandemic, the immediate and extended community of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of New York gathered at the Harvard Club for the long-anticipated annual Stewardship and Mistletoe Young Professional Galas. This two-part black-tie event serves as a means of promoting fellowship within the Greek-American community and raising critical funds needed for the maintenance of the parish and its diverse ministries.

Gala Committee Photo (from Father Sotirios Michalatos): Top Row (left to right): Nicholas Sakellariadis, Julie Sakellariadis, Maria Vissas, Angela Geras, Chloe Politis, Niki Devaris, Vicki Politis, Paul Politis, Alexandra Devaris, Stacey Nicolas, Tony Antonopoulos, Yanni Metaxas, Chrysanthy Panagos, Eleana Panagos, Anthea Dagiantis. Bottom Row (left to right): George J. Kostas, Kassandra Romas, Rev. Father Sotiros Michalatos, Presvytera Katherine Michalatos.; PHOTO: ETA PRESS

The event, which supports the iconic church located on the corner of 91^st Street and West End, welcomed over 700 guests at the picaresque venue. Guests were filled with good cheer as they danced the night away to the tunes performed by the Dean Vail Orchestra (https://bounce-us.com/about-us) in the main dining hall and DJ Bobby Karounos (https://spartansounds.com/index.html) around the enormous Christmas tree.

Yianni Manuel, Katherine Rigano, Demi Louros, Yianni Karangelen, Stacie Zimaras, James Maccone; PHOTO: ETA PRESS

George J. Kostas, President of Annunciation Parish Council, served as MC for the event, offering a warm welcome to the assembled parea. “We’re back!” he began, which met with a roaring round of applause, followed by his heartfelt expression of humble thanks to the assembly. Mr. Kostas ended his welcome with an invitation to the assembly to visit and join in on the available activities offered at Annunciation. “I’d like you to take the journey to the corner of 91^st street and visit us…. We have something for everybody…. The amazing thing about our parish is that always brings me joy is that it’s open every day of the week, all year round. There’s always something going on, so I want you to come and see that… and hope it will enrich your life as much as it has enriched mine.”

Sophia Tsilerides, Victoria Pappas, Angelina Medina, Christina Fileas, Fotini Mamos, Demi Louros, Sotiria Pateroulakis (Maids of Athena Bayside Chapter); PHOTO: ETA PRESS

“We’re back!” is a sentiment that has resounded with every heartfelt outreach effort by Gala Chair Kassandra Romas, who led the efforts for the evening’s events with unprecedented success.

It’s important to note that in 2020 a valiant attempt to boost community morale Annunciation had hosted virtual galas during the pandemic under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Chrysostomos Gilbert (currently Dean of the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity and former presiding priest at Annunciation), Mrs. Romas and her committee, with special performances by DJ. Bobby Karounos (Owner, Spartan Sounds), Vassilis Anastasiou (aka Singer/Director So Tiri), comedian Ellen Karis and John Livanos (Founder, Stray Dog Wild Gin). This year, when asked how it felt to be back at the gala, DJ Bobby shared, “It feels amazing to be here celebrating… to see everybody’s smiling faces. We’re looking forward to celebrating from Annunciation tonight. I’m truly honored to be back.”

Rev. Father Sotirios Michalatos with wife, Presvytera Katerina Michalatos; PHOTO: ETA PRESS

Now, in 2022, despite uncertain odds, the event sold out in record time, a fact that reflects the Greek and Greek American community’s appreciation for this special annual celebration of faith and unity. When asked how it felt to be back, Mr. Kostas shared, “There was an electric aura in the room… people were excited and happy to be back and it was reflected in the spirit of true joy, camaraderie and celebration….The fact that it took three years to get back together again both made it a success in the attendance and in the actual celebration. It was fantastic. We’re looking forward to next year being bigger, better and much more well received. Both sides, the Mistletoe and Stewardship Galas, seamlessly moved together as the night evolved. It was the first time I can remember that, when the doors were opened, we had a rush of people come in to the Stewardship side… perhaps because the music stared a bit earlier and everyone was dying to start dancing… they didn’t want to wait. It was a first.”

Greg Gounardes & Andrea Giavroutas; PHOTO: ETA PRESS

It was particularly moving to see that both Rev. Father Sotirios Michalatos (presiding over the Annunciation family since September 2021) and Rev. Father Gilbert (representing Archbishop Elpidophoros this year) were in attendance among the parishioners who have grown to know and appreciate them both.

“We’ve taken a two-year hiatus from our Stewardship & Mistletoe Galas and it is so good to be back here at the Harvard Club,” says Father Michalatos, expressing his gratitude at being the presiding priest at Annunciation. “This gala has been a great fundraiser for our church community and could not be possible without the hard work of so many individuals who make up the fabric of our beloved church family….Tonight our church raises funds to keep our community sustainable, but it’s also a night to gather in fellowship with one another… a night to come together in true annunciation spirit with our beloved friends to celebrate all of God’s blessings.” Father extends special thanks to many members of the parish who were seminal in the collaborative preparations for the event and affiliated meetings, outreach and more. “I’m so grateful for everyone’s God-given talents and for putting them to use. But always at our helm, our tireless leader steering the ship, is our Chairwoman, Kassandra Romas.” Another resounding applause from the assembly for Mrs. Romas, who has been Chair for the past 18 years. Next, Father Michalatos recognized the efforts of Nick and Julie Sakellariadis, the Harvard Alum who helped establish this mission and “…are pillars within the Annunciation community for many, many years, seeing that many projects and renovations got completed under their watchful eyes…. They have an ability to make everyone feel like they’re a part of their family, which is a beautiful, beautiful thing.” Finally, Father offers his thanks to Annunciation’s administrative team, the many families and the Parish Council members who work tirelessly year-round to ensure that every aspect of daily, weekly and seasonal activities all run smoothly, lending their time, wisdom and experience to all aspects of Annunciation’s ongoing missions and initiatives. “And now,” Father concludes, “you are all a part of our church family….”

(Left to right) George Kostas (Parish Council President) with wife Zoe, Dena Skeadas (Gala Liaison), Prof. Chris Salboudis (Founder, Philo4Thought); PHOTO: ETA PRESS

In a show of support for the Hellenic young professional community were members of several organizations, including: Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce, Hellenic Medical Society, HABA, National Hellenic Student Association of America, Philo4Thought, etc.

Father Evagoras Constantinides, Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne by His Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Director of Special Events, shared that “Annunciation has really taken the church dance to a whole new level. The gala is not just an event for a parish but has truly turned into THE social event of Greek America in New York. Tonight, I’ve seen friends not just from New York, but Kansas City, Chicago, Florida, and all over the country to be at this event! Congratulations to Annunciation! We wish Father Sotiri and his entire community many, many more years!”

Anthony Orisses (Founding CEO, Rare Cut); PHOTO: ETA PRESS

“It was wonderful to be together to celebrate our 18th annual Stewardship & Mistletoe Galas. I was overjoyed to see our beloved community partake in this highly anticipated event and celebrate our faith in Christ.” says Father Michalatos. The 2023 Gala is set for Saturday, December 2^nd. See you there!