Following his attendance at the Divine Liturgy at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Silver Spring on the morning of January 19, 2025, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America participated in a reception held in his honor at the St. Regis Hotel in Washington, DC.
At the reception, His Eminence presented several individuals with the Medal of St. Paul, the highest recognition of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America: John Catsimatidis, Deputy US Secretary of State-designate Michael Rigas, White House Science & Technology Director-designate Michael Kratsios, Congresswoman Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, and Nevada Lt. Governor Stavros Anthony.
Addressing the awardees and other reception attendees, His Eminence explained that while the award is given “when an individual demonstrates exemplary leadership and dedication – whether at the local Parish level or on the National Stage,” today’s honorees are characterized by “both their national significance, and their resolve for their local constituencies.”
Special guests and hosts included U.S. Ambassador to Greece-designate Kimberley Guilfoyle, John Catsimatidis, Michael Psaros, John Georges, John Payiavlas, and Savas Tsivicos. To thank Ms. Guilfoyle for her upcoming service, His Eminence presented her with a silver-embossed icon of our Lord Jesus Christ as the True Vine.
Photo: Orthodox Observer/Dimitrios Panagos