Archbishop Elpidophoros of America attended the Blue Dream Gala hosted by the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons on Saturday evening, August 24, 2024. The purpose of the annual Blue Dream Gala is to raise awareness and also support for deserving charities and causes. This year the Gala honored Ronald McDonald House Charities, East End Fund for Children, and Reach Within.
Welcoming the Archbishop were Spiritual Advisors of Blue Dream Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne Fr. Alex Karloutsos and Presvytera Xathi and Fr. Constantine Lazarakis and Presvytera Anastasia Lazarakis along with hundreds of guests who enjoyed a beautiful evening of fellowship while celebrating and raising funds for these worthy organizations.
In his remarks, the Archbishop praised the community, saying, “I cannot emphasize enough how pleased I am to be present this year for Blue Dream, the amazing ministry of this extraordinary Parish of the Hamptons, led by the extraordinary hosts of this evening.
Of course, I speak of Father Alex, Presvytera Xanthi, Father Constantine and Presvytera Anastasia, and the chairs of Blue Dream: Angela Giannopoulos, Olga Karloutsos, and Karen Mehiel, as well Co-Chairs John Catsimatidis and Bruce Mosler, and all those who are with us tonight, whose generous philanthropy makes Blue Dream the phenomenal event that it is.
The Dormition Greek Orthodox Church serving the East End is a marvelous example of what it means to be in service to the community you inhabit. Blue Dream is such a wonderful way to give back in our best traditions of hospitality – φιλοξενία, as we say in Greek – and φιλανθρωπία, which literally means manifesting your love for your fellow human being.”
Photos: John Mindala
