The 39th Annual Ministry Awards Dinner Celebrates Faith, Service, and Fellowship at Gillette Stadium
Monday, June 09, 2025
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The Metropolis of Boston held its 39th Annual Ministry Awards Dinner on Sunday, June 8th, bringing together over 750 faithful from across New England to Gillette Stadium for an evening of inspiration, faith, and fellowship. For nearly four decades, this cherished annual event has honored dedicated men and women who serve their parishes with humility and love. With the addition of this year’s honorees, over 1,900 individuals have now been recognized with the Metropolis Ministry Award.
The program was beautifully guided by the evening’s Master of Ceremonies, Arielle Mitropoulos, a two-time national Emmy Award-winning journalist and anchor/reporter for WMUR-TV in New Hampshire. Her presence added a thoughtful and graceful touch to the evening’s celebration.
Among the program’s highlights were several heartfelt greetings and presentations. First to speak was Jane Kourtis, President of the Metropolis Philoptochos Board who offered warm remarks and presented a generous donation of $56,450 in support of the Metropolis ministries. Fr. Thomas Chininis, President of the New England Clergy Brotherhood offered remarks on behalf of all of the clergy that serve in the Metropolis. Symeon Tegos, Consul General of Greece in Boston, conveyed his appreciation to Metropolitan Methodios for his support and spiritual leadership in the Greek-American community of New England.
The evening also celebrated the youth and future of the Church, with the Metropolis Scholarship Committee—led by Co-Chairman John Anton—awarding seven scholarships for the 2025–2026 academic year. These awards reflect the Metropolis’ ongoing commitment to nurturing both the educational and spiritual growth of its young members.
The cultural highlight of the night was the performance by the Sons and Daughters of Alexander the Great Dance Group, under the direction of George Papadopoulos. Their presentation of traditional Greek dances brought energy, pride, and joy to the gathering.
His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios offered his Archpastoral Reflections, sharing how this evening remains one of the most meaningful in the Metropolis. He emphasized that the event gives the faithful a moment to gather as one body and celebrate the remarkable individuals who give so much of themselves to their parish communities. He expressed gratitude to the clergy of the Metropolis for their faithful service and noted that, for the first time, all four parishes from the state of Maine were in attendance together.
His Eminence expressed his appreciation to the staff of the Metropolis of Boston Camp and the Metropolis. He thanked them for their tireless efforts in making this year’s Ministry Awards Dinner a success and acknowledged their year-round dedication to the ministries of the Metropolis and the vital programs of the Camp. Their commitment behind the scenes plays a pivotal role in all of our parishes.
A video presentation highlighted the mission and continued growth of the St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center. His Eminence acknowledged the leadership of Bob Badavas and Costas Sideridis, chairs of the Capital Campaign Committee, and called upon the faithful to support the vision and the vital ministry taking place at the Center.
Metropolitan Methodios also acknowledged and commended parishes that have embraced individuals who have recently converted to Orthodoxy. He described these communities as modern-day “Sycamore Trees”— where today’s Zacchaeus, can draw closer to Christ. Special recognition was given to St. Philip in Nashua, NH, Sts. Constantine and Helen in Webster, St. Luke in East Longmeadow, Holy Trinity in Portland, ME, and Holy Trinity in Concord, NH, along with all communities that have cultivated such welcoming and Christ-centered environments.
The evening’s highest honor, the Metropolitan Ministry Award, was presented to Angelo Stamoulis, a humble and faithful servant. Angelo’s love for his family is matched by his unwavering dedication to the Church. Alongside his beloved wife Barbara, Angelo has contributed countless years of service to the Metropolis, including as Metropolis Council Vice President and Treasurer, and a member of the Finance Committee. His Eminence noted that although Angelo does not seek recognition, the Metropolis is proud to offer it with heartfelt thanks and admiration.
Following this presentation, the 2025 Ministry Awards were bestowed to 69 stewards from across the Metropolis—from Connecticut to Bangor, Maine, from New Hampshire to Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The room was filled with pride and applause as honorees were recognized for their years of faithful service. The evening concluded with a strong sense of gratitude, love, and joy—a reminder of the vibrancy of the Church and the countless individuals who fill its pews, ministries, and communities with life and devotion each day.
Visit the Metropolis website to read Metropolitan Methodios’ Archpastoral Reflections, view the video of the evening’s program, and access the official program book.
Photos by Areti Bratsis and Nicholas Lazouras
Metropolitan Methodios' Archpastoral Reflections
MBC Golf Tournament Thank You (2024)
What Saint Methodios Faith and Heritage Center means to Us
Metropolis of Boston Basketball League (2025)
Ministry Awards Program Booklet