40th Annual Metropolis of Boston Ministry Awards Dinner Celebrates Faithful Service Across New England

Sunday, June 14, 2026

BOSTON, MA – The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston gathered on Sunday, June 14, at Agganis Arena in Boston for the 40th Annual Metropolis of Boston Ministry Awards Dinner, a milestone celebration honoring the dedicated service, commitment, and love of faithful parishioners throughout New England.

More than 800 clergy, honorees, family members, and friends attended the sold-out event, which recognized 73 dedicated parishioners from 54 parishes across the Metropolis of Boston. These men and women were honored for their countless hours of volunteer service and their steadfast commitment to the life and ministries of their local parishes and the Church.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Metropolitan’s Award to Rev. Fr. Peter Chamberas and Rev. Fr. Andrew George, two beloved clergymen whose decades of faithful ministry have touched countless lives throughout New England. Through their pastoral leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication, they have embraced and nurtured the faithful entrusted to their care, serving as examples of Christian love and devotion.

Guests were welcomed with greetings from Jane Kourtis, President of the Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos Board; Rev. Fr. Thomas Chininis, President of the Clergy Brotherhood; and The Honorable Symeon Tegos, Consul General of Greece in Boston. In his remarks, Consul General Tegos offered a heartfelt farewell to the community as he concludes his service in New England, expressing his gratitude for the friendships and memories formed during his four years of service.

The evening was guided by Masters of Ceremonies Nick Antonakas and Maria Wilson, whose warmth and professionalism contributed to the celebration throughout the program.

The Metropolis Scholarship Committee, led by Nicholas Kourtis and John Anton, presented eight scholarships through the St. George Hellenic Benefit Society of Tsamantas, Greece Scholarship Fund and the Charles C. Condes Memorial Scholarship Fund, recognizing outstanding young people and encouraging their continued academic and spiritual growth.

Attendees were also treated to a beautiful cultural presentation by the Sons and Daughters of Alexander the Great Dance Group, whose performance showcased the rich traditions and heritage of Hellenism.

During the program, Panos Coufos, Executive Director of the Saint Methodios Faith and Heritage Center, shared an inspiring presentation on the Center’s Legacy Campaign, an initiative established to expand the facilities and ensure that future generations will continue to benefit from the ministries of the Metropolis of Boston Camp and the many programs hosted at the Saint Methodios Faith and Heritage Center.

In his Archpastoral remarks, Metropolitan Methodios reflected on the significance of the 40th anniversary of the Ministry Awards Dinner. He emphasized that the strength and vitality of the Metropolis and its parishes are rooted in the love, dedication, hard work, and commitment of the thousands of faithful men and women who have served their communities throughout the years.

His Eminence also highlighted another significant milestone: the 40th Anniversary of the Philoxenia House, established in 1986 as a ministry of Christian love and hospitality. He noted that every year Orthodox Christians and their families travel to Boston seeking medical treatment at the city’s world-renowned hospitals. The Philoxenia House provides these guests with a welcoming home, offering comfort and support during some of life’s most challenging moments.

Metropolitan Methodios shared that guests have come from Greece, Cyprus, Georgia, Albania, Russia, Ukraine, and throughout the United States. He noted that during the past month alone, the Philoxenia House has welcomed families from Georgia and Ukraine who arrived seeking hope and comfort during difficult times. Through the generosity of countless volunteers and benefactors, these families found not merely a place to stay, but a true home away from home—a place of rest, dignity, peace, and Christian love.

As the Metropolis of Boston celebrates forty years of honoring faithful stewardship and service, the evening served as a powerful reminder that the Church continues to flourish through the sacrificial love and dedication of its clergy, parishioners, volunteers, and benefactors who faithfully live the Gospel each day.