BROOKLYN – Three Hierarchs Greek Orthodox Church in Brooklyn honored the eminent businessman and philanthropist, Archon Ostiarion, Michael Psaros, with the Hellenic Heritage Award for his valuable contribution and service to the Church and the Greek community on Monday, January 29 in the crowded community event hall.

The ceremony took place after the vespers service for the feast day of the Three Hierarchs, which was attended by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Geron of America, assisted by the presiding priest of the community Archimandrite Eugene Pappas and many priests from the New York tri-state area.

In his address, Archbishop Demetrios described Michael Psaros as an extraordinary, Greek-American, with a great philanthropic spirit, and thanked him for his tireless efforts as Treasurer of the Archdiocesan Council to solve the economic problems faced by the Holy Archdiocese.

“Michael Psaros,” he said, “together with a group of 7 people, meet every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with the sole purpose of finding a solution to stabilize and improve the economic situation of the Archdiocese.”

Mr. Psaros, immediately after receiving his reward, warmly thanked the community of the Three Hierarchs for the great honor that they bestowed upon him, and spoke with fervor and pride about his Greek heritage and his Christian faith.

“What I am today,” he said, “I owe to the Greek-Christian ideals and values ??I was taught by my grandfather, my grandmother, and my parents. From my family, I was taught the values ??of dignity, honesty, courage, respect, humility, freedom, and justice. We Greeks are proud of our culture, history and our Orthodox Christian faith. Our Greek-Christian identity is our strength and hope for the future. It is our obligation and our duty to preserve it and spread it to the younger generations.”

The presiding priest of the community, Archimandrite Eugene Pappas, congratulated Mr. Psaros, saying the parish council’s decision to honor him for this year’s award was unanimous since his ethos and his contributions are well-known.

John Eugenis, Three Hierarchs Parish Council president, thanked the faithful whose presence honored the feast day of the church and then congratulated the honoree.

Consul General of Greece in New York Konstantinos Koutras warmly congratulated Mr. Psaros and referred to the importance and value of the Greek Letters, noting that the religious feast day of the Three Hierarchs also celebrates the Greek letters and language.

Dr. Simeon Gounardes, Chairman of the Board of Saint Basil Academy in Garrison, NY, made reference to the history of the Academy and called for the Greek community’s help and support for the best possible achievement of the Academy’s sacred mission.

Andrew Gounardes, Counsel to Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, called on the entire Hellenic community to participate in the March 25th celebrations held annually under the auspices of the Brooklyn Borough President. Mr. Gounardes also recently announced that he is running as a Democrat for New York State Senate.

At the end of the event, the Three Hierarchs Philoptochos Society presented Archbishop Demetrios with a cake for his 90th birthday, with all those in attendance wishing him many more and all the best.

Michael Psaros was honored with the Hellenic Heritage Award at Three Hierarchs Church in Brooklyn. Photo by Costas Bej

Michael Psaros was honored with the Hellenic Heritage Award at Three Hierarchs Church in Brooklyn. Photo by Costas Bej

Michael Psaros was honored with the Hellenic Heritage Award at Three Hierarchs Church in Brooklyn. Photo by Costas Bej

Michael Psaros was honored with the Hellenic Heritage Award at Three Hierarchs Church in Brooklyn. Photo by Costas Bej