His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America

Greeting at the Chrysanthemum Ball

The Metropolitan Club

New York, New York

November 12, 2021Your Grace and Reverend Fathers,

 

Mr. & Mrs. Consul General,  

Reverend Clergy, 

Archdiocesan Cathedral Philoptochos President: Stephanie Pantelides,  

Esteemed members of the Cathedral Philoptochos Board and Sisterhood, 

Chrysanthemum Ball Co-Chairs: Joanne Adams and Ourania Soumas, 

Esteemed Honoree: Dr. George Yancopoulos, 

 

Dear Friends,

I greet you all this evening with a heart filled with gratitude for the wonderful blessings of our Cathedral Family, and especially our Sisters in Christ, the gracious Ladies of Philoptochos, who have brought about once again this delightful tradition of the Chrysanthemum Ball.

This beautiful evening of fellowship and celebration is honoring a truly extraordinary person of the Diaspora, and especially our New York regional community: Dr. George Yancopoulos, co-founder, President and Chief Scientific Officer of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals

As you are well aware, less than two weeks ago, he received the prestigious Athenagoras Human Rights award from the hands of our Spiritual Father, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

And in two days’ time, he will receive more honors from St. Michael’s Home. I think it is safe to say that we see a pattern here! And one that is well deserved.

But tonight belongs to our Archdiocesan Cathedral’s beloved Ladies of Philoptochos to give due recognition and thanks to this remarkable scientist and philanthropist. For it is his love of his fellow neighbor that has energized his research and breakthroughs in bringing such benefit and relief during the midst of the pandemic.

And if anyone knows about love for one another, as our Lord Jesus Christ taught and manifested – even so far as to give up His life for the life of the world – it is our very own Philoptochos!

I now speak directly to you, though, Dr. Yancopoulos: you have, indeed, made the Omogeneia enormously proud. Not only by your accomplishments, which stand on their own. But because you have demonstrated the virtues and principles of both the Hellenic and Orthodox spirits.

That is, virtues of discipline, hard work and determination, as well as principles of self-sacrifice, service and altruism.

Our Cathedral here in New York City, and together with its Philoptochos Society in particular, know these same principles and virtues.

Thus, they have desired to honor you this evening, and to celebrate your truly life-saving achievements.

All of us hope and pray that you will achieve even more, and contribute to the common good and shared health of the human family for many more years to come.

Therefore, in closing, I extend my every blessing and good wish to you and yours, and thank the Ladies Philoptochos of our Holy Trinity Cathedral as well for giving to all of us the gift of this splendid evening, and the blessing of our fellowship in Christ.

May the Lord bless us always!