Archon Michael Psaros Receives Nicholas J. Bouras Award for Extraordinary Archon Stewardship
Hundreds filled the Trianon Ballroom of the Hilton New York to honor Archon Michael Psaros as he received the 2022 Nicholas J. Bouras Award for Extraordinary Archon Stewardship from the Order of St. Andrew Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of America on Friday, October 7, 2022. The Award is bestowed each year by the Archons to honor and recognize one Archon for their contributions to the mission of the organization.
National Commander of the Order of St. Andrew Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, Archon Aktouarios, welcomed everyone and read from a letter from His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew specifically for the occasion. In his letter, the Ecumenical Patriarch congratulated the Archons for choosing Michael Psaros to receive this year’s award,stating, “In your selection of Michael G. Psaros, Archon Ostiarios of the Great Church of Christ, you have distinguished the Order once again. Through his faith, devotion, and dedication to the Mother Church, Archon Michael has shown himself to be the exemplification of the very best in filial piety, a pietas worthy of Aeneas himself. His many benefactions to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, to the Order of Saint Andrew, to the Holy Archdiocese of America, and to the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine, all manifest a deep love and commitment that exceeds even his extraordinary success in industry.”
Mr. Nicholas J. Tranto, Archon Protoekdikos, uncle and koumbaro of Mr. Psaros spoke passionately about Mr. Psaros’ generosity to so many organizations and the love that the Psaros family has for Orthodoxy and Hellenism. Mr. Tranto described Mr. Psaros’ humble beginnings in Weirton, West Virginia, stating that he continues to contribute to the church in Weirton and has founded Evyenia's House of Hope in honor of his grandmother. His All-Holiness visited the Home during his visit to the United States last fall.
With humility, Mr. Psaros graciously accepted the award, stating, “I thank my brother Archons, defenders of the faith, men who I respect and admire more than anyone, for this recognition.
From our standpoint, our family is receiving the Bouras Award for simply doing what is right and what is expected of us. We are blessed, and with that blessing comes a moral obligation to give. My family believes, as it is said in Luke, ‘For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required.’ We believe, as St. John Chrysostom said, ‘The rich man is not one who has much, but one who gives much away. For what he gives away remains his forever.’ He also thanked his family, and recognized his wife, Robin as “his partner in life but also in our philanthropy endeavors”, saying that while he may be the public face of their partnership, they are a team.”
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America offered his Archiepiscopal Exhoration for the auspicious occasion stating, “Archon Michael: I address you directly, not that you are in need of any exhortation from anyone; for your enthusiasm and devotion to the Order of Saint Andrew and to the Church are manifest in everything you do.
Indeed, your dedication is in evidence on every level of Church life – foremost in your support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Your generosity over time, and in particular during the Apostolic Visit of His All-Holiness last year, was vital to the success of the trip. But there is so much more, that I hesitate to make a list, as I am afraid of leaving something out. I know that even when you fill in the gaps, and make possible various events in the life of the Church, it is not for the sake of display.”
After the program, the guests enjoyed dinner and dancing.
