His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America

Greeting at the Saint Michael’s Home Nameday Gala

The Metropolitan Club

New York, New York

November 14, 2021

 

Your Grace Bishop Andonios of Phasiane and dear Reverend Fathers,

Board President Mihaltses and Trustees of Saint Michael’s Home,

Gala Chair, Efthalia Katos,

Esteemed Honoree, Dr. George Yancopoulos,

Beloved Friends,

I am delighted that for the third time in as many weeks, we are gathering as a community to honor Dr. George Yancopoulos, co-founder, President and Chief Scientific Officer of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.

Tonight’s occasion is the Annual Saint Michael’s Home Nameday Gala, which benefits this sixty-two-year-old precious Institution of our Sacred Archdiocese, serving our revered and respected elders in their latter years. Sharing the name of the holy and visionary Archbishop Michael of blessèd memory, Saint Michael’s Home celebrates the Synaxis of the Heavenly Powers, led by Archangel Michael, whose name means “Who is like God?”

What a wonderful invoking of the marvels of our Creator this evening, even as we celebrate and praise a person who is dedicated to the discovery of the therapeutics that abound in the created world.

As you are all aware, Dr. Yancopoulos received the Athenagoras Human Rights award from His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew just a little over two weeks ago. And only two days ago, the Philoptochos of our Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity honored him at their annual Chrysanthemum Ball.

But tonight, the coda to our laureate’s praise by his own community falls to St. Michael’s Home, with the Archangel Michael Award. And I believe that this is the most fitting of all, because the beneficiaries of Dr. Yancopoulos’ have been the elderly, those who are the most vulnerable to the pandemic’s ill effects.

We are, indeed, very grateful for his contributions to the health and the wellbeing of our fellow human beings, something that stands at the core of the mission of Saint Michael’s Home.

This institution is not merely about paying back those who came before us, with the care and comfort that every senior deserves. This institution pays it forward, too – demonstrating to generations yet to be born how to care and how to manifest the love of God for all people.

All of you who have gathered here this evening are part of both sides of this equation. Your generosity tonight – and throughout the year – provides for a better future for those who have granted us a glorious past.

And so, may the Lord always grant that we can keep and prosper Saint Michael’s Home, for the good estate of our precious seniors, and for the glory of His Holy Name. Thank you!