Archbishop Iakovos Fact Sheet - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

Born on the island of Imvros, Turkey on July 29, 1911 to Maria and Athanasios Coucouzis
Given name was Demetrios
Two sisters, Virginia and Chrysanthi, and one brother, Panagiotis
Enrolled at age 15 in the Ecumenical Patriarchal Theological School at Halki

Ordained a Deacon in 1934, taking the name Iakovos (James)
Served as Deacon to Archbishop Athenagoras who later became Ecumenical Patriarch
Ordained to the priesthood in 1940 in Lowell, Massachusetts
Served churches in Connecticut, New York, and St. Louis
Appointed Dean of the Annunciation Cathedral in Boston in 1942 and served until 1954
Became a United States citizen in 1950
Ordained Bishop of Melita in 1954 by Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras
Served four years as the Patriarchal representative to the World Council of Churches

Graduated with high honors from the Ecumenical Patriarchal Theological School at Halki
Served in 1940 as assistant dean of the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Theological School
Earned a Master of Sacred Theology Degree from Harvard University in 1945
Received honorary degrees from 40 colleges and universities

Elected on February 14, 1959 by the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate as the fourth Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in the Americas
Enthroned April 1, 1959 at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in New York City
Became the spiritual and administrative leader of hundreds of Orthodox churches in North and South America
Improved parish organizations and enhanced roles of the Archdiocesan Council, the Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress, and the Ladies Philoptochos Society
Established departments of Church and Society and Youth Ministry
Expanded work of Saint Michael’s Home for the Aged and Saint Basil Academy
Founded the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund
Guided the reorganization and accreditation of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology and established Hellenic College
Established the St. Photios National Shrine in St. Augustine, FL
Retired after 37 years as Archbishop at the age of 85 on July 29, 1996

Served nine years as president of the World Council of Churches
Established dialogues with Roman Catholics, Protestants, and Jews
Founded the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas in 1960
Championed civil rights and marched with Dr. Martin Luther King in Selma, Alabama
Initiated campaign in 1974 to assist Greek Cypriot refugees following invasion of Cyprus
Friend to nine US presidents and religious and political leaders worldwide
Recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, bestowed by President Jimmy Carter on June 9, 1980
Awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 1986

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