TheLeader VOLUME XXV ISSUE2 Spring2024 - Flipbook - Page 27
Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of Philadelphia
Awards Eleftheria Medal to Archon Commander Dr. Limberakis
Constantinople. Consequently, receiving a medal of liberty is
particularly gratifying for me as National Commander of the
Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. It constitutes a
recognition from the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies
of Philadelphia and the Greater Delaware Valley of our efforts in
defense of the Sacred Center of our Holy Faith. And your
recognition is most gratefully received.”
National Commander Anthony J. Limberakis, MD is presented
with the Eleftheria Medal. (Photos by S. Lambrou)
On April 6, 2024, the Federation of Hellenic-American
Societies of Philadelphia and the Greater Delaware Valley
presented its Eleftheria Medal to Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis,
Archon Megas Aktouarios, National Commander of the
Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The Eleftheria Medal
is given annually in honor of an individual who has
perpetuated Hellenism. Dr. Limberakis and
his wife, Dr. Maria, are prominent
members of Leadership 100.
The presentation of the Medal to Dr.
Limberakis was part of the 2024 Greek
Independence Celebrations of the
Federation of Hellenic-American Societies
of Philadelphia and the Greater Delaware
Valley, which began with the Flag Raising
Ceremony at Philadelphia’s City Hall on
Friday, April 5. The elite military unit of
Greece, the Evzones (the Presidential
Guard), whose duties include guarding the
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the
Presidential Mansion, were present.
Dr. Limberakis also noted that “the Greek immigrants to this
land carried with them the DNA of the pioneers of freedom and
democracy. Of Pericles and the Archons of ancient Athens, who
included Solon, Themistocles, and Aristides the Just. Of
Constantine the Great, the first Christian Roman Emperor, who
established his great city, Constantinople, as the new capital of
the Empire. Of the Emperor Justinian, whose far-seeing legal
code served as a profound inspiration for John Adams and
Thomas Jefferson. It was through such towering figures and so
many more that ελευθερία came
to this land.”
Then on Sunday, April 7, the
Federation presented the
Philadelphia Greek Independence
Day Parade, featuring Dr.
Limberakis and Parade Grand
His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey, Marshal Archon Philip N.
Her Excellency Ekaterini Nassika, Ambassador of the Christopher, who is President of
Hellenic Republic to the United States, with National
the International Coordinating
Commander Dr. Limberakis, his wife, Dr. Maria A.
Limberakis and their family, son Anthony, his wife
Committee - Justice for Cyprus, as
Kathryn Limberakis with their children Evangeline
well as President of the
and Anthony, during the Flag Raising Ceremony
at Philadelphia's City Hall.
Pancyprian Association of
America.
The Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of Philadelphia
and the Greater Delaware Valley is the umbrella organization of
over 45 Hellenic-American associations, representing thousands
of individuals in the Greek community. Georgia Chletcos is the
President of the Organization. Archon John Vasiliou and Judge
Harry Karapalides were the co-chairs of the Parade.
The Medal was presented to Dr. Limberakis on Saturday, April
6, 2024, at the Eleftheria Medal and Dignitaries Dinner.
Archon Mike Emanuel, Washington Chief Correspondent of
FoxNews channel, served as Master of Ceremonies. At that
time, Archon Philip N. Christopher was proclaimed the Greek
Independence Day Parade Grand Marshal. His Eminence
Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey and Her Excellency
Ekaterini Nassika, Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to the
United States were in attendance.
The Federation consists of member church communities,
organizations, and societies each striving to promote the
prosperity of Hellenic Ideals.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Limberakis stated: “It is my great
honor to accept the Eleftheria Medal tonight. I do so on behalf
of every Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the United
States, as each and every Archon works tirelessly for the
protection and freedom of our Holy Mother Church of
The Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate is a devoted group
of passionate leaders, relentlessly focused on protecting religious
freedom for everyone and ensuring the future of the Ecumenical
Patriarchate – the historical spiritual center of the world’s 300+
million Orthodox Christians.
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