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Pride and a sense of community filled the room as the Hellenic Federation of New Jersey hosted its Annual Awards Gala on June 8, 2026. The evening honored George A. Tsougarakis, General Counsel of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, with the prestigious Alexander the Great Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Awards recognize outstanding service, generosity, and unwavering commitment to the Greek American community in New Jersey. The Federation also presented the Alexander the Great Community Service Award to Pan Gregorian Enterprises and the Pan Gregorian Charitable Foundation.
Tsougarakis has served as General Counsel of the Archdiocese since 2020, advising His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, as well as the Archdiocese, its Metropolises, and parishes across the nation, helping to strengthen the Church through his wisdom and care. He is also an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
“George is very worthy to receive this award because of his faithfulness to the Church, because of his dedication to the Greek American community, and because of his efforts to bring stability and justice to churches across this nation,” His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey said. “He serves his Church because he loves to be among Church people. George works very silently and very respectfully with the clergy, the hierarchs, and all the faithful in our parishes.”
Representing Archbishop Elpidophoros, His Grace Bishop Nektarios of Diokleia, National Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, thanked the Federation for the support and the encouragement to the Metropolis of New Jersey.
“I know George by working closely together at the Archdiocese, and his integrity, expertise and faithfulness, are exemplary and indeed merit your Lifetime Achievement Award,” Bishop Nektarios said. “Personally, it is a great honor to be present here for him, as I consider him a friend.”
Hellenic Federation President Dr. Panos Stavrianidis also praised Archon Tsougarakis, noting, that his intellect, humor, and lifelong contributions have long inspired admiration among his peers. “He truly deserves everything,” Dr. Stavrianidis said.
Also attending and offering remarks were Consul General of Cyprus in New York Mr. Kyriakos Pogiatzis: Consul of Greece to New York Petros Dorizas: and Andrew Comodromos, Founding President of the Hellenic Federation of New Jersey. Archon Tsougarakis was also joined by family and many friends, including his wife Eva, also an attorney; his mother and sister; fellow community members from St. John the Theologian Cathedral in Tenafly; distinguished members of Pan Gregorian; and many others.
In a touching moment, Archon Tsougarakis’s daughter, Kira, herself an attorney, introduced her father, speaking personally of being raised in a home where she experienced the commitment of her parents to family, Greek Orthodoxy and Hellenism.
In accepting the award, Archon Tsougarakis humbly reflected on those who have shaped his life and service.
“Promoting, preserving, and protecting Hellenic culture is easy to do when your best friends are doing it,” Archon Tsougarakis said. “All of the Hellenes throughout my life have influenced me, but there has been no greater impact than these past seven years serving the Archdiocese as its General Counsel … I have had a front-row seat to true Hellenism. Every day, our Archdiocese adds to the rich tapestry of Hellenic culture in this country.”
“Hellenism is not just an ideal—it is a call to serve and uplift our community,” Archon Tsougarakis continued. “When I reflect on why I am worthy of this award, I realize it is so I can stand in a room like this, look at all of you, and say thank you. You are the ones who have preserved and advanced our traditions. You have nurtured the bonds that unite us. You are the answer, my friends—each and every one of you.”
“Let us continue to inspire future generations to embrace their heritage with pride and to write the story of our Hellenic legacy with passion, purpose, and unwavering dedication. You are worthy—Axios, Axios, Axios,” Archon Tsougarakis said.
The Federation also celebrated the next generation, awarding scholarships to Zoe Stella Mylonakis, Alyson Michaels, Valentina Francesca Malo, and Rafaella Foteni Lambrinos, who recently interned with Archon Tsougarakis at the Archdiocese. “Interning with George was the most inspiring and formative experience of my undergraduate career. He is generous and is someone who connects people and offers them a place where they are encouraged to grow, which is so important, especially for young people stepping into new spaces.”
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