Hellenism Celebrated | Greek Independence Day 2026
Greek Independence Day celebrations held across the country in March and April once again brought communities together in a powerful celebration of Hellenism, history, and national pride. From New York to Tarpon Springs, Los Angeles to Cleveland, parishes, schools, and organizations joined in honoring the enduring legacy of Greek independence and the values it represents.
Where Your Support Goes: 2026 Grant Snapshot
Because of your stewardship, Leadership 100 continues to be the bedrock of our Archdiocese’s most vital programs.
$6.5 Million in new grants approved for 2026
Key Focus: Advancing Hellenic College Holy Cross, Youth & Young Adult Ministries, and modernizing Church IT infrastructure
Lifetime Impact: Over $89M will be distributed since our inception to sustain Orthodoxy in America
Our Impact in Local Communities: Faith in Action Where It Matters Most
Across the country, Leadership 100 members continue to bring Hellenism and Orthodoxy to life through meaningful engagement in their local communities. Beyond national initiatives and grantmaking, these efforts reflect a shared commitment to showing up, serving others, and building connections through visibility, compassion, and cultural pride.
March Ministry Spotlight: Metropolis and Archdiocesan District Camps
At the heart of Leadership 100’s mission is the desire to preserve our Orthodox Faith and Hellenic Heritage for the next generation. There is perhaps no greater "laboratory for faith" than our Metropolis Summer Camps.
Hellenism Celebrated: Greek Independence Day 2026
President Donald Trump opened the doors of the White House for a spirited celebration marking the 205th Anniversary of Greek Independence Day, observed each year on March 25. This iconic reception, a tradition spanning four decades and every presidential administration, brings Greek Americans together to honor heritage, freedom, and the unshakable bond between Greece and the United States.
Leadership 100 Appoints New Executive Director
The Leadership 100 Executive Committee, meeting on Friday morning, February 27, 2026, elected Rev. Protopresbyter Panagiotis Papazafiropoulos as Executive Director of Leadership 100, with the consensus of the Board of Trustees, meeting Friday afternoon, according to Michael N. Bapis, Chairman. He will officially take office on June 1, 2026.
Leadership 100 Executive Committee Approves $6,510,700 in Grants,Total since Founding will reach $89,355,203
Meeting on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the 35th Annual Leadership 100 Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, the Leadership 100 Executive Committee approved $6,510,700 for 42 new and prior year grants for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and related and affiliated organizations, recommended by the Grant Committee, chaired by Justin Bozonelis.
Leadership 100 Inducts New Chairman, Approves $6.5 Million in Grants
The 35th Annual Leadership 100 Conference, which took place on February 5-8, 2026, at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa in Phoenix, Arizona, ended three days of momentous actions. Foremost was the transition of the Chairmanship from Demetrios G. Logothetis to Michael N. Bapis and the approval by the Executive Committee of $6.5 million for 42 new and prior year grants.
Michael Bapis elected Chairman of Leadership 100
Michael N. Bapis was born and raised in Salt Lake City, a place where being Greek Orthodox meant you belonged to something small, but so strong. The strength of his commitment to his faith is evident as he speaks with pride and love, preparing to lead Leadership 100 as it continues to grow in its mission and members.
Demetrios (Jim) G. Logothetis, Leadership 100 Chairman, has been appointed Chairman of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB)
Demetrios (Jim) G. Logothetis, Leadership 100 Chairman, has been appointed Chairman of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) effective February 10th, 2026, according to an announcement on January 30, 2026.
Paulette Poulos to Remain The Executive Director of Leadership 100
In consultation with the Executive Committee, Paulette Poulos has agreed to remain as Executive Director of the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Fund, Inc.
The Executive Committee has decided not to hire an Executive Director at this time.
Welcome to The Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Fund, Inc. at Rockefeller Center
We are pleased to announce our new address:
Leadership 100
1270 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 900
New York, NY 10020
P: 212-308-2627 F: 646-497-1794
Archbishop Demetrios: The Second Decade 2009-2019
Leadership 100 is pleased to share with you a video of the official book presentation, Archbishop Demetrios: The Second Decade 2009-2019, which took place on Thursday, June 5, 2025, under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New York City.
Leadership 100 Conference to Convene in Phoenix, Arizona
The 35th Annual Leadership 100 Conference is scheduled to convene on February 5-8, 2026, at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa in Phoenix, Arizona.
His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew To make Official Visit to the United States in September 2025
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, the Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne in America, the Clergy, and the faithful Orthodox people of the United States will joyfully welcome His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the United States for an official visit in September 2025.
Leadership 100 Hosts Farewell Dinner for Metropolitan Apostolos of Derkon, Congratulates Archbishop Elpidophoros on Sixth Anniversary of Enthronement
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America hosted a Farewell Dinner for His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of Derkon on Monday, May 12, 2025. The dinner, sponsored by Leadership 100, was held at the Metropolitan Club in New York City and offered the opportunity for members of Leadership 100 to greet the visiting Hierarch.
Mike Manatos Named Executive Director of The Hellenic Initiative
The Hellenic Initiative (THI) announced that Mike Manatos will become the organization’s Executive Director, effective May 1, 2025. Manatos is a longtime member of Leadership 100 and serves on its Executive Committee.
George Tsunis Receives Pheidippides Award for Contributions to Greek American Relations and U.S.-Greece Diplomacy
George Tsunis, the distinguished Greek American and former U.S. Ambassador to Greece, was honored with the 30th Annual prestigious Pheidippides Award by Cosmos FM Greek-American radio station in New York on April 9, 2025.
Hellenic American Academy Annual Gala
The Hellenic American Academy held its Annual Gala at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare Chicago on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
This year's gala celebrated the universal principles of Hellenism and the significance of Philia.
Philia teaches the value of shared joy, mutual respect and deep connection, principles that have been central to Hellenism and critical for guiding students towards a stronger and more compassionate society.
Greek Independence Day Celebration at WABC Radio: A Tribute to Hellenic Culture
The Greek American community in New York City came together in grand style to celebrate Greek Independence Day at the WABC Radio Headquarters, hosted by philanthropists John and Margo Catsimatidis.