Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, National Commander of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, began the evening by informing those in attendance that the Bouras Award Dinner was the traditional kickoff event of Archon Weekend. “All morning long,” he stated, “new Archons have had Boot   Camp to learn how to be Archons like Nicholas J. Bouras.” Listing some of   Archon Bouras of blessed memory’s accomplishments, Dr. Limberakis stated that   Archons try to emulate him from alpha to omega.

The Hon. B. Theodore Bozonelis, National Vice   Commander of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and trustee of the   Nicholas J. and Anna K. Bouras Foundation, then offered a toast to Archon   Peter and Aphrodite Skeadas, noting their “lifetime commitment of service to   our faith,” which he said “exemplifies all the attributes of Nicholas J.   Bouras.” He repeated the memorial tribute given by His All-Holiness   Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who described Archon Bouras’ humility and   philanthropy in this way: “He was righteous in his ways, generous in his   heart, faithful in his soul, and noble in his spirit.” This applied, said   Judge Bozonelis, to Archon Skeadas as well.

Judge Bozonelis also said that while Archon Skeadas had achieved great professional success both as an engineer and in restaurant and real estate investment, what was always most important to him was his service to the Church in numerous arenas and multiple capacities, including as Archon National Treasurer and member of the Archon National Council.

“In his righteousness and humility, “said Judge Bozonelis, “Archon Peter embodies the legacy of Nicholas J. Bouras.” Judge Bozonelis then led the attendees in three wholehearted cries of Άξιος!

The son of Archon Peter and Aphrodite, Nicholas P. Skeadas, thanked Dr. Limberakis and the Archons for their service and dedication. He praised their dedication in working to meet the global challenges facing the Greek Orthodox Church, and to relieve the plight of the faithful in areas in which practicing the faith had become more difficult. Then Nicholas Skeadas’ sister, Constantina Skeadas, spoke fondly and movingly about her childhood, saying that her father was a “truly remarkable man.”

Archon Skeadas, in his remarks, stated that he was humbled and honored, albeit undeserving of such recognition. He stated: “My narrative is ordinary, much like yours.” He recounted his early life in East Harlem and Yonkers, and his time at Prophet Elias Church in Yonkers, where he met Aphrodite. Archon Skeadas told the rapt crowd of the young couple’s experiences living in Cape Town, South Africa, when he worked in the oil industry, and his disgust at the apartheid system that prevailed in that country in those years. He recounted their return to the U.S., early days in the restaurant business, and meeting with Archbishop Iakovos of blessed memory, who had a lasting influence on both Archon Peter and Aphrodite.

In his Archepiscopal Acclamation, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros declared: “This evening is an auspicious and blessed event, for it calls to mind the memory of a great man, and we remember him by honoring a man with a similar dedication to service. He explained that Archon Skeadas’ offikion, Hieromnimon, which was chosen for him by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew himself, was highly significant. Hiero, His Eminence explained, means “one who is consecrated.” This was fitting, he said, addressing Archon Peter, as “you take very seriously your role in the Church.” His Eminence added that mnimon, meanwhile, means “one who holds the memory, a spiritual archivist, if you will.” He stated that no corner of the Church has not been touched by Archon Peter’s service and wisdom. “You are a leader,” His Eminence concluded. “You are most worthy to receive the Nicholas J. Bouras Award.”