AHEPA Supreme President Savas C. Tsivicos and a delegation of AHEPA Family members joined the Order of Saint Andrew in New York for the annual Archons Weeekend. During the weekend, the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate honored Yulia Navalnaya with the prestigious Athenagoras Human Rights Award, honored John G. Gumas with the Archon Sophia Award for Excellence, and honored Archon and AHEPA Member Peter J. Skeadas with the 2024 Nicholas Bouras Award for Extraordinary Archon Stewardship.
Honoree Yulia Navalnaya is a resilient and determined figure, embodying both quiet strength and unwavering courage in the face of immense personal and political challenges. As the widow of Alexei Navalny, the martyred Russian human rights advocate, she continues to honor her husband’s legacy by standing against authoritarianism and advocating for justice and freedom. Yulia has emerged as a powerful symbol of defiance, navigating her grief while remaining a steadfast voice for reform in Russia, inspiring others through her grace, dignity, and tenacity.
AHEPA National Member and Archon Peter J. Skeadas was honored at a separate event with the Nicholas J. Bouras Award for Extraordinary Archon Stewardship. Judge B. Theodore Bozonelis, a member of AHEPA Thomas Jefferson Chapter 280 in Westfield, NJ, honored him by highlighting his lifetime commitment to the Church and faith, which he said mirrored the virtues of the late Nicholas J. Bouras. Bozonelis praised Skeadas’ professional success but emphasized his dedicated service to the Church, including roles as Archon National Treasurer and National Council member.
The AHEPA Family congratulates Brother Skeadas, as well as Mrs. Navalnaya and Mr. Gumas on their prestigious honors!
Representing the AHEPA Family were Supreme Vice President Chris Kaitson, Supreme Treasurer Themistocles Frangos, AHEPA Canada President Emmanuel Constas, AHEPA Board of Trustees Chairman Nicholas A. Karacostas, PSP, BOT Vice Chairman George G. Horiates, PSP, BOT Member Carl Hollister, PSP, and DOP Grand President Margaret Dritsas.