The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America will honor former Archbishop Demetrios at Archbishop Elpidophoros’ Nameday Gala on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 6 p.m. at Pier Sixty, Chelsea Piers, in Manhattan. Proceeds from the event will support scholarships for children attending Greek Orthodox summer camps.
Archbishop Elpidophoros informed his predecessor of the planned tribute during a telephone call on February 1, when Demetrios celebrated his 98th birthday. The Archdiocese announced the tribute that same day.
Born in Thessaloniki, Greece, Archbishop Demetrios led the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America from 1999 until his retirement in May 2019, overseeing its parishes and ministries across the United States. A biblical scholar and theologian, he previously taught at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Massachusetts, and Harvard Divinity School.
The annual gala marks Archbishop Elpidophoros’ nameday on November 2, the feast of Saint Elpidophoros, whose name he bears. Since 2023, the gathering has raised money for the Archdiocesan Youth Summer Camp Scholarship Fund, which helps families cover the cost of Orthodox summer camps throughout the United States and at Ionian Village in Greece.
According to the Archdiocese, 275 young people received camp scholarship assistance in 2024. That number increased to 310 scholarships in 2025, with more of the Archdiocese’s Metropolises participating in the grant program.
Individual tickets for the November 2 gala are listed at $400, with tables, sponsorships, and donation opportunities also available. Further information is available through the official gala website.
Please confirm event details with the organizers before attending, as dates, times, locations, and registration information may change.