Archbishop Elpidophoros of America attended the Blue Dream Gala hosted by the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in the Hamptons on Saturday evening, August 24, 2024. The purpose of the annual Blue Dream Gala is to raise awareness and support charitable causes and services. This year, the gala honored Ronald McDonald House Charities, East End Fund for Children, and Reach Within.
The Archbishop was greeted by the spiritual advisors of Blue Dream, the Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne, Father Alex Karloutsos and Presvytera Xathi, and Father Constantine Lazarakis and Presvytera Anastasia Lazarakis, as well as hundreds of guests who enjoyed a lovely convivial evening while celebrating and raising funds for these worthy organizations.
In his address, the Archbishop praised the congregation, saying, “I cannot say enough how delighted I am to be a part of this year’s Blue Dream, the magnificent ministry of this extraordinary Hamptons congregation, led by this evening’s extraordinary hosts.
Of course, I am speaking of Father Alex, Presvytera Xanthi, Father Constantine and Presvytera Anastasia, and the chairs of Blue Dream: Angela Giannopoulos, Olga Karloutsos and Karen Mehiel, and co-chairs John Catsimatidis and Bruce Mosler, and all those with us tonight whose generous philanthropy makes Blue Dream the phenomenal event that it is.
The Dormition Greek Orthodox Church in the East End is a wonderful example of what it means to serve the community in which you live. Blue Dream is a wonderful way to give back in our best traditions of hospitality – φιλοξενία, as we say in Greek – and φιλανθρωπία, which literally means to show your love for your fellow man.”
Photos: John Mindala
