Fr. Alex Karloutsos Elevated to Megas Protopresbyteros

Fr. Alex Karloutsos kisses his wife, Xanthi, after being elevated to the rank of Megas Protopresbyteros. Photo: Aaron Hickman/UOJ

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — After the Patriarchal Orthros and Divine Liturgy at the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons on Sunday morning, the parish Proistamenos and Protopresbyter, Fr. Alex Karloutsos, as well the members of the parish, were surprised with two different announcements by Pat. Bartholomew.

Following his homily, His Holiness pointed at Fr. Alex then gestured in front of the throne, telling him to come stand there. It was then announced to an emotional Karloutsos that he was being elevated to Megas Protopresbyteros of the Holy and Great Church of Christ. In other words, he is now the first priest under the Patriarchate of Constantinople – a title that only one can have at any given time. This title was most recently held by Fr. George Tsetsis, who reposed in 2023.

Photo: Aaron Hickman/UOJ

After kissing the Patriarch’s hand and expressing his thanks, Fr. Alex walked over to hug Abp. Elpidophoros before calling up his wife, Xanthi, to the solea and embracing her.

This announcement was not the only significant one, though, as just after Pat. Bartholomew announced that the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church was being elevated to the status of Cathedral, with Fr. Alex to serve as its dean. Karloutsos serves the parish with his son-in-law, Fr. Constantine Lazarakis, with Lazarakis essentially handling pastoral duties as Fr. Alex is retired. Despite this, Fr. Alex maintains his political outreach and fundraising work for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the Ecumenical Patriarchate in many ways.

Photo: Aaron Hickman/UOJ

“The arduous labors that have taken place here in the Hamptons under loving and watchful ministries have breathed new life into this Orthodox Christian family, and made it a vital portion of the spiritual life of the East End,” Pat. Bartholomew said. “Therefore, at the entreaty of His Eminence, Abp. Elpidophoros, your archpastor, we are elevating this parish to be the Dormition Cathedral of the East End of Long Island, with all the prestige and dignity that our naming confers upon it.”

Fr. Alex, who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from former President Joe Biden in 2022 and considers him to be his closest friend, is a controversial yet undeniably influential figure in worldwide Orthodoxy. Accomplishing feats like lobbying for Turkey to allow necessary updates to the Phanar, helping secure necessary work on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, fundraising $55 million in 55 days for the St. Nicholas National Shrine, and even fundraising for the early 2000s trip of Pat. Alexy II of Moscow, Pat. Kirill’s predecessor, to the United States, Fr. Alex has often worked more as a political operative than a priest.

Photo: Aaron Hickman/UOJ

More on his life can be read in Matthew Namee of Orthodox History’s multi-part series, the first installment of which can be found here.

Photo: Aaron Hickman/UOJ

Previously, UOJ reported that a Patriarchal Orthros and Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons Sunday morning.

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