Father Alexander Karloutsos will be among 17 recipients of the US Presidential Medal of Freedom this week, according to a statement issued by the White House.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honour in the United States. It is presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values or security of the US, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavours.
Father Karloutsos retired last year as the vicar general of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
In his over 50 years of service as a priest, Father Karloutsos provided counsel to several US Presidents and was named by His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew as a Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
In a post on Twitter after the announcement, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America said Father Karloutsos’ award “is a cause for rejoicing and pride for every Greek.”
“A priest, son of a priest, and a son of Greece – he has made the Church worldwide very proud indeed. Axios!” the Archbishop said.
Father Karloutsos is among a prestigious list of award recipients including actor, Denzel Washington, gymnast, Simone Biles, and soccer star, Megan Rapinoe. Apple founder, Steve Jobs, will also be awarded posthumously.
The awards will be presented at the White House on July 7, 2022.
