Skopelos Honors Native Son, AHI President Larigakis, for Service to Hellenism
Mayor of Skopelos Stamatis Perissis presenting Larigakis with the honorary plaque.
No. 59
WASHINGTON — The Municipality of Skopelos honored Skopelos native and American Hellenic Institute (AHI) President and CEO Nick Larigakis during a special ceremony held August 13, 2026, recognizing his longstanding service to Hellenism, advocacy for Greece and Cyprus, and efforts to strengthen relations between the United States and Greece.
The recognition was especially meaningful for Larigakis, who was born in Glossa, Skopelos, and spent his early childhood on the island before immigrating with his family to the United States. Held at the Orpheus Cinema-Theater in Skopelos, the event brought together government, diplomatic, military, religious and community leaders to recognize Larigakis' contributions and connection to the island.
Skopelos Mayor Stamatios Perissis presented Larigakis with an honorary plaque on behalf of the municipality. He also presented Larigakis with a collector's edition published by the Municipality of Skopelos celebrating the island's traditional costume and cultural heritage.
“Nick Larigakis is one of our own. A man who, no matter how far away he lived or how many important things he achieved, never forgot where his journey began. And Nick’s starting point is right here—it is Glossa, Skopelos,” Mayor Perissis said. “We honor his contribution to Greece, to Hellenism of the diaspora, and to the promotion of Greek and Greek-American relations on an international level. Yet for us here in Skopelos, Nick will always remain Nick from Glossa—our own Nick. His story is proof that great journeys can begin from small places.”
“This is an extraordinary honor because it comes from a place that has always remained a part of who I am,” Larigakis said. “The values my parents instilled in me, my faith, my love for Greece and my appreciation for the opportunities afforded to my family in the United States have guided me throughout my life. I am deeply grateful to Mayor Perissis, the Municipality of Skopelos and everyone who made this evening so meaningful.”
Leaders Recognize Larigakis' Contributions
Among those attending the ceremony were Ambassador of Greece to the United States Antonios Alexandridis; French National Assembly Member Marietta Karamanli, representing the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association; AHI Foundation President Leon Andris; AHI Athens Chapter President and retired Vice Admiral Vasileios Kyriazis; representatives of the Hellenic Armed Forces; and local and regional government officials.
Mayor Perissis, Karamanli, Ambassador Alexandridis, Archimandrite Alexios Papastamopoulos and Vice Admiral Kyriazis delivered remarks recognizing Larigakis' decades of advocacy and his work to advance U.S.-Greece relations and issues important to the Hellenic American community.
Among the distinguished guests was Ambassador of Greece to the United States, Antonis Alexandridis, who delivered remarks in tribute to Mr. Larigakis. Ambassador Alexandridis praised Larigakis as "a patriot" whose "patriotism is pure, uncompromising, unapologetic," recalling that Larigakis was among the first to welcome him to Washington. He also expressed his appreciation for Mr. Larigakis’s generosity in sharing his invaluable knowledge, experience, and advice concerning Washington, as well as matters of particular importance to Greece and Cyprus. Concluding his speech, Ambassador Alexandridis expressed his appreciation for Mr. Larigakis’ service and partnership, stating, “it is my honor to serve with you in Washington D.C., I thank you so much.”
Written greetings also were received from U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle; His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America; Greek Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ioannis Michael Loverdos; members of the Hellenic Parliament; and other government and military leaders.
Ambassador Guilfoyle recognized Larigakis’ longstanding advocacy for the bilateral relationship.
“Nick has been one of the most steadfast and effective champions of the United States-Greece relationship. He has never simply advocated for this partnership; he has fought for it, built it, and defended it, year after year, with a tenacity and clarity of purpose that few can match,” she said.
Archbishop Elpidophoros recognized the breadth and longevity of Larigakis’ service to Hellenism.
“For nearly four decades, through your dedicated ministry at the American Hellenic Institute and elsewhere, you have worked tirelessly for the sake of the Greek-American community, promoting issues of vital importance for Greece, Cyprus and the Ecumenical Patriarchate,” Archbishop Elpidophoros said.
Deputy Minister Loverdos highlighted Larigakis’ role in strengthening Greece’s voice in the United States and advancing the relationship between the two countries.
“Today, Skopelos is not just honoring a distinguished member of the diaspora. It honors a man who became an ambassador for Greece, a patriot who proved that the power of the diaspora can be transformed into power for the Nation. With consistency and tireless effort, Nick Larigakis promotes the just causes of Greece and Cyprus, strengthens the strategic relationship between Greece and the United States, and keeps the Greek voice alive in the decision-making centers of Washington,” Loverdos said.
Gen. Dimitris Choupis, Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, credited Larigakis with helping establish “a framework of mutual trust and strategic convergence” supporting growing U.S.-Greece defense and security cooperation.”
Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Elias Leontaris, former commander of the Hellenic First Army and former chief of the Cyprus National Guard, praised Larigakis’ commitment to Greece and Cyprus, saying, “You never sought personal recognition. You always placed Greece first. You always stood firmly by Cyprus. You always served Hellenism.”
Vice Admiral (Ret.) Vasileios Kyriazis, president of AHI's Athens Chapter, highlighted Larigakis’ nearly four decades of service to AHI and his work in Washington, saying he had demonstrated “how a deep personal bond with the homeland can be transformed into a powerful force for the defense of Hellenic and Cypriot national rights.”
The entire ceremony can be viewed on the AHI YouTube channel.
A Homecoming to Skopelos
A tribute video presented during the ceremony traced Larigakis' journey from his childhood years in Greece to his leadership of AHI and his decades of advocacy in Washington.
The ceremony was organized by Elisavet Makaratzi on behalf of the Municipality of Skopelos.