Hellenic Women’s Club to Honor Metr. Methodios at Sold-Out 90th Mistletoe Ball

BOSTON, MA – The Hellenic Women’s Club, EOK will honor His Eminence Methodios, Metropolitan of Boston at its sold-out 90th Anniversary Mistletoe Ball on Saturday, November 28, at the historic Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston. The special tribute will recognize Metropolitan Methodios on the occasion of his 80th birthday, celebrated November 19, as well as his extraordinary longstanding leadership, dedication, and contributions to the Greek Orthodox community throughout New England and beyond.

For more than four decades, Metropolitan Methodios has served as a spiritual leader, shepherd and steadfast advocate for the faithful, helping shape and strengthen the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston through his vision, commitment to ministry, educational initiatives and tireless service. His leadership has touched generations of Greek Orthodox families, clergy, young people and community members, leaving a lasting impact on the religious, educational, cultural and philanthropic life of the region.

Born George Tournas on November 19, 1946, in New York City, Metropolitan Methodios dedicated his life to theological education and service to the Greek Orthodox Church. He earned degrees from Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, followed by a Master of Sacred Theology from Boston University and further studies at the University of Thessaloniki in Greece. After serving as Archdeacon to Archbishop Iakovos for more than six years, he was consecrated to the episcopacy in 1982, enthroned as Bishop of Boston in 1984 and elevated to Metropolitan in 1997.

Guests dancing during the 2025 Hellenic Women’s Club Mistletoe Ball. Photo: Mardo Kevorkian

As spiritual leader of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston, Metropolitan Methodios oversees a community of approximately 200,000 faithful across New England. Throughout his tenure, he has strengthened the spiritual, educational and philanthropic ministries of the Metropolis, championing the development of the Metropolis of Boston Center in Brookline, the acquisition of Camp Merrimack in New Hampshire and the establishment of Philoxenia House, which provides support to individuals and families facing medical challenges. His leadership has also advanced programs serving youth, families, clergy and seniors while preserving Hellenic heritage and traditions.

His commitment to theological education extended beyond the Metropolis, including his service as president of Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology from 1989 to 1995. He has also contributed to national and international religious organizations, ecumenical dialogue and community initiatives. In recognition of his longstanding service and leadership, Metropolitan Methodios has received numerous distinctions, including honorary Doctor of Divinity degrees from Boston University and Hellenic College-Holy Cross, as well as an honorary degree of Humane Letters from American International College.

“His Eminence Methodios has been a guiding presence in the Greek Orthodox community for generations, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to faith, education, philanthropy and service,” said Elaine Zouzas, President of the Hellenic Women’s Club. “As The Hellenic Women’s Club celebrates 90 years of giving back to the community, we are especially honored to recognize His Eminence on his 80th birthday and celebrate the remarkable legacy of leadership and service he has built throughout his many years in Boston. His contributions have touched countless lives, and it is a privilege to pay tribute to him during this milestone celebration.”

The Hellenic Women’s Club 90th Anniversary celebration will also feature acclaimed Greek singer Glykeria with special guest Kostas Ageris. Photo: Courtesy of the Hellenic Women’s Club

The tribute to Metropolitan Methodios will be a highlight of the Hellenic Women’s Club’s 90th Anniversary Mistletoe Ball, an event that reflects the shared values of faith, fellowship, philanthropy and service that have long united the Greek-American community.

Founded in Boston in 1936 by seven women of Greek descent, the Hellenic Women’s Club – Ellinikos Omilos Kyrion (EOK) – has spent nine decades supporting charitable, educational, medical and cultural initiatives throughout Greater Boston and beyond. The organization’s signature Mistletoe Ball, first established as a fundraising dinner dance in 1946, has become the longest consecutively held event of its kind in Boston and one of the region’s most enduring holiday philanthropic traditions.

Today, the Club’s charitable initiatives include the EOK Scholarship Fund, which has awarded more than $400,000 to young women of Greek descent pursuing higher education, and the Demetra Fund for Breast Cancer Research and Patient Assistance, which has awarded more than $625,000 in research grants. Over the past decade alone, the organization has raised more than $2 million for charitable causes.

The 90th Anniversary celebration will also feature acclaimed Greek singer Glykeria, with special guest Kostas Ageris, bringing an evening of Greek music and entertainment to the milestone occasion.

For more information about the Hellenic Women’s Club and the 90th Anniversary Mistletoe Ball, visit hellenicwomensclub.org.