EOCS

Kyriako has been a cornerstone of the Scouting program at St. Demetrios Cathedral in Astoria, NY – Troop 23, dedicating over 30 years as Committee Chairman and Scoutmaster. His commitment to the community shines through his two terms on the parish council and his decades of service to our youth.
 
His achievements include the Alpha Omega, Eagle Scout (class of '91), Prophet Elias Award, and the District Award of Merit, which he received in June 2024. Kyriako just completed Woodbadge course 10-640-24. For more than three decades, Kyriako has been the mastermind behind the EOCS website and Facebook page, and has actively served as Secretary and committee member. His leadership was recognized in 2017 when he became the National Chairman of EOCS.
 
Beyond local involvement, he plays a vital role at the national level with Scouting America on the Religious Relationships Committee and the Greater New York Council Membership Committee. Additionally, he contributes as the Pathfinder District Vice Chair, Membership Chair, and Eagle Mentor. His diverse experiences and dedication make him a valuable asset to our Scouting family.

Sokratis Galitsis began his scouting journey at Troop 23 in Astoria, where he developed his skills and later became Scoutmaster and Troop Committee Chairman. His passion for scouting and youth development laid a strong foundation for his future. He then moved to Bayside Queens, joining Troop 268 at St. Nicholas in Flushing. There, he enhanced his leadership abilities as Cubmaster and Troop Committee Chairman, guiding many scouts through their journeys.
 
For three decades, Sok has actively contributed to the EOCS (Eastern Orthodox Church Scouting) board, demonstrating his commitment to the scouting community. As Camporee Chairman, he has organized successful events to foster camaraderie and skill development. His integral role on the GNYC BSA's Religious Relationship Committee highlights the connection between faith and scouting. He is honored with the Silver Beaver and Prophet Elias awards for his outstanding service.

Van is a distinguished individual who has held the esteemed position of Parish Council President of The Hellenic Orthodox Community of Astoria, St. Demetrios Cathedral, a cornerstone of the Greek Orthodox faith and culture in the region. In addition to his leadership role within the parish, he actively participates in the educational development of the community as a dedicated member of the school board at St. Demetrios Greek American School, where he contributes to shaping the future of the youth.
 
Moreover, Van's commitment to local youth development is exemplified through his role as Cubmaster for an impressive span of over 30 years with Pack 23 at St. Demetrios. His tireless efforts in guiding and mentoring young scouts have made a lasting impact on countless lives. Furthermore, he serves as a Committee Member of Troop 23, where he continues to influence the growth and character of young scouts as they learn valuable life skills and the importance of teamwork and service. He has served the EOCS for over three decades as treasurer.
 
Van’s dedication to his community and youth programs has not gone unnoticed; he has been honored with the prestigious Prophet Elias Award, a recognition that highlights his exemplary service and commitment to the values and traditions of scouting and the Hellenic Orthodox Community.

Peter has been a dedicated servant to the Community of St. John the Theologian since the year 1994, committing countless hours to elevate the spirit and engagement of the community. Throughout his tenure, he has taken on a variety of leadership roles, demonstrating his versatility and passion for youth development, including serving as Committee Chair, Cubmaster, and Assistant Scoutmaster. Currently, he holds the esteemed position of Scoutmaster of Troop 25, where he guides young scouts in their journey towards personal growth, leadership, and outdoor skills. Peter's journey in scouting began when he earned his Eagle Scout rank in 1976 as a proud member of Troop 25—a significant achievement that not only reflects his dedication but also his commitment to the values of the scouting movement.
 
Moreover, Peter’s contributions extend beyond scouting; he has been an active member of his Parish Council for over 25 years, playing a pivotal role in guiding the parish's activities and initiatives. In addition, he serves as the vice president of the Bergen Knights #285 AHEPA chapter, where he plays a crucial role in promoting cultural awareness and community service among its members. His extensive experience as EOCS Secretary over the past several years showcases his organizational skills and commitment to the spiritual growth of the community, particularly through his efforts in helping to chair the EOCS Religious Retreats. These retreats offer a vital opportunity for reflection and spiritual renewal, fostering deeper connections among participants and enriching their faith journeys.

Father Gregory has dedicated his life to the scouting movement, serving as both a Scout and a leader for Pack and Troop 715, which is affiliated with the esteemed Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church located in Brooklyn, New York. His unwavering commitment to the principles of scouting has earned him prestigious recognitions, including the Chi-Rho Award, which honors exemplary service in Christian scouting, and the Alpha-Omega Award, celebrating those who exemplify the highest ideals of faith and character and more recently the Prophet Elias adult recognition award.
 
On April 18, 2008, he achieved the remarkable distinction of Eagle Scout, a rank that signifies not only the mastery of various skills and leadership qualities, but also a dedication to community service and ethical decision-making. In 2009, he further distinguished himself by becoming a Vigil Honor Member of the Order of the Arrow, a recognition given to those who demonstrate exceptional service, leadership, and a commitment to their community and the scouting program.
 
In addition to his deep involvement in scouting, Father Gregory is an accomplished academic, having graduated in 2017 from the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, a prestigious institution dedicated to the education and formation of clergy in the Orthodox Christian tradition. Since his graduation, he has been contributing his skills and knowledge to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, where he works within the Office of the Chancellor, helping to guide and support the administrative functions of the Archdiocese.
 
His spiritual journey culminated in his ordination to the Holy Priesthood on March 1, 2025, marking a significant milestone in his life and service to the church. In recognition of his commitment to fostering faith among youth, he was honored with the Council Duty to God Award by Scouting America Greater New York, a testament to his dedication in promoting spiritual growth and helping young individuals connect with their faith.

Miriam has been active in Scouting all her life. Throughout her youth, she participated in Girl Scouts of the USA, spending many great summers camping, and she remains a Life Member. As her son and daughter grew up, she took on leadership roles in BSA and GSUSA troops. She also led training sessions for Girl Scout leaders and volunteers at the Edith Macy Conference Center of the GSUSA. More recently, she has been a member of the Girl Scouts Interfaith Committee. For many years, she has served as the head of the Scouting Ministry at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Westfield, NJ, where she and her husband have also directed and taught in the religious education program. There, she has advised dozens of Scouts as they earned their EOCS religious awards.
Miriam holds a PhD in Psychology and has also earned an MTh in Orthodox Theology. While working on the latter degree, she developed an Advisor’s Manual for the EOCS religious emblem program. As her involvement in EOCS Board activities grew, she was elected to serve on the Board. Later, she became chair of the Scholarship Committee, also participating in revisions to the religious award requirements. She has represented the EOCS at the national level, presenting units on Orthodox Scouting in webinars for both GSUSA and BSA, as well in training sessions at the Scouters Religious Academy. For her service to Orthodox Scouting, Miriam has been honored with the Prophet Elias award.
Miriam loves music, both around campfires and in choirs. She serves as the Vice President of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of NJ Church Musicians Federation and President of the Spirit of Orthodoxy Choir.

John Christakos is the current Scoutmaster of Troop 23 in Astoria. He has been an active member of the EOCS for the past twenty years. He has earned his Prophet Elias award.

Lou has dedicated himself to the principles and values of Scouting for more than 45 years, both as a youth participant and later as an adult leader. Throughout his extensive involvement, he has taken on a multitude of leadership roles within the Boy Scouts, showcasing a commitment to youth development and community service. As a youth, he held various leadership positions, offering him a solid foundation for his future contributions. Transitioning into adult leadership, Lou has served in pivotal roles including Cubmaster, where he guided young Scouts during foundational years; assistant Scoutmaster, where he worked closely with older youth; committee chair, where he managed adult volunteers and program development; chartered organization representative, liaising between Scouting and community organizations; district commissioner, overseeing programs and promoting good practices statewide; council advancement chair, facilitating the advancement process for youth, and currently, he holds the esteemed position of council commissioner, exemplifying leadership at the highest levels of Scouting.
 
Lou's expertise in Scouting is further highlighted by his role as a trainer at Philmont Scout Ranch, where he imparted vital knowledge through sessions like “Mechanics of Advancement” and “Advancement Issues and Solutions.” His pedagogical skills extend into numerous local and regional events such as Pow-Wows, University of Scouting, and the College of Commissioner Science, where he has contributed to the education and training of countless Scouters in position-specific trainings designed to enhance leadership capabilities and operational efficiency within the organization.
 
Recognized for his unwavering dedication and exceptional service, Lou is an esteemed recipient of the Arrow of Light, which signifies his journey's beginning in Scouting, and he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor in Scouting, showcasing his commitment to leadership, service, and outdoor skills. He is also a proud life member of the National Eagle Scout Association, reflecting his ongoing support for Eagle Scouts across the country. As a Vigil Honor member in the Order of the Arrow, he has demonstrated his commitment to brotherhood and service to others within the Scouting community. Lou’s exemplary service has not gone unnoticed; he has received a range of prestigious awards including the District Award of Merit for outstanding service in his local district, the Silver Beaver for exceptional service to youth on a council-wide basis, and the NESA National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award, celebrating his significant contributions as an Eagle Scout.
 
Further cementing his expertise, Lou has participated in the Wood Badge training program, having earned his Wood Badge beads from the Wood Badge Course W4-57-99. His dedication to training is also evident from his time as a staff member for courses WE4-57-03 and WE4-57-19, where he contributed to the development and mentorship of new leaders within Scouting. Through these experiences, Lou has not only advanced his own skills but has also played an instrumental role in shaping the future of Scouting leadership.

Nathan is a strong believer in the values of scouting and is honored to serve EOCS.  A native of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Nathan was active in Pack and Troop 217, where he earned his Chi-Rho award and became an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow.  He and his family now live in Pittsburgh, where he is Cubmaster of Pack 38.  He is also a member of the board of directors of Laurel Highlands Council, Scouting America. Nathan is currently working his ticket as part of Laurel Highlands Council’s 12-527-24 Wood Badge course.
Nathan is also active in church ministry.  He serves St. George Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral of Pittsburgh as assistant choir director, treasurer, and member of the parish council.  He is also secretary and a director of the Camp Catanese Foundation.
As part of EOCS’s board, Nathan’s goal is to ensure that current and future generations of scouts can grow in their relationship with God and serve their parishes and communities through Eastern Orthodox scouting programs.

George N. Boulukos, a cherished figure in our community, left us on January 23, 2021. He was not only a remarkable individual with a kind heart, but he also had a passion for sailing that brought him immense joy as he navigated the waters with enthusiasm and grace. His commitment extended well beyond personal interests; he devoted countless hours and unwavering dedication to the Boy Scouts, where he made an indelible mark that spanned over 80 years. Throughout his extensive tenure, George held pivotal roles, chairing various local and national committees that shaped the future of the organization. Notably, he led the Executive Officer Council of Scouts (EOCS) for more than 25 years, illustrating his exceptional leadership skills, and he was instrumental in establishing the EOCS Scholarship Fund, which continues to benefit aspiring young leaders today.
 
George’s dedication did not go unnoticed; he was one of a select few to be honored with the esteemed Silver Buffalo Award for Distinguished Service. This prestigious accolade represents the pinnacle of recognition awarded by the Boy Scouts of America, symbolizing an extraordinary commitment to service and a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals. George's legacy will live on through the values he instilled in those around him, reflecting his unwavering spirit and deep connections with his family, friends, and faith community.

Anthony Panuthos - Demetiros Haralambatos - Anthony Bridges - James Padakis - Andrew Yiannakos
George N Boulukos