Restaurateur Donates $1 M To Southampton Church

Rev. Alexander Karloutsos describing Coula Johnides' unique gift to the Kimisis Tis Theotokou church.

The holiday season generates growth and new directions. Unexpected surprises occur. On Sunday, December 24, a unique moment in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America happened at the Kimisis Tis Theotokou Church of Southampton, Long Island. A filled church was present to hear Coula Johnides pledge $1 million for the establishment of the first Center of Hellenic Learning in Eastern Long Island.

"We have a future and not a past," said the Rev. Alexander Karloutsos, protopresbyter of the Kimisis Tis Theotokou Church. "It is not us that are going to build a parish, but the Lord." Children who performed in the Christmas Pageant surrounded Johnides when she said, "I remember the early years. It gives me warmth and comfort to be here. These children are beautiful. We must never forget our Greek heritage. Our church is a house of love and happiness. We must proceed ahead."

Proceed ahead is what is happening with this unique $1 million donation. The Greek- American Johnides family owns the famous Old Stove Pub Restaurant in Sagaponack. The family has roots in the heartland of the Byzantine Empire, Asia Minor. Families from this area, known as Ionia during the time of Alexander the Great, have a pioneering spirit in establishing churches, Greek schools and Hellenic centers. The website www.hamptondining. com/pageRestaurant.asp?RECORDID= 140 describes the Johnides family business.

Coula Johnides being greeted by the youth of the community.

Coula Johnides, in a letter dated Nov. 15, 2006, wrote to the Greek Orthodox community of Kimisis Tis Theotokou and Rev. Alexander Karloutsos outlining her family's intentions. "In honor of my family, I decided in 2004 to donate $1 million from my estate to construct the Johnides Family Cultural Center on the grounds of the Greek Orthodox Church," said Johnides. "I wish to have oversight over the cultural center and be on its committee. I will require an accounting of how all monies are spent in its construction. I will make a $100,000 donation by Jan. 1, 2007 to reserve the naming opportunity for the center. It would bring great joy to my parents and siblings to know that their many years of hard work will build this center of learning and culture in the Hamptons. Though I may not be in church every Sunday, I live and breathe our Greek heritage and culture and hope our community will enjoy the Johnides Cultural Center for generations to come."

An angel poses while children greet Coula Johnides. Photos Catherine Tsounis

The Christmas Eve services concluded with Rev. Karloutsos expressing "the thanks of our children for this gift: the gift of love glorifying God. Our community will call you, qeia Coula (Aunt Coula)." This is a term of respect and love used in the Greek language for respected members of one's family. Dimitrios Hatzistavrou is the president of the Parish Council. For more information, visit www.kimisishamptons.ny.goarch.org.

- Catherine Tsounis