BOSTON – Arthur C. Anton Sr., renowned philanthropist and founding member of the League of Greek Orthodox Stewards (today known as Leadership 100 Endowment Fund) will serve as honorary chairman of the 44th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, which will convene in Boston, July 1-5, 2018. The Congress, which is concerned with all matters (other than doctrinal or canonical) affecting the life, growth and unity of the Church, will begin with a Hierarchal Divine Liturgy on July 1 at the Annunciation Cathedral in Boston. The official opening of the Congress will take place the next morning at the Copley Marriot Hotel with the Keynote Address of Archbishop Demetrios.
Concurrently, the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society will hold its Biennial National Convention in the same venue. Additionally, other church affiliated organizations are holding meetings during the congress including the Archdiocesan Presbyters Council, the National Sisterhood of Presbyteres, the Retired Greek Orthodox Clergy of America, the Order of Saint Andrew – Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians.
The former president of the Anton’s Cleaners chain prior to his retirement, Arthur Anton is a past president of the Archdiocesan Council and an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
“There is no better person to serve as the honorary chairman of the Congress than Arthur Anton, a man who has distinguished himself throughout his life by selflessly giving his time, talents and treasure to advance the mission of Greek Orthodoxy” said Metropolitan Methodios, spiritual leader of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston “His shining example is reflected in every aspect of his life, in particular his commitment to family, faith and community.”
Formerly a parishioner of the Annunciation Cathedral in Boston and the Holy Trinity and the Transfiguration Parishes in Lowell, he is currently a member of the Sts. Constantine and Helen Church in North Andover. He remains an active member of the Archdiocesan Council and of the Leadership 100 Endowment Fund, which provides support for the National Ministries of the Archdiocese and the advancement of Orthodoxy and Hellenism.
Often described as having “boundless compassion for others,” Arthur Anton’s service extended to numerous non-profits. He served as a board member for Lowell General Hospital for a quarter century, as chair of Boston University’s Board of Trustees, a benefactor of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lowell, the International Institute and Goodwill Industries among many others. Valedictorian of Lowell High School’s class of 1943, he served in the US Army during World War II, and was the recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2004. Arthur was married to the late Madeline Kanavos Anton for more than 66 years. Together, they had four children and ten grandchildren.
