Scholarships

“Strive to attain to the greater virtues, but do not neglect the lesser ones.”  Saint Basil the Great

Through the generosity of our parishioners the Saint Barbara Scholarship Program is one of the most diverse and generous parish scholarship programs in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.  Since 1990 the community of Saint Barbara has awarded over $934,000 in scholarships to students of our parish assisting them in their scholastic pursuits. 

The Saint Barbara Endowment Fund Committee manages the funds for these scholarships, and the Scholarship Committee administers the awards in accord with the wishes of the donors, as described below.  In addition, the AHEPA Family offers scholarships to college students from member families.

Unless otherwise noted, candidates must be members of the Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church in Orange, Connecticut as defined by the Uniform Parish Regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.  

Click here to access the 2024 Saint Barbara Scholarship Application

Application Deadline: April 22, 2024

Named Scholarships:

1.  The Mary Alexiades Scholarship was established in 1990 by the will of Mary Alexiades who had a lifelong commitment to the church and community of Saint Barbara, is awarded annually to entering or continuing college students. The purpose of this award is to assist deserving students from the Saint Barbara parish to meet the expenses of their college education. This scholarship is given solely on the basis of the recipient’s academic accomplishments. 

2.  The Stella Jean Scarveles Scholarship was established in 1991 by family and friends to perpetuate the memory of Stella Jean Scarveles who was a lifelong communicant of Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church. This scholarship is awarded annually to an entering college freshman or a student already in college who has achieved an above-average academic record, has financial need, and has demonstrated sports participation. The scholarship is open to students who are members of a Greek Orthodox Church in the Greater New Haven Area. 

3.  The James Verinis Scholarship was established by a grant from James Verinis in 1992, reflecting his lifelong concern for, and interest in, the youth of Saint Barbara. This scholarship is awarded annually to a college student from the parish of Saint Barbara on the basis of merit and financial need. 

4.  The John L. Soterakos Family Scholarship  was established by John L. Soterakos in 1996 to perpetuate the memory of the Soterakos family. This scholarship expresses John’s love and commitment to his family and to his religious beliefs and heritage. It is awarded annually to a student who is a member of a Greek Orthodox Church in Greater New Haven, and is an entering freshman or already in college. Special consideration will be given to the student who has achieved academic excellence, and plans to pursue a financial career in financial services. 

5.  The Vonetes-Vartelas Family Scholarship was established in 1997 by the Vartelas and Stamos families and friends of Elias “Uncle Louie” Vonetes, to honor and perpetuate his lifelong affection and love of children, Orthodoxy, and Hellenism. Mr. Vonetes was among the founding members of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Ansonia and a parishioner of the Saint Barbara parish. This scholarship is awarded annually to a student who is a member of Saint Barbara Church. The award is given on the basis of financial need and service to the church and community. 

6.  The Eugene and Kathryn Lightle Scholarship was established in 1999 by the estate of Eugene and Kathryn Lightle. This scholarship is a reflection of the Lightle’s lifelong commitment and labor on behalf of the community of Saint Barbara. It is awarded annually to a student from the parish of Saint Barbara on the basis of academic merit and financial need. 

7.  The Evdos, Alexandra and Clara Genetos Scholarship was established in 2001 by the Genetos Family and is a reflection of their lifelong and devoted commitment to the community of Saint Barbara. This scholarship is awarded annually to a student from the parish of Saint Barbara on the basis of academic merit and financial need. 

8.  The Hellenic College/Holy Cross Scholarship was established in 2002 in memory of the Rev. George Kerames by John L. Soterakos, George Scarveles, and the Kerames Family. This Scholarship reflects the love that Father George shared with the members of the Saint Barbara Church during his more than thirty years of service as its pastor. The scholarship is awarded annually to a student who is a member of Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church and who is entering, or is already studying for the priesthood at Hellenic College or Holy Cross School of Theology. 

9.  The Klarides Family Scholarship was established in the year 2001 to honor the memory of Kostas and Amalia Klarides.  This scholarship is awarded annually to a college or university student who is a member of either the Saint Barbara parish, who has financial need and has exhibited qualities of perseverance and diligence in overcoming personal challenges.

10.  The Kledaras Family Scholarship was established in 2002 by the Kledaras family to perpetuate the memory of their parents, George and Mary Kledaras, brother Stanley and sister Georgene. They were all lifelong members of  Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church. The scholarship is awarded annually to a student from the Saint Barbara parish on the basis of academic merit and financial need. 

11.  The Brenda Antonellis Scholarship was established in 2002 by the Antonellis family to honor the memory of Brenda Antonellis.  It is awarded annually to a student from the Church of Saint Barbara, on the basis of academic merit, service to church and community, and intent to pursue studies in education. 

12.  The Peter and Tekla Vartelas Scholarship was established in 2002 in memory of Peter’s parents, John and Paraskeve Vartelas. This scholarship is awarded annually to a student from the Saint Barbara Church on the basis of the student’s academic merit, need, service and athletic participation. 

13.  The Erickson Memorial Scholarship was established in 2003 by Harry and Jane Hajedemos and family to honor the memory of Jane’s parents, Victor Theodore and Beverly Nelson Erickson. It is awarded annually to a college or post-graduate student with intent to pursue a degree in Engineering, Nursing, Medicine, or any other health or science-related field of study. This scholarship is awarded to a parishioner of Saint Barbara on the basis of service to the church community and academic merit. 

14.  The George C. Morris Scholarship was established in 2004 by the Morris family to honor and perpetuate the memory of George, a faithful and devoted servant of the church and community of Saint Barbara for most of his life. The scholarship is awarded annually to a student from Saint Barbara, on the basis of participation in the church’s educational programs and service to the church and faith. 

15.  The Konstantinos and Mina Antonellis Scholarship was established in 2004 by the Antonellis Family in honor of the memory of Kosta ‘Gus’ and Mina Antonellis, long time members of the community of Saint Barbara, AHEPA Chapter 98, Philoptochos and owners of the College SPA Restaurant of New Haven.  They were both individuals who encouraged others to own their own businesses and believed that with God’s help, all things are possible.  This scholarship is awarded to members of Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church who are in pursuit of their dreams and goals.  Open to students who are enrolled in culinary, technical, business school or college in pursuit of a degree.  Based on merit and need.

16.  Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Ansonia Scholarship was established in 2005 by a grant from the Holy Trinity Church of Ansonia. It is awarded annually to entering freshman, undergraduate, or graduate college students from the community of either Holy Trinity (Ansonia) or Saint Barbara on the basis of academic merit and service to the Church and community.  Priority will be given to students from Holy Trinity, and additional consideration will be given for participation in organized sports.

17.  The Artemis Davey Scholarship was established in 2005 in memory of a founding member of the Saint Barbara Community by her husband Dr. Lycurous Davey.  This scholarship is awarded to a student on the basis of service to the church community and financial need. 

18.  The Mary Stamos Scholarship.  Mary’s legacy was that of friendship, compassion, concern for and charity toward all, and this scholarship, established in 2005 through the desire of her family and friends to perpetuate those memories, will be awarded annually to a parishioner of either Saint Barbara or Holy Trinity of Ansonia, on the basis of service to others and financial need.

19.  The Sophie Pappas Scholarship was established in 2006 and is a reflection of the Sophie’s lifelong commitment to the community of Saint Barbara. It is awarded annually to a student from the parish of Saint Barbara on the basis of academic merit and Church service.

20.  The George and Irene Maniatakis Scholarship was established in 2006 by his wife, Irene Maniatakis, in memory of George Maniatakis, one of the founding members of the Saint Barbara community.  This scholarship is awarded to a student from the Saint Barbara Church who is pursuing either an undergraduate or graduate level degree.  The scholarship is awarded primarily on the basis of financial need.

21.  The Savas & Eleni Anastasion and William & Efstathia Andreas Scholarship was established in 2006 and is awarded to a student from the Saint Barbara Church who is enrolled in a community college.  In the absence of such an applicant, the scholarship will be awarded at the discretion of the Scholarship Committee.

22.  The Hadjimichael Family Scholarship was established in the year 2011, reflecting the family’s commitment to the education of the youth of Saint Barbara. This scholarship is awarded annually to a beginning or continuing college student from the parish of Saint Barbara who is pursuing studies in the natural/physical sciences or engineering, and on the basis of financial need, character, and the achievement of academic excellence. 

23.  The Jeremiah Vartelas Scholarship was established by relatives of Jeremiah “Jerry” Vartelas to perpetuate his memory and recognize his keen interest in the success of our youth.  Jerry was the President of the Holy Trinity Church of Ansonia for many years.  This scholarship is awarded by selection of the Pastor of the Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church from eligible candidates on the basis of financial need, service to the church and any other criteria deemed compelling.

24.  The John-Peter Iakovos Orfanakos Scholarship was established in 2015 with loving kindness of generosity of those who knew John-Peter in his earthly life.  His passing in 2015 at the age of 20, marked a new beginning for him in his eternal life in Christ.  His example to all ages is a marvel, for from him came the example of fervent faith, patience, perseverance, kindness, truth, pure goodness, strength beyond description, tenacity with purpose, courage and bravery.  We hope that these traits of his will be exemplified in the recipient of this scholarship. 

25.  The Cox Family Scholarship was established in 2017 reflecting the family’s commitment to recognizing academic excellence.  This scholarship is awarded annually to undergraduate students from Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church on the sole basis of academic achievement and distinction.

26.  The Dimitra Hajedemos Memorial Scholarship was established in 2019 by Harry and Jane Hajedemos and family to honor the memory of Harry’s mother.  This scholarship is awarded to a student on the basis of service to the Saint Barbara Church community. 

27. The Presbytera Margaret Orfanakos Scholarship was established in 2019 by family and friends in honor of Rev. Peter J. Orfanakos’ mother. Presbytera Margaret dedicated her life to service of the Church.  This scholarship is awarded to a student on the basis of service to the Saint Barbara Church community.

28.  The Yates Family Scholarship was established by Steven and Eleni Yates in 2019 to benefit the youth of the community of Saint Barbara. It is awarded to a single university, college, community college, technical school, and culinary school student to help meet the expenses of their education. The scholarship is awarded solely on the basis of the applicant’s financial need and/or the parish priest’s recommendation. 

29.  The Kostas Hajedemos Memorial Scholarship was established in 2019 by Harry and Jane Hajedemos and Family in honor of Harry’s Dad. The scholarship is awarded to a parishioner of the Saint Barbara Parish based solely on academic accomplishments.  

30. The James W. Kambas Scholarship was established in 2019 to honor the memory of James W. Kambas, Esq., the son of Greek immigrants, who had an unwavering belief in, and commitment to, education. This merit based scholarship is awarded to a Greek Orthodox student on the basis of character, service, and the achievement of academic excellence.

31.  The George and Irene Katechis Scholarship was established in 2019 by their daughters, Helen Pappas and Susanna Esposito, to honor the memory of their beloved parents.  It is awarded annually to a student who is pursuing a degree in education. 

32.  The Kavathas Family Scholarship was established in 2020 and reflects the family’s commitment to the education of young students from the Saint Barbara parish.  This scholarship is awarded annually to a college student who has exhibited excellence in academics or in the arts.

33.  The Emanuel Cosmas Family Scholarship was established in 2020 and is awarded to a college student who exhibits qualities of perseverance and diligence in overcoming personal challenges along with service to the Church and community. Special consideration includes participation in college athletics and/or extra-curricular activities; commitment to academic excellence, merit and achievements to reach personal goals and financial need.

34.  The Natalie and Sperie Perakos Scholarship was established in 2021 by the will of Natalie and Sperie Perakos who had a lifelong commitment to the Church.This scholarship is awarded to a college student who is pursuing a career in Geriatric Nursing or Medicine.

35.  The Chaltas Family Scholarship was established in 2021 in honor of lifelong Saint Barbara parishioners and loving couple Bill Chaltas and Bobby Daniel Chaltas. The scholarship is awarded annually on the bases of academic excellence and participation in the arts. 

36.  The Goumas Family Scholarship Scholarship was established in 2021 in memory of Elaine, Lucy and Anastasia Goumas in honor of their life long commitment to the Saint Barbara Parish.  It is awarded annually on the basis of merit and service to the Church Community.

37.  The Peter M. Chagares Scholarship was established in 2022 to honor the son of Constantine and Helen Chagares and nephew of Conella Chagares.  It is awarded annually on the basis of academic achievement and financial need for an individual pursuing higher education.  Those pursuing a teaching or nursing career are given preference.

Church and AHEPA Scholarships and Awards:

38.   The Saint Barbara Scholarship was established in 1991 by grants from the Endowment Fund to the Parish Council. They are awarded annually to college students on the basis of merit and service to the church community.

39.  The AHEPA Scholarships were established in 1975 and a are a long-term tradition of the AHEPA Family, i.e., the AHEPA Chapter #98, the Daughters of Penelope, Sons of Pericles and Daughters of Athena. They are awarded annually to students pursuing an undergraduate degree in an accredited college or university. Applicants must be themselves members of a group in the AHEPA family for at least the current and preceding year, or be children or grandchildren of members in good standing for at least the same period of time. These scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit, motivation, and character, service to faith and community and financial need. 

40.  The Saint Barbara Ladies Philoptochos Society Scholarship was established in 2011 to honor and promulgate the vision and practice of the Society’s philanthropy.  The scholarship is awarded annually to a beginning or continuing college student from the parish of Saint Barbara on the basis of financial need, character, and promise for a successful academic career.

41.  The Rev. John P. Orfanakos Oratorical Festival Award was established in 2014 and is awarded on an annual basis to a participant in our parish’s Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival.

42.  The Three Hierarchs Scholarship Essay Award was established in 2016 and is awarded on an annual basis at the discretion of the Saint Barbara Scholarship Committee to the applicant who has submitted the best essay.