The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco presented the 2026 Metropolitan Anthony Humanitarian Award to internationally renowned orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Michael J. Patzakis during the Awards Ceremony of the 49th Annual Folk Dance and Choral Festival (FDF) held in Phoenix, Arizona on February 15, 2026.
The Metropolitan Anthony Humanitarian Award is presented annually to individuals whose lives reflect exceptional dedication to humanitarian service, faith, and leadership in both professional and philanthropic endeavors. Dr. Patzakis, an internationally recognized pioneer in orthopaedic trauma care and infection prevention, was honored for a lifetime of service that has transformed modern medical practice while reflecting a profound commitment to the Church and to humanity.
Just weeks before receiving the award, Dr. Patzakis experienced an unexpected fall that resulted in a broken hip and required surgery — a moment of irony for the retired and world-renowned orthopaedic surgeon who, remarkably, had never previously broken a bone or been hospitalized in his life. Despite this setback, he received the recognition with characteristic humility and gratitude.
Presenting the award, His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco reflected on the significance of Dr. Patzakis’ life and witness. “His life reflects a rare harmony of excellence, humility, and faith, reminding us that true greatness is measured not simply by achievement, but by service,” said Metropolitan Gerasimos. “This recognition stands as a tribute to his exceptional dedication to humanity, to the medical community, and to the life of the Church. His example inspires us all to use our own gifts more fully in the service of God and neighbor.”
As Dr. Patzakis received the award, he was both grateful and moved, dedicating the moment to the memory of his late wife, Susan. “I receive the Metropolitan Anthony Humanitarian Award with profound humility and deep gratitude,” he said. “This honor is especially meaningful to me because my dear late wife Susan and I were blessed to be close friends of Metropolitan Anthony of blessed memory, whom we held in the highest respect and love. I offer this moment in memory of my beloved Susan. Her compassion, faith, and devotion to others continue to guide me. I know that she would be deeply moved by this honor and grateful to see Metropolitan Anthony’s vision living on in the hearts of our youth. May we all strive, in whatever ways we are able, to serve with humility, generosity, and love—so that our faith may not only be professed but lived.”
The son of Greek immigrants and raised during the hardships of the Great Depression, Dr. Patzakis built an extraordinary career marked by perseverance, innovation, and service. He recalls with great emotion the tragedy of losing two of his siblings, as well as the untimely passing of his father when Dr. Patzakis was only seven-years old. “Not always having enough food to eat and fearing for the future, I stood on my father’s grave and prayed, ‘I am just a poor orphan boy, and I don’t know what is going to happen to me and what my future will be. I am going to place my destiny in Your hands and whatever I become, do, or accomplish will all be because of You.’” Dr. Patzakis continued, “I then felt God’s spirit shoot through me and knew that whatever I did and whatever would become of my life would be because of the Lord,” shared an emotional Dr. Patzakis. Always grateful to God for His safekeeping, Dr. Patzakis shared, “Jesus has been with me every step of the way, and whenever something good happens to me or I have a problem I know that Jesus is there with me.” After putting himself through school while working in an aluminum mill, he pursued medical studies at The Ohio State University, later completing his orthopaedic training at the Los Angeles County–USC Medical Center. He now sponsors 16 scholarships for medical and nursing school students.
Over a career spanning more than five decades at USC-Keck School of Medicine, including serving as Department Chair for 21 years, Dr. Patzakis became internationally recognized as a pioneer in the prevention and treatment of orthopaedic infections. His groundbreaking research and clinical protocols for treating open fractures revolutionized trauma surgery worldwide and have saved countless patients from infection, amputation, and death. His work also helped establish the Navy Trauma Training Center at LA General Medical Center, which trained more than 2,000 U.S. Navy medical personnel.
In addition to his distinguished medical career, Dr. Patzakis has been a devoted steward of the Greek Orthodox Church and a generous supporter of numerous philanthropic initiatives. Together with his late wife Susan, he supported ministries and charities including Philoptochos, St. Basil Academy, Project Mexico, Operation Smile, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Shriners Hospitals for Children. A lifelong member of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Los Angeles and St. Anthony Greek Orthodox Church in Pasadena, he also played a formative role in youth ministry, helping establish early Orthodox athletic programs that engaged young people throughout Southern California.
Dr. Patzakis was invested as an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in 2006 and is a member of Leadership 100. He and his late wife, Susan Giokaris Patzakis, were founding members of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation and were ardent supporters of the Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute. Through his professional achievements, philanthropy, and dedication to the Church, Dr. Patzakis’ life stands as a powerful example of service, faith, and compassion.
The Metropolitan Anthony Humanitarian Award, named in memory of the late Metropolitan Anthony of blessed memory, recognizes individuals whose lives exemplify the spirit of philanthropy, leadership, and Christian service that he so faithfully embodied.
AXIOS!
Headshot of Dr. Michael J. Patzakis courtesy of Martin Elbogen