Paul Pries has been a dedicated steward of the Church, offering his time, talent and treasure for the perpetuation of our faith and heritage, and for the preservation of the rich legacy of our ancestors.
“It is with great joy that the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco honors Paul Pries with the 2019 Metropolitan Anthony Humanitarian Award,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos. “Paul consistently sets an example of servant leadership through his actions, his philanthropy and especially his faith in God.”
Born in Chios, Greece, Paul came to the United States in 1968 with his parents and one brother. They settled in San Jose, California and it has been their home ever since. As a16-year old in a new country, Paul quickly acclimated to the United States and immersed himself in all that America could offer. He attended San Jose City College where he studied business, and quickly put his knowledge into practice through his work in the restaurant industry, eventually opening “Paul’s Family Restaurant” in 1975. This same year he married his wife, Koula, and they have enjoyed 43 years of marriage, four children – Konstantinos, Eleftherios (married to Angeliki), Maria Chalioris (married to Panagiotis) and George Pries – and six grandchildren – Kyriaki, Apostoli, and Panayiota Pries; and Kalliopi, Kyriaki and Apostolia Chalioris.
Paul’s business ventures extend far beyond restaurants and into real estate investments and property management for the past 44 years. His success in this field has been shared generously with the Church, as a donor and benefactor of his home parish of Saint Nicholas in San Jose, the Metropolis, Archdiocese and Ecumenical Patriarchate. Paul was named an Archon Skevophylax in the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle. He is a member of the Board of Directors for Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center, and also a donor and supporter of the Monastery of the Theotokos the Life Giving Spring in Dunlap, CA.
If there is a need, Paul is there to lend a helping hand. At Saint Nicholas in San Jose, Paul has served on the Parish Council for many years, chaired the Greek Festival, and worked on many fundraising initiatives, including the Capital Campaign. He and Koula have been excellent examples in their involvement which have led to all of their children being involved in the parish, taking leadership roles with Sunday School, Greek Dance, and serving on the Parish Council.
Family is a priority to Paul, and he and his brothers, Nick and George, remain very close. The values instilled in Paul from his parents have been passed down to the next generation, and he is a selfless example of stewardship. AXIOS!