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The Dedication and Work of the Archons is More Important than Ever

 

At a time when the Turkish government has caused concern by challenging the Treaty of Lausanne and even the status of the Aghia Sophia, I have increased my appreciation for the wiork and dedication of the Order of St. Andrew, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Last summer I had the priviledge of being present at the at an event they hosted at the Clergy-Laity Congress. 

 

 The Order of St. Andrew, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, hosted a reception at the start of the 43rd annual Clergy-Laity Congress of the Archdiocese of America at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, TN on July 3.

During his invocation Archbishop Demetrios of America called upon God to continue to bless the Archons for their “terrific work” of supporting and defending the Mother Church which enables it to “perform its salvific work in uniting the Orthodox Churches, promoting Orthodoxy in the world, and also promoting friendship, reconciliation, justice and love among the people.”

His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit offered welcoming remarks and Archon Lazaros E. Kircos, Detroit Regional Commander – Nashville is part of the Metropolis of Detroit – served as Master of Ceremonies.

Kircos, echoed later by Archbishop Demetrios, expressed his appreciation for the leadership of Archon National Commander Dr. Anthony Limberakis and conveyed the latter’s disappointment at being unable to attend due to medical responsibilities.

 

 Archon National Commander Dr. Anthony Limberakis.

 

Archon Depoutatos James C. Fountas, Treasurer of the National Council, was called onto the stage to present gifts to Archbishop Demetrios and the two representatives of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Metropolitan Ambrosios of Korea and Metropolitan Kydonias and Apokoronou, all of whom praised of the work and dedication of the Order, which is celebrating its 50th Anniversary.

The Archbishop also took the opportunity to honor the memory of the late Archon Nicholas Bouras, one of the Church’s great benefactors.

After offering observations on the recent Holy and Great Council and lauding Patriarch Bartholomew’s inspired leadership that helped the participants navigate numerous challenges, Archbishop Demetrios praised the Archons for their contributions to the HGC, which included both hosting a dinner in Honor of the 25th anniversary of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and underwriting many Council expenses.

Archons were also part of the tremendous logistical and communications contribution to the Council made by the Archdiocese of America, a team which was also graced by the presence of 24 students from Hellenic College/Holy Cross.

Archbishop Demetrios noted that Patriarch Bartholomew declared to the Primates of the ten Autocephalous Churches at the Council “the great indebtedness of the Patriarch to the Archons of America,” and then said “You should be very very proud and thankful to God or what you were able to do as Archons in this unique Holy and Great Synod of the Orthodox Church.”