By unanimous decision of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Sacred Archdiocese of America, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America has announced that the honorable and most esteemed Order of Saint Andrew, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, is to be recognized yearly for the Feast of their Celestial Patron, Saint Andrew the Apostle and First-Called Disciple of the Lord. The inaugural commendation of our beloved Order of Archons will occur on Sunday, December 1, 2024.
In his encyclical for the occasion, Archbishop Elpidophoros shared: “We are all sons and daughters of the Mother Church of Constantinople, and we express our gratitude and appreciation to Her brave and devoted Archons for all that they accomplish on Her behalf.”
Though the Archons of the Order of Saint Andrew were founded in 1966, the title dates from antiquity, and is today the “oldest and most prestigious honor that can be bestowed upon a layman in the entire Christian world.” The Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate are committed to protecting religious freedom and the future of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the historical spiritual center of the world’s Orthodox Christians.
Today, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew confers the title of Archon upon laymen who have shown noble service to the Church, and whose work brings “honor to the Hellenic community.” Historically, Archons were honored for their “love, loyalty and support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and their contribution to its advancement and welfare…They understand that this honor is not simply a recognition of past accomplishments, but a solemn responsibility before God to serve His Holy Church and protect and defend our Holy Mother Church of Constantinople.”
According to Archons Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis and Athanasios Martinos, the “fundamental goal of the Archons is what it has been since the days of Classical Athens: to preserve peace, advance human dignity, foster civic responsibility, and ensure the integrity and future of faith.”
Please join Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America in celebrating our inaugural Archon Sunday this Sunday, December 1, 2024.
Photo: Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate
