As humanity faces a growing wave of religious persecution, oppression, and violence, the First International Conference of Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate provides a basis for coordinated, substantive, and dynamic action worldwide in defense of religious freedom and human rights.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew addressed the Archons of the Great Church of Christ via video at the opening of the conference: “We hope that the fruitfulness of this great joint effort will indelibly inscribe the name of the Institutional Bodies of the Throne Offikialioi in the history of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The solution can only be achieved through courageous joint efforts and support. The goal is the success of the endeavor, and this can be ensured only with the broad participation of the Archons throughout the world. Certainly, the Great Church regards the establishment and development of this institution as a new chapter in the history of the Archons’ contribution to it”.
The 292 assembled Archons from 22 countries unanimously approved a proposal: “We respectfully request His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Holy Synod to consider the establishment of an official global organization of Archons.
Dr. Antonis Lymberakis, Archon Megas Aktouarios, Commander of the Archons of America, in his keynote address, referred to what lies ahead: “Through the planning of the First International Conference of Archons and the discussions that took place today, our fellow Archons have responded in an unprecedented way. This historic meeting marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Archons and our mission. Together, the Archons present and absent will bring their immense influence to bear in defense of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the ideals of human rights and religious freedom.”
Representing the Patriarchate, Metropolitan Elder Emmanuel of Chalcedon addressed the Archons: “As Archons, your mission transcends the boundaries of ecclesiastical structures and national borders and calls you to engage with the full complexity and diversity of the global community. You are called to promote peace, facilitate interreligious dialogue, support justice and human rights, and preserve our planet – God’s creation… Thus, guided by the light of Christ, the Archons move resolutely into the future as bearers of hope and heralds of the dawn of a new day.
Archbishop Elpidophoros of America emphasized the importance of connection with the Mother Church: “All of us who are called to serve the Mother Church throughout the world have a wonderful and beautiful responsibility, not only we clergy, to shepherd the flock, the pious flock entrusted to us by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, but also not to forget at the same time our other mother, our alma mater – the mother of us all – who nourishes us all with the nourishment of the faith, the one who is in the Queen of Cities, Constantinople”.
Athanasios Martinos, Archon Exarchos, President of the Brotherhood of Archons “Panagia the Pamakaristos” said in his speech to the Archons: “The seat of the Patriarchate in the Phanar, on the European side of Turkey, is located between East and West, at the crossroads of cultures and religions. It has been the beacon of Orthodoxy for more than one thousand five hundred years. One wonders if this is not a miracle of God. The consolidation of the institution, the expansion of the Orthodox flock, and the international influence of the Patriarchate are due to the charismatic personality of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew”.
Chrisostomos Perentes, Archon Aktouarios, President of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Canada, praised all those who took the initiative for this International Conference: “This International Conference of Archons is a significant development in the global mission of the Archons. It renews everyone’s commitment to defend the rights of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and to work together towards this goal. Among the participants are leaders in business, science, academia, and public life. We are blessed to enjoy their commitment to our mission”.
The Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate are a dedicated group of individuals from all walks of life who work tirelessly to protect religious freedom for all and to ensure the future of the Ecumenical Patriarchate – the historic spiritual center for over 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
