The Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle of the Ecumenical Patriarchate was organized in 1966 by His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos, of blessed memory. At that time, thirty outstanding laymen were honored because of their love, loyalty and support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and their contributions to its advancement and welfare. This ministry has grown over the past 55 years which now includes hundreds of dedicated Archons who have given their time, talent and treasure as Defenders of the Faith and supporters and advocates for our Mother Church.

The Metropolis of San Francisco is blessed with nearly 70 dedicated Archons who continue to defend our faith and the religious freedom of our Mother Church, the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

“The Archons are integral to the work of our Metropolis, and I am grateful to each and every one of them for their unwavering faith and untiring support of our Mother Church,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos. “Through the efforts of our Archon Regional Commanders, we plan to continue to engage this influential group of leaders, and elevate their work on behalf of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.”

Archon Theofanis Economidis (Archon Ekdikos) is continuing as the Regional Commander for Northern California, as well as serves on the National Council for the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle. Congratulations to Archon Isidoros Garifalakis (Archon Depoutatos) who was named as Regional Commander for the new region of the Pacific Northwest, and to Archon Theodore Konopisos (Archon Hieromnimon) who was recently named Regional Commander for Southern California. Gratitude is also extended to Archon James Kallins, Archon Exarchos, who was given the title of Regional Commander Emeritus of Southern California, in recognition of his distinguished service and longevity to the Order.