With the blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and in consultation with His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, National Commander of the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, has appointed Archon Theodore D. Konopisos Regional Commander for the Order in Southern California.

His Eminence stated: “We all continue to be abundantly blessed by the devoted people who give so much of their time and their resources for the life and flourishing of our Holy Orthodox Faith. Archon Theodore Konopisos is one of these selfless servants of our Holy Church. May the Lord grant him, and all the Archons of the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, many years of fruitful labor in the sacred vineyards of the Lord, by the prayers of the Theotokos and all the Saints!”

Limberakis said: “Archon Konopisos has shown himself to be a worthy son of our Holy Mother Church of Constantinople in innumerable ways over the years. He and his beloved wife Jeri are FOUNDERS of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation and and Archon Ted is looking forward to serving the Ecumenical Patriarchate and planning events in Southern California highlighting the religious freedom initiatives of the Order and the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation. I am pleased and proud to make this appointment.”

Archon Konopisos commented: “With profound humility and trust in the Lord and His All-Holy Mother, I am honored to accept the great responsibility this confers upon me. I am extremely honored to continue my service to the Order of Saint Andrew and the Holy Center of our Orthodox Faith, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, by becoming a Regional Commander.”

A parishioner and founding member of the St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Irvine, CA. Archon Konopisos was invested as an Archon in 2015 and conferred with the offikion Hieromnimon.

Archon Konopisos is a major benefactor of the Holy Metropolis of San Francisco and of his parish, where he has served extensively on the parish council.

Archon Konopisos manages real estate properties.

According to the Bylaws of the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Order’s National Commander, following the election of the National Council officers, is to appoint Regional Commanders to serve for a period of one year. Each Regional Commander serves as the representative of the National Council in the region in order to carry out the purposes, objectives and principles of the Order.

An Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate is an honoree by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for his outstanding service to the Church, and a well-known, distinguished, and well-respected leader of the Orthodox Christian community.

Archon Dr. James G. Kallins serves as distinguished Regional Commander Emeritus of Southern California, a title reserved for those Regional Commanders who have served with distinction and longevity.

The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation: For the Sacred See of Saint Andrew, has been established as an endowment by the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. FOUNDERS of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation have committed to ensuring the financial foundation of the Holy Mother Church, the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, by pledging $100,000 over 10 years.