With the blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and the blessings and presence of His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate (AEP) hosted the John Halecky Jr. 21st Annual National Archon Lenten Retreat on the West Coast for the first time on Friday, March 28 and Saturday, March 29, 2025 at St. Anthony Greek Orthodox Church in Pasadena, California. The East Coast Retreat will follow on April 4 and 5, 2025 at the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Southampton, New York.
At the Inaugural West Coast Lenten Retreat, His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos provided outstanding pastoral guidance. Father Stavros Akrotirianakis provided wisdom and insight in his capacity as the Retreat Master, as he will also at the East Coast Retreat. Father Stavros spoke on the topic, “Renewing Our Call to Be Disciples: Understanding Who We Are Called to Be and Recommitting Ourselves to Our Sacred Charge.” His deeply spiritual and enlightening presentation won considerable acclaim from attendees.
The West Coast Retreat was the result of excellent planning and execution on the part of the local committee headed by Southern California Regional Commanders Archon Hon. Steven and Stacia Counelis; Archon Theodore and Jeri Konopisos; and Archon Gerry and Jeannie Ranglas. Father Peter Stratos gave generously of his time in serving as Retreat Pastor.
During the Retreat, after Dr. Limberakis offered a brief presentation on the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation (EPBF), two new individuals and their wives spontaneously offered to become FOUNDERS of the EPBF ($100,000 pledge): Archon Nikiforos and Georgia Valaskantjis, and George and Georgia D. Valaskantjis. The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation, a watershed initiative of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, is dedicated to achieving economic independence for the Ecumenical Patriarchate, so that it may fulfill its apostolic mission in perpetuity. 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.
The AEP offers heartfelt thanks to St. Anthony Greek Orthodox Church of Pasadena for their generous hospitality, and to all the Archons and their spouses who attended and provided the essential financial support to make this Retreat an ever-memorable experience.
At the upcoming Archon East Coast Lenten Retreat, Father Alexander Karloutsos and Father Constantine Lazarakis will serve as Retreat Pastors. The AEP will also be hosting a celebratory dinner in honor of our beloved Spiritual Advisor, Father Alex, on the occasion of his 80th birthday.
The John Halecky Jr. National Archon Lenten Retreat on both the West Coast and East Coast is under the chairmanship of Archon Hieromnimon Peter J. Skeadas and co-chair Archon Ostiarios Michael G. Psaros. It offers Archons an opportunity to turbocharge their Orthodox Christian Faith and strengthen their devotion to our Lord and Savior, so that they may serve the needs of the Great Church of Christ with the “shield of faith,” the “helmet of salvation” and the “sword of the Spirit” as they continue their indefatigable efforts to seek religious freedom for the Holy and Great Mother Church of Constantinople.
Article Originally Published By: Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate