The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco was blessed to have five distinguished stewards invested into the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle as Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The investiture service was held on Sunday, October 9, 2022 at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New York City, officiated by His Beatitude Theodore II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa and His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.

A total of 36 Archons were selected for the Class of 2022, with five of the selected candidates being from the Metropolis of San Francisco. They are:

• Theodore J. Angelis, Esq.
  Archon Ekdikos (Attorney) – Seattle, WA
• Constantine M. Boukidis, Esq.
  Archon Nomophylax (Attorney) – Los Angeles, CA
• Andrew J. Eliopulos
  Archon Hartoularios (Real Estate Developer) – Northridge, CA
• Sotiris K. Kolokotronis
  Archon Ostiarios (Real Estate Developer) – Sacramento, CA
• James E. Zaferis
  Archon Laosinaktis (Principal, Produce and Food Industry) – Los Angeles, CA

“It is a joy to welcome these five distinguished stewards in the family of Archons in our Metropolis. They have been selected based on their commitment and understanding of the importance of preserving and protecting our Mother Church in Constantinople, and I know they will be ardent defenders of the faith,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos. “I look forward to working with them and furthering the efforts of the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, and continuing to raise awareness for the needs of our beloved Mother Church and Ecumenical Patriarchate.”

The Archon Weekend in New York included a “boot camp” style orientation for the candidates where they learned even more about the important role they are accepting as Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. They also attended the Patriarch Athenagoras Human Rights Award Dinner where the 2022 Athenagoras Human Rights Award was presented to His Beatitude Theodore II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa. His Beatitude has been a tireless defender of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and a determined advocate for religious freedom.

At the conclusion of the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy on Sunday, October 9, 2022, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, with Archbishop Demetrios, former of America, conferred the Archon Offikia on the class of 2022. Upon receiving the Cross of Saint Andrew, each new Archon was celebrated with shouts of “AXIOS” (Worthy!) for this auspicious honor they received.

An Archon is an honor conferred by His All-Holiness Ecumenical A Bartholomew to distinguished and well-respected individuals for their outstanding service to the Church and the Orthodox Christian community.

The Order of Saint Andrew of the Ecumenical Patriarchate was organized on the Sunday of Orthodoxy, March 10, 1966 when His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos conferred upon thirty outstanding laymen of the Church the various Offikia or Offices of the Ecumenical Patriarchate on behalf of His All Holiness Patriarch Athenagoras of blessed memory. They were honored because of their love, loyalty and support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and their contribution to its advancement and welfare. This ministry has grown over the past 56 years which have included 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.

Please visit Archons.org for more information about the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle.