The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco was blessed to have four 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 31, 2021 at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New York City, officiated by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

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The four new Archons from the Metropolis of San Francisco: (L-R) Steve Tibbs, John Gumas, Kyriacos Kyriacou, and Honorable Steven Counelis. (Courtesy of Metropolis of San Francisco)

A total of 27 Archons were selected for the class of 2021, with four of these candidates from the Metropolis of San Francisco, bringing the total number of Archons in our Metropolis to 70.

  • Honorable Steven G. Counelis – Archon Nomophylax
    Judge, California Superior Court
  • John G. Gumas – Archon Hartophylax
    Advertising and Interactive Marketing Executive
  • Kyriacos “Gig” C. Kyriacou – Archon Ekdikos
    Attorney and Mediator
  • Steven D. Tibbs – Archon Orphanotrophos
    Strategic Planning Consultant

“I extend my sincere congratulations to these four new deserving Archons who are being duly recognized for their commitment and understanding of the importance of preserving and protecting our Mother Church in Constantinople,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos. “I am confident that each of them will continue to be an asset to the Metropolis and our ongoing efforts in support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.”

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Archon Class of 2021 (photo credit: John Mindala)

The Archon Weekend in New York included a detailed 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 three renowned honorees were recognized for their work during the pandemic: Dr. Albert Bourla, Pfizer Chairman and CEO; Dr. Uğur Şahin, BioNTech CEO, and Dr. George D. Yancopoulos, Regeneron, Founding Scientist, President and Chief Scientific Officer. Their inspirational presentations brought to the forefront their exceptional knowledge and determination that has positively impacted the world and its response to the pandemic.

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The Archon classes of 2020 and 2021 following their investiture at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New York on October 31, 2021. (Courtesy of Dimitrios Panagos)

At the conclusion of the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy on Sunday, October 31, 2021, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew first conferred the Archon Offikia on the class of 2020, who were unable to convene last year due to COVID-19 restrictions. The investiture for the class of 2021 immediately followed in a moving ceremony where 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 Patriarch Bartholomew to distinguished and well-respected individuals for their outstanding service to the Church and the Orthodox Christian community.

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Christos Counelis, 12-year old son of Archon Steven Counelis, was honored with the opportunity to serve as an Altar Boy for the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy, pictured here with His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. (Courtesy of the Counelis Family).

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 55 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.