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Regional Archons
The Order of St. 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 (Offices) of the Ecumenical Patriarchate on behalf of His All Holiness Patriarch Athenagoras. This was a new title or award; indeed the history of the various Offikia can be traced back to Byzantine times when these titles of the Church and State had originated. Nor was this the first time that a Patriarchal Offikion had been conferred in recent years. Previously it had been limited to a very few outstanding laymen who had been able to journey to the Patriarchate where the honor was personally bestowed by His All Holiness.
Knowing of the many outstanding laymen in the Americas who through their love, loyalty, and support to the Patriarchate have contributed much to its advancement and welfare, it was decided to bestow Patriarchal titles upon those worthy of such recognition. Therefore, this procedure has been followed in other cities throughout the Archdiocese where similar titles have been conferred upon those elected to receive this honor.
The Order of St. Andrew meets annually on the Sunday of Orthodoxy which usually falls in early March. It may also meet on November 30 which is the Feastday of the Saint Andrew the Apostle who is the patron saint and namesake of the organization. The aims and purposes of the Order of St. Andrew are listed in the constitution and by-laws and its fundamental goal is directed to an ongoing concern for the welfare and advancement of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Address:
Order of St. Andrew
8 East 79th Street
New York, NY 10021
E-mail Dr. Manuel N. Tissura, Regional Archon Commander.
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