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What is an Archon?
An Archon 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.
It is by the grace of God that the Archon has been able to offer his good works and deeds of faith. Further, it is the sworn oath of the Archon to defend and promote the Orthodox Christian faith and tradition. His special concern and interest is to serve as a bulwark to protect and promote the Sacred See of St. Andrew the Apostle and its mission. He is also concerned with the human race's inalienable rights wherever and whenever they are violated - and the well-being and general welfare of the Christian Church.
This honor extended by the Ecumenical Patriarchate carries with it grave responsibilities, deep commitments, and sincere dedication. Consequently, it is of utmost importance that this honor of obligation be bestowed upon individuals of proven Orthodox Christian character, who conform faithfully to the teachings of Christ and the doctrines, canons, worship, discipline, and encyclicals of the Church.
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News
Dear Brother Archons,
If you'd like to see the latest updated schedule for the Archon weekend, please visit the Archon website or click on the following link:
https://www.archons.org/-/2021-archonweekend
Dear Brother Archons,
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros celebrated Divine Liturgy on Sunday, October 10th at Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Naples, Florida.
Present were North Florida Regional Commander Archon Dr. Theodore Vlahos (Felitsa) and South Florida Regional Commander Archon John Scurtis (Evangeline) along with South Florida Archons Harry Dimopoulos (Carol), Fotios Frangakis (Joyce), Stamatios Kartalopoulos (Anita), Michael Stefanos and Theodore Vagelos.
Regional Commander Liaison and Chair of the ARCL Committee Archon Dr, Nicholas (Susan) Loutsion were also in attendance.
A sincere thank you to Archon Harry Dimopoulos and all Naples Archons for “once again” extending their gracious hospitality to their Archon brothers.
Following a photo shoot with his Eminence the Parish Council served a wonderful luncheon in their community center. Attached are some photos of the Archons that were present as provided by Archon Harry Dimopoulos.In closing, I wish to remind each of you that our Patron Saint, the Apostle Andrew's name day is upon us. November 30, 2021 falls on a Tuesday this year and it would be appreciated if we had volunteers to speak (must be cleared through your Parish Priest) to the attendees at liturgy on either Sunday the 28th or at Vespers on Monday the 29th. As an example, the presentation should be a short history of who Saint Andrew is and his importance to the Order of Saint Andrew Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarch. Shortly I will be sending each of you a program that the volunteers can incorporate into their presentation which will include a short presentation on the Five main obstacles facing our Patriarch.
In Christ,
John C Scurtis
Archon Hartoularios
Regional Commander
South Florida
Archon Aktouarios Andreas Tzakis M.D. elected as full Member of the Academy of Athens (submitted by John C Scurtis, Archon Hartoularios - Regional Commander, South Florida)
Dear Brother Archons,
My sincere thanks to all the South Florida Archons (see photo attached) who attended the Divine Liturgy celebrated by His Eminence Elpidophoros on Sunday, September 19, 2021 at Saint Sophia Cathedral , Miami Florida. At the end of services we were privileged to witness the elevation of Reverend Spyridon Bobotas the office of Economos of the Archdiocese (see photos below ).
It now gives me great joy to announce to you all that Archbishop Elpidophoros, Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarch, will be officiating at St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, Naples, on Sunday, 10 October 2021. Matins at 8:30am; Hierarchical Liturgy: 9:30am; Address: 7100 Airport Pulling Rd N, Naples, FL 34109; Tel: (239) 591-3430; Web: http://stkatherine.net/
Protocol has it that we, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and as "Defenders of The Faith", be present on this day to celebrate with His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, with Proistamenos Father Demetre Mott, visiting priests as well as others in attendance on the 10th.
The following message was sent to me by Brother Archon Harry Dimopoulos of Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox church, Naples, Florida: "I will coordinate with the Parish Council to secure reserved seating in front of the church (right side) for all Archons and spouses in attendance. All Archons must wear an Archon pin, lapel badge and Cross. Please let me know (dimopohg@comcast.net) copy (jcs2167@gmail.com) if you plan to attend so that he may arrange for seating.
After the service, a luncheon will be offered at the St. Katherine Church Community Hall; all are invited. However, seating is limited and therefore we would kindly ask you to RSVP (by return email) your intent to be present at the service/luncheon no later than Wednesday, 29 September 2021. For those who plan to stay overnight, we recommend the Hilton Hotel in Naples 5111 Tamiami Trail North, Naples, FL 34103; Tel: (239) 430-4900."
Harry Dimopoulos
Archon Hartophylax
Evan and I plan to be in attendance and I am hopeful that many of you will make the effort to be with us along with the Naples Archons.
In His Service
John C. Scurtis
Archon Hartoularios
Regional Commander
South Florida
