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.

To learn more, please visit www.archons.org/home

Submitted by John C Scurtis   Archon Hartoularios Regional Commander South Florida 
 

St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church; Kendall, FL.
November 28, 2021

His Grace Bishop Sevastianos of Zela offered his Episcopal blessings to the community of St. Andrew in Kendall, Florida on the occasion of their patronal feast, with Vespers on the Eve of the Feast, November 29th, and Divine Liturgy on November 30th.

Artoklasias and Memorial Services remembering departed brother Archons were offered not only on the Feast of the Archons' Patron, St. Andrew, but two other Divine Liturgies as well: Saint Katherine (Naples) and Saint Mark (Boca Raton). At each of the three communities, a presentation was made which addressed 2 topics:  Who are the Archons - What is our Mission and Why & What are the 5 issues of greatest concern for the plight of the Patriarchate and his All-Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew.

St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church; Naples, FL.
November 28, 2021 - 13^th Sunday of Luke

 
The Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate today offered fellowship and a presentation in honor of the Feast Day of Saint Andrew the first Archbishop of Constantinople, founder, and Patron Saint of our Mother Church of Constantinople.  An Artoklasia in celebration of Saint Andrew was offered along with a memorial service for the 9 departed Archons of St. Katherine The services were officiated by Rev. Fr. Demetre Mott, Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Clapsis and the Very Rev. Peter Atsales. Participating Archons were Dr. Harry Dimopoulos, Archon Hartophylax; F. John Frangakis, Archon Skevophylax; Arthur Katsaros, Archon Ostiarios; and Michael Stefanos, Archon Lambadarios. A presentation was made by Dr. Harry Dimopoulos in which he addressed 2 topics:  Who are the Archons - what is our mission and why; and what are the 5-Issues of highest concern to us. A nearly full house of parishioners attended the liturgy, artoklasia and memorial service. 

Each one had the opportunity to receive the “Archons 2020 Annual Report”, the pamphlet “Do You Know the Five Key Issues” and everyone received a “card” after taking the andithoron.  Questions were answered during the fellowship gathering at our Church Hall. This was the first time that such a meaningful event was celebrated by the Archons of St. Katherine in conjunction and simultaneously with other parishes in South Florida, and with the excellent support and co-ordination by our Brother Archon and Regional Commander John Scurtis.  

Pictures are enclosed.

In His Service,

Prepared by 
Harry Dimopoulos
Archon Hartophylax
Naples, Florida