National Commander Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis delivers an informative multimedia presentation to the Archons-elect. (Photos by J. Mindala)
On Saturday morning, October 19, 2024, at the annual Archon Weekend of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate (AEP), Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, National Commander of the AEP, introduced new Archons to the indefatigable and multifaceted initiatives of the AEP to support and defend the Holy Mother Church of Constantinople.
Dr. Limberakis began his presentation by showing a video that gave an historical overview of the meaning of the Archon title, its roots in ancient Athens, and its significance in denoting a leader. He explained that as an organization, the AEP had a “laser focus on the wellbeing and religious freedom of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.”
The Rev. Protopresbyter Alex Karloutsos, the Spiritual Advisor of the AEP, informed those present that Archon was both an ancient Greek title and the oldest honor in Christendom. Virtually every position in the Archdiocese that is held by a layman, Father Alex said, is held by an Archon.
Dr. Limberakis explained that the contemporary Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate was founded and originated by His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos of blessed memory in 1966. His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras of blessed memory conferred the title originally upon thirty men who were distinguished leaders in the Church.
An Archon, Dr. Limberakis emphasized, is a servant leader. “In 1998,” he said, “when I became National Commander, a metamorphosis took place in the Order. It morphed from an honorific organization which recognized the achievements of great laymen into a dynamic, active organization in which we developed initiatives to promote the religious freedom of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.”
“Archons are ambassadors,” Dr. Limberakis added. “They are soldiers, for the strengthening of the Church in the United States. The U.S. is the most powerful country in the world, so we can support the Holy Mother Church with the full backing of the U.S. government.” He expressed the hope that, by God’s grace, that situation would continue.
To be an Archon, Dr. Limberakis stated, is a “humbling recognition and an awesome responsibility.”
Dr. Limberakis then explained the Archon leadership structure and offered brief profiles of the Archon leaders. In his presentation, he showed images of various Archon activities, initiatives, and honors, showing their work with the highest officials in the U.S. and other countries to secure the religious freedom of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and protect the future of faith. These included the Archons’ 2019 Religious Freedom Sidebar at the U.S. Capitol with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the Archon role in facilitating the groundbreaking visit of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to the Phanar in 2020, and much more.
When Father Alex received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden in 2022, this was the fruit of a longstanding and close friendship that saw Biden in 2011 become the first sitting vice president to visit the Phanar. Archon influence was also in play when His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew asked Pope John Paul II in 2004 to return relics of the Three Hierarchs, Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom to Constantinople. Archon George Demacopoulos, the Historian of the Order, wrote a study on the issue that was presented to the Pope; the relics were returned shortly thereafter.
Dr. Limberakis explained that Turkey remained among the countries in the world with the least respect for religious freedom, and detailed some of the ways in which Turkey has shown its disregard for the rights of religious minorities, notably the conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque in 2020. He pointed out that because the Turkish government denies legal recognition to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, it cannot buy, sell, or inherit property. Dr. Limberakis also outlined the Archons’ role in facilitating His All-Holiness’ groundbreaking interview on CBS’ 60 Minutes, during which he told CBS’ Bob Simon that in Turkey today, he often felt “crucified.” Dr. Limberakis noted that the Turkish government was furious and contacted CBS demanding that the interview be edited, but that CBS stood firm.
In detailing the Archon’s labors for religious freedom, Dr. Limberakis provided an overview of the Archons’ 2022 religious freedom mission to Romania, Bulgaria and Greece. He discussed the State Religious Freedom Initiative of Archon Stephen A. Georgeson, Esq., which has now led 46 state legislatures (all except Hawaii, Maryland, Montana and New Hampshire) to pass resolutions calling for religious freedom for the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He detailed the efforts of Archon Dr. Stephen Yallourakis and his beloved wife Dr. Anna to rebuild a monastery on the island of Halki that Turkish authorities have demolished twice.
Father Alex detailed the Archons’ role in fundraising for the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at Ground Zero: at a time when the project was mired in various difficulties, $55 million was raised in 55 days.
Dr. Limberakis also provided details regarding the Archons’ four International Conferences on Religious Freedom. These were extraordinary, historic and watershed events, held in Athens, Greece (2024); Washington, D.C (2017); Berlin, Germany (2013); and Brussels, Belgium (2010). They have included speakers and panelists consisting of scholars, journalists, human rights advocates, diplomats, and politicians.
Above all, Dr. Limberakis charged new Archons to seize the initiative and continue the AEP’s tireless work for the protection and support of the Holy Mother Church of Constantinople.