On the second day of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Annual Archon Weekend, Friday, October 17, 2025, Archon John Socrates Zavitsanos, along with Archon Gus Pablecas, National Secretary of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate as well as Regional Commander for the Metropolis of Chicago; Archon John G. Manos, Regional Commander for the Metropolis of Chicago; and Archon Rocky Sisson, Chair of the Communications Committee; addressed Archons-elect on their serious responsibilities to defend the Holy Mother Church of Constantinople.
A fixture of Archon Weekend, Archon Boot Camp is primarily focused upon making the new Archon Class aware of their sacred duties as Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. However, in 2025 as in past years, many Archons from earlier classes attended, as each Archon Boot Camp presents an opportunity for Archons to revitalize and reinvigorate their efforts to support and defend the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the holy center of the Orthodox Faith.
Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, National Commander of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, explained that the boot camp was intended to show both new Archons and those who had been invested in years past how to be an exemplary Archon. Archon Zavitsanos, Chair of the Boot Camp Committee, explained that new Archons were selected from a large number of applicants, and that those who were chosen had passed through a rigorous selection process that began in their local parish and ended with the approval of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
Archon Zavitsanos told new Archons that he was “not going to congratulate you because you haven’t done anything yet.” He explained that the Archons were not selected on the basis of their accomplishments, but on their potential. “This is the beginning,” he emphasized, “not the end.”
Archon Zavitsanos also stated: “We are against the fight of our life. Not just against Turkey, but against the Russian Orthodox Church” in its efforts to supplant the Ecumenical Patriarchate as the First Church of Orthodoxy. “We don’t want to hear, ‘If you need something, call me,’” said Archon Zavitsanos. “We want you to take the initiative. Don’t wait to be asked.”
Archon Sisson echoed the same point, saying: “‘Don’t wait to be asked’ has been the theme of this meeting for awhile. This is not an organization based on seniority. You can be an active member immediately.” He emphasized that “we are a single issue organization: protecting the Holy Mother Church.”
Archon National Secretary/Regional Commanders Gus M. Pablecas and John G. Manos then explained in depth what it means to be an Archon. They stressed the fact that being an Archon is a serious thing, not just a title, and should not be taken lightly. Archon Pablecas stated: “When the Ecumenical Patriarchate has trouble, we are the last line of defense.” Archons Pablecas and Manos spoke of the tireless efforts of National Commander Limberakis, Vice Commander Bozonelis, and other Archon officials to support and defend the Holy Mother Church.
Archons Manos and Pablecas also discussed areas in which Archons could get involved in serving the Holy Mother Church, including the Archon Engagement Committees. “This honor is not merely recognition,” Archons Manos and Pablecas emphasized. “It is a call to protect the future of our faith. Each of us has been entrusted with this mission and to fulfill it we must stand up with our time, talent, and treasure.”
Archon John Zavitsanos then gave a detailed presentation about the threats to the Ecumenical Patriarchate from Turkey and Russia. He gave specific examples of how the Turkish government has bought influence in Washington, and even blackmailed American politicians in order to deter them from raising awareness about the Armenian Genocide and other atrocities in which the Turkish government was involved.
Archon Zavitsanos then discussed at length Turkey’s turn away from secularism and embrace of an Islamist vision that threatens neighboring countries. He also explained that the Russian Orthodox Church has proven to be the single biggest threat to the freedom and global mission of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. This was, he explained, because of Moscow Patriarch Kirill’s alliance with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Russian encroachments upon the canonical and historical prerogatives of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Archon Zavitsanos’ detailed and sobering presentation made clear the urgency and gravity of the Archon’s global mission.
