With the blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and in consultation with His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta, Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, National Commander of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, has appointed Archon Gregory B. Saad Regional Commander for the State of Alabama, Metropolis of Atlanta, joining Regional Commander G. Thomas Yearout. Archons Theodore P. Vlahos, M. D., Harry T. Cavalaris, John C. Scurtis and James A. Frangis are other Regional Commanders for the Metropolis of Atlanta.
Dr. Limberakis stated: “I had the privilege of spending time with Archon Saad and his beloved wife Jamie on November 12, 2023, when I visited the Sacred Patriarchal and Stavropegial Monastery of the Presentation of the Theotokos in Malbis, Alabama. I was hosted throughout the weekend by the Saads, as well as by the Malbis Plantation’s president Angelo Matthews and FOUNDERS Archon Dr. Dimitris Kyriazis and his wife Dr. Stephanie Grosz. I am proud to say that Archon Greg and Jamie are fulfilled FOUNDERS of the EPBF and were instrumental in recruiting their Annunciation Church in Mobile and GreekFest Charity Gala to become FOUNDERS, as well. Archon Greg and Jamie are deeply inspiring in their wholehearted dedication to serving our holy Mother Church of Constantinople and supporting and defending our Ecumenical Patriarchate. It is thus a tremendous honor for me to be able to make this appointment.”
Archon Saad remarked: “I am deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve our Mother Church. I also look forward to serving with my dear friend Tommy, who has been a wonderful mentor. Thank you, Brother Anthony, for the trust, and for the blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros and His Eminence Alexios.”
Archon Greg and Jamie Saad are members of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Mobile, Alabama, where Archon Saad served as a founding member of the Parish Trust in 1987, and as a member of the Stewardship Ministry Committee (Chair for two years), the Policy and Procedures Committee, Iconography Committee (Chair for three years), Facilities Committee for three years, and Parish Council member from 2015 – 2019 (President 2016 and 2017). He is also a member of the Foundation Trust and Co-founder of GreekFest Charity Gala, Inc., as well as the founder and senior principal of Saad Development Corporation and Saad Realty Partners, L.L.C. He serves as President and CEO of both companies. Archon Saad has led major developments for national and global clients such as Federal Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Freight, Nationwide Insurance, Pier 1 Imports, AT&T, Office Depot, Darden Foods, and Frito-Lay.
Gregory B. Saad was invested as an Archon on October 31, 2021 and conferred with the offikion Nomodotis.
According to the Bylaws of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Order’s National Commander is to appoint Regional Commanders to serve for a period of one year. Each Regional Commander serves as the representative of the National Council in the region in order to carry out the purposes, objectives and principles of the Archons and promote the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation.
An Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate 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.