On Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the Annual Archon Agape Family Luncheon, the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate will present the Archon Sophia Award for Excellence to Archon John G. Gumas. The Sophia Award for Excellence is given annually by the Order to an individual or individuals who have distinguished themselves in endeavors that serve the needs of the Holy Mother Church and the Sacred Mission of the Archons of the Great Church of Christ.
Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, National Commander of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, remarked: “Archon John Gumas has been the driving and creative force behind the overwhelming success of our Archon Strategic Branding Initiative, as well as a key member of the Archon National Council.”
“Archon John,” Dr. Limberakis added, “possesses tremendous advertising and marketing acumen, and is, above all, a true son of our Holy Mother Church of Constantinople. The multifaceted service and improved global communications he has rendered to the Archons promoting the protection and religious freedom of our Holy Mother Church cannot be understated. It is for that and so much more that he richly deserves the Sophia Award.”
Archon Gumas stated: “I am deeply honored and grateful to our Lord Jesus Christ and His All-Holy Mother for this recognition of my service to God’s Holy Church. I look forward to continuing to work with my brother Archons and all people of good will to defend and promote the Orthodox Christian faith and tradition, and to support and defend our beloved Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.”
As Dr. Limberakis noted, Archon Gumas and his marketing company led the acclaimed Archon Strategic Branding Initiative, in which the Archon logo was refreshed; the Archon tagline “Protecting the Future the Faith” was established; and all Archon electronic media, including websites, social media channels and all written material were updated to align with the overall Archon mission and objectives.
In addition to spearheading that much-needed and highly successful initiative, Archon John has been a member of the National Council of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate since March 18, 2022, when the members of the National Council at that time unanimously elected him to join their number.
Archon John G. Gumas has consistently provided financial support as well as professional marketing services to many Orthodox church entities for over 35 years, including the San Francisco metropolis, Annunciation Cathedral and Holy Trinity Church. Specific marketing services included the creation of logos, festival books, Commemorative books, signage, promotions, public relations and numerous other marketing materials and activities all destined to increase fund raising results.
As President of the Elios Society, Archon Gumas works diligently to keep the connection between the Church and our professional and youth groups vibrant.
Archon John G. Gumas is recognized as one of the country’s foremost authorities on challenger brand marketing. He is the author of the popular books Marketing Smart and Challenger Brand Marketing, which describe how challenger brands can effectively develop marketing strategies to take on their larger competitors. In addition, Archon John has been an adjunct professor of branding, advertising and interactive marketing, a sought-after speaker and a regular columnist for several publications and blogs.
Archon John currently sits on many boards, including the San Francisco Giants CF, The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, San Francisco State University Foundation, The Greater San Francisco Advertising Club, The Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame and The Elios Society.
John Gumas was recently inducted into the San Francisco State University Hall of Fame, and was Alumnus of the Year. Archon Gumas has also been recognized for his extensive community service and leadership by the U.S. Senate and the San Francisco Giants.
On October 31, 2021, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew invested John G. Gumas as an Archon and conferred upon him the offikion Hartophylax.