The Archon Sprout Program, which introduces Orthodox Christian children to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, is now officially bilingual, and much more is to come. The Sprouts Program Committee, which is chaired by Archons Nick Tranto and Nick Terezis, has successfully completed the translation of Sprout 1.0 into Spanish, under the leadership of Archon Ted Argeroplos. Helen Nixon and Katina Limberakis-Tsatalis served as the authors of the content.
Archon Ted Argeroplos explained: “With over six hundred million Spanish speakers worldwide, this translation significantly expands our reach in bringing the message of His All-Holiness Bartholomew, Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch, to a global audience.” Archon Argeroplos is now pursuing additional translations in Arabic, German, and Greek. Archons Tranto and Terezis are also exploring a Japanese translation.
Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, National Commander of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, remarked: “This is fantastic news. The new Spanish version of the Archon Sprout Program is a magnificent testimony to the truly ecumenical character of our Ecumenical Patriarchate, whose sacred diakonia on behalf of the entire Church is truly global in its scope. Congratulations to the entire Sprout team!”
The Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate have collaborated with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America’s Department of Religious Education to develop this unique program for educating children about the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The Archon Sprout Program introduces Orthodox Christian children throughout the Archdiocese of America to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Sacred Center of our Holy Orthodox Faith, and to the challenges that His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Holy Mother Church of Constantinople face in this age.
The curriculum was created by two professional educators, who between them have over 50 years of teaching experience: Dr. Helen Nixon, who holds a doctorate in education (EdD) and Katina Limberakis-Tsatalis, who has an MA in Elementary Education. On Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Annual Archon Agape Family Luncheon, the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate presented the Archon Sophia Award for Excellence to Dr. Nixon and Ms. Limberakis-Tsatalis, M.Ed. for their pro bono work in creating the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Ecumenical Patriarchate Catechism School Education Initiative.
The Archons present the Sophia Award for Excellence annually 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.
Find the Archon Sprout Program lesson plans in English and in Spanish, by clicking the button below.
