On Tuesday, December 19, 2023, the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the Metropolis of Chicago held their second annual Archon Meet and Greet at the National Hellenic Museum.
During the event, Archon National Secretary and Regional Commander Gus M. Pablecas and Regional Commander John G. Manos, updated those present on Archon-initiatives taking place at the Metropolis and National levels, including the upcoming 4th Archon International Conference on Religious Freedom. In addition, the Regional Commanders conveyed His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s statement on uniting the Archons around the world, and greetings from Archon National Commander Anthony J. Limberakis, M.D.
Esteemed guests included His Grace Bishop Timothy of Hexamilion, the Chancellor of the Metropolis of Chicago, who gave the opening prayer, and Father Chrysanthos Kerkeres, Metropolis liaison for the Archons in the Metropolis of Chicago.
Guest speakers included Archon John P. Calamos, chairman of the executive committee at the National Hellenic Museum; two of the Class of 2023 Archons, Dr. Peter Panton and Louis Apostol, Esq.; and three participants from last summer’s inaugural Pilgrimage of Discovery (POD) program to Constantinople (modern day Istanbul): Cally Kobza from Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin; Christen Massouras from Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago; and Dr. Demetri Maroutsos of All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Peoria, Illinois.
All three POD ambassadors spoke to the guests about their experience traveling to Constantinople, which was funded by the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The inaugural pilgrimage granted five young adults an all-expenses-paid round-trip journey to Constantinople to meet with His All-Holiness and travel to ancient holy sites of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
In addition, guests viewed the trailer to the recently released Pilgrimage of Discovery short film, which highlights the trip that took place from July 31 to August 7, 2023.
Guests also had the opportunity to view the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate: Protecting the Future of Faith exhibit, and the Legacy, Renewal & Unity: Celebrating 100 Years of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America exhibit, which are currently on display at the museum until February 11, 2024.
A special thank you to the entire Board and staff at the National Hellenic Museum for helping bring the Archons of Ecumenical Patriarchate Exhibit to fruition and for allowing the Archons to hold their second annual meet and greet at the museum.
