On Saturday, March 2, 2013, the Metropolis of San Francisco honored the extraordinary leadership of Archon Theofanis Economidis, a dedicated volunteer of the Metropolis for over 30 years, during their inaugural Gala at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in San Francisco.

Over 420 guests attended including His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos, California Governor Jerry Brown and Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi. The program featured numerous and deserving accolades for Economidis, who has served as the Metropolis chief volunteer officer for several years, and has supported initiatives of the Greek Orthodox Church at the local, national and international levels. A special tribute video from His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was shown during the Gala in honor of Economidis’ tireless support of the religious freedom for the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople. A letter of commendation was also received by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America. Representing the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, National Archon Council Member Constantine G. Caras presented a recognition award on behalf of the Archons, as well as special greetings and recognition from the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund.

This event inaugurated the Theofanis Economidis Award, named in honor of its first recipient and presented to a distinguished individual in honor of their leadership, inspirational vision, hard work, and service to the Greek Orthodox Church. (Photos by Drew Altizer)