The Hon. Steven Counelis, Regional Commander for Southern California for the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate (AEP), recently joined His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America during his visit to Southern California. His Eminence, along with His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco and His Grace Bishop Ioannis of Phocaea, visited wildfire-stricken areas of Southern California on Jan. 27, 2025.

Archon Hon. Counelis was part of an official Archdiocesan delegation that accompanied His Eminence throughout the visit. At an “Evening of Hope and Healing” at Saint Sophia Cathedral in Los Angeles, Archon Hon. Counelis stated: “I extend to all affected within our Orthodox Community and beyond our heartfelt agape as this community suffers events of apocalyptic proportions….The Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate stand shoulder to shoulder with, and in support of, the religious and philanthropic institutions of our Archdiocese and Metropolis.”