10th Annual Retreat for Archons in the Metropolis of Chicago
On Saturday, April 26, 2025, the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the Metropolis of Chicago held their 10th Annual Business Meeting at the Saint Iakovos Retreat Center in Kansasville, Wisconsin. The meeting kicked off with a surprise telephone greeting from Archon National Commander Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, who conveyed words of gratitude for the Archons’ work being conducted nationally and shared insight into the future of the Archons and their mission in protecting and defending the Ecumenical Patriarchate. National Secretary and Regional Commander Gus (Kosmas) Pablecas, along with Regional Commanders John G. Manos and Perry C. Siatis, Esq., thanked the Commander for taking the time to offer his words of encouragement and vision.
The goal for this year’s Retreat was to challenge each Archon to do more throughout the year to help support the National Archon endeavor and raise awareness of the five key issues impacting the Ecumenical Patriarchate, assist His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Ecumenical Patriarch overall.
To that end, the three Regional Commanders pinpointed specific actions that can be accomplished by the Archons in the Metropolis of Chicago, including but not limited to, giving a religious freedom presentation targeting the 58 parishes within the Metropolis, ensuring Archon Sunday activities take place in parishes, promoting and raising awareness of the Sprout Program, joining a National Engagement Committee, and the importance of participating in the annual Archon Weekend that takes place on the third weekend in October, and to attend one of the two annual Lenten Retreats offered in Southampton, New York, and Southern California.
A core part of the meeting centered on providing the Archons with tools and tips on giving a Religious Freedom Presentation. Each Archon was given hard copies of an Archon National approved presentation with annotated notes to help achieve this. A breakout session ensued where Archons paired up and practiced giving a Religious Freedom Presentation using a collaborative approach where Archon speakers would practice the presentation together. The activity culminated with the Archons offering their observations and asking questions to the Regional Commanders.
The Retreat included the introduction of the class of 2024 Archons from the Metropolis of Chicago — Jani Gjoni, Laosynaktis; Hon. Anthony C. Kyriakopoulos, Dikaiophylax; and Dean T. Maragos, Esq., Nomophylax. Archon Kyriakopoulos also addressed the attendees, talking about what it means to him to be an Archon.
Archons then observed a moment of silence for Archon Louis G. Malevitis, Hartophylax, who Fell Asleep in the Lord on September 11, 2024.
Additionally, Saint Iakovos Retreat Center Director of Operations Arun Modayil presented the Archons with an Icon of Saint Andrew on behalf of the Saint Iakovos Retreat Center board in recognition of the Archons’ support of the Retreat Center over the years. Secretary Pablecas and Regional Commanders Manos and Siatis accepted the Icon on behalf of National Commander Dr. Limberakis and thanked Mr. Modayil for the St. Iakovos Retreat Center’s continued support for the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
The meeting culminated with a panel discussion moderated by Regional Commander Perry C. Siatis. Three active young adult members from the Metropolis of Chicago — Pilgrimage of Discovery participant Peter Kokkinias, along with Maria Mantis and Steven Thell from Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church — discussed their current involvement at their local parishes, their knowledge of the Archons and the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and how to more effectively reach out and educate our youth to encourage them to be more active leaders in the church. Most important, the panelists provided insights into how the Archons can help them pave the way for them to be future leaders in supporting the Ecumenical Patriarchate/ the Mother Church. The discussion was followed by a question-and-answer session.
