Your Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, Fr. Alex, Presbytera Xanthi, Brother Archons and Archondisses of the National Council, Regional Commanders and Chairs & Vice Chairs of the Archon Engagement Committees,

CHRIST IS RISEN!

From the onset, I express my personal and collective profound gratitude to His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for his constant encouragement and guidance as we planned and executed the Conference and the first-ever Summit of Global Archons that just concluded. These were truly magnificent and historic events in the history of the Church at large.

We offer deep gratitude to the personal representative of His All-Holiness at the International Religious Freedom Conference, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and at the First Global Summit of Archons, His Eminence Metropolitan Emmanuel Geron of Chalcedon.

We express our deep gratitude to our Spiritual Advisor Fr. Alex Karloutsos and Presbytera Xanthi who spent countless days on the ground in Athens reviewing every detail from the minute to the most major, thereby ensuring the extraordinary success of the Conference and Global Summit…. Each unique event, from one to the next were executed seamlessly and at the very highest level…simply Αρχοντικό!

To the ten venerable Metropolitans of Europe under the Ecumenical Throne we extend deep thanks for taking the time out of your busy hierarchical responsibilities in your local Metropolises throughout the countries of Europe to demonstrate your unwavering commitment to the Holy and Great Church of Christ. BRAVO! Your participation was inspirational.

To the Archon Planning Committee, including the Officers, Communications Committee, Speakers Committee, the incomparable creative genius of Archon John Mindala, the hard-working and dedicated Archon Administrator Leah Kats, as well as the paid-consultants in Athens including GS Travel led by the AMAZING Maria Laladaki and On Point Communications and PR led by the SUPERLATIVE Angela Karageorgou we extend our deepest appreciation, who worked most effectively with Archon Alex Pritsos in advance and logistics. For two years we had weekly and sometimes biweekly zoom meetings to ensure the success of our numerous events at the most magnificent, historical and meaningful venues in the world.

The presence of our esteemed Religious Committee Chair Archon John A. Catsimatidis and Archondissa Margo who flew in on their personal plane to introduce the 70th United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was so important to the success of the Conference. Archon John’s outstanding introduction of Secretary Pompeo and the subsequent remarks of the Secretary, moderated by Archon James G. Rockas, were unforgettable!

The presence of our Canadian Brother Archons led by Archon Chrisostomos Perentes and coordinated by our own Archon Regional Commander Costas Sideridis added an important dimension to the Conference and Summit. Thank you so much!

We extend deep gratitude to our many sponsors, both known and unknown, led by Archon Thanassis and Archondissa Marina Martinos, The Nicholas J. and Anna K. Bouras Foundation with Trustee Archon Hon. B. Theodore Bozonelis and Archon Michael G. and Archondissa Robin Psaros! Your extraordinary beneficence was so very much appreciated.

Special recognition and gratitude is conveyed to our indispensable National Vice Commander Archon Judge Ted accompanied by his heroic wife Arhontoula (Helen) who fractured her hip just several weeks earlier. Without my incredible Brother Archon Judge Ted, the Conference, Global Summit and the pre and post exigencies thereof, could not been addressed and executed.

Now that we have had a few days to catch our breath, allow me to announce that our weekly Archon Leadership zoom meetings will recommence, as we plan Archon Weekend including the presentation of the 2024 Athenagoras Human Rights Award to Yulia Navalnaya, widow of martyred Russian Human Rights Advocate Alexei Navalny and the Nicholas J. Bouras Award for Extraordinary Archon Stewardship to National Treasurer Archon Peter J.Skeadas. The Special EPBF FOUNDERS Event scheduled for Thursday evening for FOUNDERS in-good-standing will be a unique and most enjoyable experience. In addition, we will soon begin vetting the Archon Candidates for the Class of 2024…it will be a very busy summer indeed!

With profound gratitude to one and all,

I remain,

In the service of the Ecumenical Patriarchate,