Archon John C. Scurtis, who recently concluded his tenure as Regional Commander for the Metropolis of Atlanta, South Florida, is the inaugural recipient of the newly established Dr. Anthony G. B. Borden Regional Commander Award for Distinguished Diakonia. The honor was conferred on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Gallaghers Steakhouse in Boca Raton, Florida, in recognition of his years of devoted service. Archon Scurtis now holds the distinguished status of Regional Commander Emeritus.
Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, National Commander of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, announced the creation of the award at the National Council meeting that same day. “Archon Scurtis is a most worthy first recipient,” Dr. Limberakis said. “He has labored with intense devotion in support of the religious freedom of our Ecumenical Patriarchate and the initiatives of the Archons nationwide and worldwide. He has been an exemplary Regional Commander and an excellent model for emulation for his successor, Archon Konstantinos Mastorakis.”
The award bears the name of Dr. Anthony G. B. Borden — a founding figure in the history of the Archons — whose life embodied the very spirit of diakonia it is meant to honor. “In light of his heroism and his lifelong devotion to our Holy Orthodox Faith, there is no better example of diakonia than Dr. Anthony G. Borden,” said Dr. Limberakis. “The entire life of Dr. Borden exemplified loving service to God’s Holy Church and its sacred center, the Ecumenical Patriarchate. This award could not be named more appropriately.”
Dr. Borden’s story is one of faith, courage, and consecrated purpose. During World War II, he served as a war hero in Greece, fighting for the Greek army in the mountains of Albania. In one defining moment, a wooden icon his mother had given him — carried in his left breast pocket — shielded him from shrapnel when a bomb exploded nearby. Though his horse was killed, Dr. Borden survived unharmed. He made a solemn vow in that moment: he would build a church in honor of the Panagia. He fulfilled that promise through the construction of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, where he served for decades as president of the parish council.
Dr. Borden served as National Commander of the Archons from 1976 to 1989 — a tenure that began when Archbishop Iakovos of blessed memory appointed him at the Clergy-Laity Congress during the American Bicentennial, fittingly held in Philadelphia, the birthplace of the nation. It was during his leadership that the Archons first raised a clarion voice in defense of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, bringing international attention to the religious freedom restrictions that continue to burden the Mother Church. The office of Regional Commander itself was established during his tenure. Dr. Borden was the father of Dr. Maria A. Limberakis and father-in-law of the current National Commander.
To commemorate the award, Archon John Mindala, the Archons’ Creative Director, designed a dignified commemorative plaque that was presented to Archon Scurtis at the ceremony.
Per the Bylaws of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the National Commander appoints Regional Commanders to one-year terms. Each serves as the representative of the National Council in their region, advancing the purposes, objectives, and principles of the Archons and promoting the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation.
